I am not an educator but a father and based on that limited experience your kid sounds like an impressive quirky kid. I say that in a nice way meaning hard to define.
I suspect he will have a variety of great options but given the “eclectic” and in some ways conflicting “fits” I would try and find ways to allow him to do over night visits if possible at the finalists.
Given your description of peers and his high school, I suspect he will know people at some of these schools. I know it isn’t always practical but if possible I would try and get him on a few campuses so even if he doesn’t share it with you he has a clearer vision of what he is looking for.