where will I enjoy myself/receive merit aid??

These schools claim to meet full need: http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/2014/09/15/colleges-and-universities-that-claim-to-meet-full-financial-need

For the most part only top schools are on this list, but you have high stats, so I think some of the schools on this list could be matches. Macalester sounds like a good fit, but it’s not in the northeast or northwest. Perhaps Bates or Colby? They would probably be more in the low reach/high match category though.

Look up a few of these schools and think about which ones you like and why. I’d pay particular attention to the LACs because it sounds like that’s the type of environment you want.