While Austin is a great city, it has become overgrown and the infrastucture has not kept up. Is now a difficult city to get around in. Lots of car traffic. Great for bike riding due to the hills and Lance's influence and also the home of UT, one of the largest of state universities. Austin has a great attitude. But car traffic really sucks. Only good thing I can say about traffic is that they are working on it. I really liked the hot, humid weather. Can ride 12 months if you can take the heat. I prefer living south and west side of city, but most all is OK. Is bicycle friendly.

Portland is also great. I didn't have nearly as much trouble commuting around there. But the state economy is in the pits. And it is wet pretty much 8 months out of the year. Not a heavy rain. But wet and drizzly. I didn't mind, but it did keep me off the bike most of that time. But its good weather is truly great and the is very bicycle friendly. One of my favorite cities.

Without having ever lived there, I would pick Asheville as it is the smallest city on your list and I have really enjoyed my two visits there. The others I have not lived in and know little about and you will need to wait for replies from others.