You're correct that Keele is a nice University/area, but so is Newcastle and some parts of Stoke, afterall if it was that bad, why would thousands of students choose to go there every year?
You'll enjoy wherever you go, as long as you try and make friends.
One benefit of living in Stoke is that it's considerably cheap to rent (which although won't seem a big concern of yours now, will in the future years).
As for getting a job it's fairly easy, plenty of shops, bars etc nearby and the university itself employs a large number of students for similar work.
Coming to Keele was the best decision I've made in my life, I'm sure you'll be of the same opinion, as long as you are willing to make the step!