I'm an MSU grad and I've never heard East Lansing/Lansing referred to as rural. Only people from a certain school call it Moo U. Methinks someone is a bit biased.
MSU is a classic Big Ten university located near the state capital. It is not NYC or Boston or Philly. But it is a vibrant community with nearly unlimited opportunities of all kinds. The campus is very nice and huge. The people are unpretentious and pretty much what you would expect in the Midwest. Friendly and open.
MSU is known far and wide for its College of Education. I'm a grad of that college (and the Honors College) and I was very happy with my undergrad education.
Ann Arbor is going to be more liberal and hip (as someone else said). You will get two totally different vibes from the two campi.
MSU was the first Land Grant College and is very proud of its agricultural background and programs. Our graduates do amazing things around the world in this area and make a tremendous difference in the lives of people.