I’ve lived here for 20 odd years (and have also lived in London and a few other places too, so I think I can make a fair comparison).
It’s not at all soulless, and is a fantastic place for family life. The only real difference to other places is that it’s spread over a large area so you can’t get about on foot. Not having a selection of pubs that can be walked to is the main drawback for me, unless you live in one of the outskirt villages like Stony Stratford or Newport Pagnell.
Those who criticise the place tend to be those who only visit for a few days, or have seen a picture of the concrete cows in TV.
The areas to avoid are generally the ones that immediately border the centre, with a few exceptions. The nicer areas tend to be those that are slightly further out. I’ve lived in Great Holm, Two Mile Ash, Downs Barn (not great), Blue Bridge, Wavendon Gate, Deanshanger (one of the outer villages), Furzton and now live out on the western tip in Oxley Park, which is really nice.
As mentioned, plenty riding in Woburn without the need for a car – even from the far side of MK it’s only about 30 mins by bike.