northeastrn ohio good place to raise a family. (Cleveland, Mentor: neighborhoods, good schools)

[cicilyb]

I currently live in south florida and am married with 2 children. We are looking for a nice community in the northeastern part of ohio to relocate to. I have relatives in various parts east of cleveland. We are looking for a small town that has a lot to offer for young families and good schools with reasonable drive to city and airports. Also would like a town with descent sized hospital. We would like a town with character and one that offers seasonal activities. don't want any poverty stricken towns with poor schools. Where we live now has great schools, but we have had it with extreme tourism seasons and extreme heat. We are ready for 4 seasons. My husband grew up in north Illinois so knows what to expect from winter. any suggestions? Is anyone familiar with Chardon, Jefferson, Mentor or any towns along lake erie? We want smallish town with friendly people, churches, quant downtowns, beautiful country side. We will take all towns into consideration. Also, I am a nurse and my husband is in beverage management.

[bubbagirl]

Great community, meets your criteria.

[boardmanite]

I actually really like the greater Cleveland area. The city itself is not a favorite, but some of the suburbs are pretty nice. One of my favorite little towns in the area is Chagrin Falls. Quaint downtown and residential neighborhoods. Chardon is nice too. I also like Burton, but that's a really small town. I've never been to Jefferson so I can't comment on that one. But I think Jefferson is a ways away from Cleveland and the airport. I haven't seen all of Mentor, but I don't think of it as a smallish town. Maybe someone else can give you a better idea. To me it's more suburban and built up with lots of traffic.
I'm not from the area, so I can't really comment on the schools and I don't know about the hospitals. But I think you would find lots to do in every season in NE Ohio.