Rating The Suburbs: Katie Bradesca's Avon Lake

I’ve owned a house in Avon Lake for 18 years, and I’ve lived in this one for eight. I actually bought my parents’ house, which we moved into when I was 16. My husband [Dan] and I were looking for something bigger, and this one’s on a quiet cul-de-sac where the kids could play. It’s a good place to raise a family.

I love the lake and the parks and all the free programs they offer. We still do free fishing in the summers at Miller Road Park like I used to do, even though we’re bad-luck fishermen — once my kids and I went through 17 worms without catching one single fish!

There’s a green box program in the park during the summer, with boxes that have craft supplies so kids can make crafts. Volunteers from the parks help them. The most beloved one is making lanyard keychains. We loved this program when my kids were little, and I loved it when I was little too. 

Avon Lake’s got a small-town feel with great restaurants and lots for families to do. Because there’s the lake on one side, no one really goes through Avon Lake to get to anywhere, so it’s quiet. — as told to Ruth Corradi Beach



Avon Lake Public Library 
The library’s kids’ section is cozy, educational and playful — a combination of an old-time library and decked-out playroom. But the real gem is Discovery Works, a 3,000-square-foot science area with age-appropriate activities and programs for preschoolers to pre-teens. “It’s a hands-on science museum, right here in Avon Lake,” Bradesca notes. 32649 Electric Blvd., 440-933-8128, alpl.org 



Fratello’s Restaurant 
Good childhood memories mingle with new ones made as an adult at this popular upscale spot. “This is in the old Lawson’s I used to walk to as a little girl to buy chip dip,” Bradesca says. “Now it’s a fancy Italian restaurant where we go for my mom’s birthday. It’s fantastic. They take their wine very seriously.” 32085 Electric Blvd., 440-871-3054, fratellos.net 



Miller Road Park Boat Launch 
Sure, you can launch your boat at this 17.7-acre park for $5 per day, but it’s also a spot to connect with the outdoors in other ways. The Avon Lake Recreation Department offers free tackle for kids 15 and under who want to cast a line from one of the two fishing piers. “You just show up during the summer and they get you a fishing rod,” Bradesca says. 33760 Lake Road, 440-930-4130, avonlakeoh.myrec.com 



The Quarry 
No town is complete without a few choices for the parents to let off a little steam. This cozy bar with a front patio protected by a recovered Lake Erie breakwall is a favorite spot for Katie and Dan to go with friends. “This is a good place to go at 1 a.m.,” she says. “It’s super clean, has awesome wings, a nice owner and lots of live music.” 182 Lear Road, 440-653-5440, thequarryal.com 

Veterans Memorial Park 
Another childhood favorite that she enjoys sharing with her kids, this 6-acre park takes full advantage of its lakefront location. “My dad called it ‘Rocky Bottoms,’ because the beach isn’t a fine sand,” she says. But the star attraction is the gorgeous sunsets, which can be viewed from the boardwalk atop the 15-foot bluff or a host of picnic tables and benches. “That’s a big event in Avon Lake during the summer,” she says. 32756 Lake Road, 440-930-4130, avonlakeoh.myrec.com

Neighborhood Profile
2018 Total Home Sales: 406
2018 Median Home Sale Price: $270,250
Education Ranking: 13
Safety Ranking: 2