Ashtabula, Ohio, is a sleepy coastal town on the shores of Lake Erie about an hour east of Cleveland. At last check, the city had 21,000 residents. As a crucial stopping point on the Interstate that follows the shore, Ashtabula as an important transportation hub for the region that connects cities like Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Erie.

Make no mistake, as Ashtabula has no big city ambitions since the nearest urban centers are an hour away. Most people live and work in the immediate area, and most amenities and services are offered directly within the city. There are about 21 schools in the city with 5,000 students. Only one fire department and one police stationp protect the town, but their staffs are quite experienced and Ashtabula is a very safe place to live and raise a family.

For transportation, 2 major interstates intersect in the city. Rail and bus service are also offered to the nearest regional hubs.

Parks and recreation are a major part of Ashtabula's mandate. Parkland and facilities include 10 parks covering almost 500 acres, 4 camping sites, 16 historic covered bridges, 12 different public golf courses, several museums, a dozen yacht clubs and marinas, 2 public beaches, and 20 tennis courts.