Summary
Mentor, located east of Cleveland in Lake County, Ohio, is a vibrant community steeped in history. Established in 1797 as part of the Connecticut Western Reserve, Mentor is notable as the home of President James Garfield and features beautiful parks and greenhouses that enhance its appeal. Today, Mentor boasts a population exceeding 50,000, making it a thriving town that was recognized in CNN Money’s list of best places to live in the United States.
History of Mentor
Originally surveyed in 1797, Mentor became part of the Western Reserve of Connecticut. The area’s temperate climate and drier soil attracted settlers from the East Coast. Following the Civil War, Mentor was established as a renowned location for nurseries and greenhouses, and it evolved into a favored summer retreat for affluent families from Cleveland.
Mentor Demographics
According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Mentor has a population of 47,159 residents. The community predominantly consists of married individuals (63.6%) and is predominantly white (97.3%). The median age in Mentor is approximately 39 years, and the median household income stands at $57,230.
Shopping in Mentor
Shopping enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Mentor, particularly at the Great Lakes Mall, which features 110 stores anchored by well-known retailers such as Macy’s, Dillard’s, and Sears. Additionally, the city is dotted with smaller shopping plazas, especially along Route 20. The lower sales tax in Lake County (6.25%) also makes shopping here appealing to residents of Cleveland.
Mentor Restaurants
The culinary scene in Mentor is diverse, offering a mix of chain and locally-owned dining establishments. Notable options include:
- Franky and Pauli’s
- Molianari’s
- Potpourri Fondue Gallery
- Cafe Europa
- Annabelle’s Diner
- T J’s on the Avenue
Education
Mentor boasts an excellent public school system, which received an “excellent” rating for the 2010/2011 academic year from the Ohio Department of Education. The system comprises ten elementary schools, three junior high schools, and one high school. Additionally, Mentor is home to several private institutions, including Lake Catholic High School and Mentor Christian School.
Mentor Parks
The Mentor Park System offers over 20 facilities for outdoor enthusiasts, including the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve & Marina, a skate park, Mentor Beach Park, and Black Brook Golf Course. The parks feature hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, a dog park, a ball diamond, several playgrounds, and an outdoor swimming pool, making them popular destinations for both residents and visitors.
Famous Residents
Notable figures from Mentor include James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, along with former OSU football coach Jim Tressel, who was also born in Mentor.
Hotels near Mentor
Visitors to Mentor have several hotel options to choose from, such as the Residence Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Comfort Inn, catering to various preferences and budgets.
