The problem with your questions is that everyone experiences life differently. There may be many things in common, but the perspective can have a huge impact on their opinion.

Like roads, they mostly suck, but some areas have become better at maintaining them. Some areas have created roundabouts (I fking HATE them) or more lanes or more traffic lights... It could go on and on. Some may feel they have improved the location, while others disagree (see roundabouts).

If you really want to move back here, I'd highly suggest a vacation or two first, more than a weekend here. Honestly, the weekdays and weekends can show you different sides of everything (traffic, open/closed stores/restaurants available, activities, etc)

School perspectives: can you call and speak with administration (or whoever you would speak with, I honestly don't know)? Ask some questions, talk to them, see how receptive they are to your inquiry. There's a chance you may have to leave your name and number for a callback, but it's worth a shot. You could also look at tests scores, I guess... But keep in mind those are just standardized tests and some may not even be trying on those (I personally tried for the questions I knew and guessed everything else when I was in school). And, as a parent myself, those scores do not evaluate the teachers at all. I'm not sure there is an actual way to see how the teachers do (I know my current location, some teachers lack... The ability to actually reach their students and meet their needs. There are many things I've had to reteach my kiddo because the teacher just shows them once and will not help any student who doesn't understand.)

Internet: it's all over the place, some areas have great high speed connection and others have it decent. Your best bet is to call internet providers for your favored areas and talk with them.

So... I guess my advice is to check out the areas you favor and see how they suit your family and you