Help - I am going on my first exchange and was placed with a family just outside of Leon. I am having a hard time finding information about the town, weather, etc and surrounding areas. I am wishing I was nearer to a larger city and/or going to southern spain but maybe you can help calm my fears.

You can start by going to the official Junta de Castilla y León site. Also, have a look at the Guía del Ocio (in León).

In case you want to visit Madrid, Alsa/Enatcar does most of the bus routes from/to León.

In León the weather isn't so hot, you will need a pullover in the night at summer. In winter is very cold.
Maybe you can look for the town with google or with a Spanish one like terra.es or Ozu, León has interesting monuments and also very interesting natural areas like Picos de Europa, Las Médulas, etc..
El camino de Santiago cross through León.
Which town will you go to?