September 24, 2025
No Comments on Rental Time Machine: How Toledo Housing Has Changed Over the Decades
Have you ever wondered what it was like to rent in Toledo in the past?
As the city has grown and evolved, so has its housing market.
While today’s renters search online and look for smart-home technology, our parents and grandparents had a very different experience. So, buckle up! We’re taking a ride in the rental time machine to explore how housing in Toledo has changed over the decades.
At Buckeye Northwest Realty, we have our finger on the pulse of the modern rental market, but we’re also rooted in Toledo’s rich history. Join us as we compare old rental ads, neighborhoods, and prices to today, and discover how things have changed (and how some things have stayed the same).
The 1950s: Simple Classifieds and Surprising Costs
Imagine flipping through a local newspaper’s classifieds section to find your next home. Classifieds were short, text-only ads printed in the back of newspapers, used to advertise things like jobs, cars, and rental housing before the internet. For renters in the 1950s, this meant scanning tiny ads with just a few lines of information—no photos and very limited details.
- Rent Prices: In 1950, the median contract rent for nonfarm dwellings in the U.S. was around $42 per month. While this seems incredibly low today, it was a significant portion of a household’s income back then.
- Neighborhoods: Many of Toledo’s neighborhoods were growing rapidly in the post-WWII boom. Areas that saw major development in the 1950s and 60s, like DeVeaux and Franklin Park, were popular choices for families looking for new suburban homes.
- What Was Included: Modern amenities like air conditioning were a rare luxury. Most rentals would have included basic plumbing and heating, but not much else.
The 1970s: The Rise of Modern Amenities
By the 1970s, the rental market had begun to mature. The phrase “property management” was becoming more common as a new industry was born to handle the influx of work from a booming rental market.
- Rent Prices: The national median gross rent in 1970 was approximately $108 per month. While still low by today’s standards, this represented a significant jump, reflecting the rising cost of living and new amenities.
- What Was Included: The introduction of central air conditioning, dishwashers, and garbage disposals started to become common selling points in ads.
- The New Renter: With a more professional industry came new expectations. Renters were looking for more than just a place to live; they were looking for convenience and modern features.
The 1990s: The Dawn of Digital & The Rise of Transparency
The 1990s saw the beginning of the digital revolution in real estate. Classifieds were still a major player, but the internet began to change everything.
- Rent Prices: By 1990, the national median gross rent had jumped to $447 per month. The market was becoming more competitive, and the need for data-driven pricing was starting to emerge.
- Online Listings: Ads began to transition from simple text in newspapers to more detailed online listings. High-speed internet was a new and highly desirable amenity for renters.
- Neighborhoods: Downtown Toledo was in a period of transition, with new energy focused on its revitalization. The Old West End began to gain recognition for its collection of Victorian and Arts and Crafts architecture, becoming a sought-after neighborhood for renters.
Toledo in 2025: A Modern Market, A Professional Approach
Today, we’ve come full circle, but with a new level of professionalism and technology. The Toledo rental market in 2025 is more transparent and tenant-focused than ever before.
- Rent Prices: The average rent in Toledo today is approximately $975 per month, which is a testament to the city’s ongoing affordability and stability.
- What’s Included: Today’s renters expect a seamless experience. This includes an online portal for rent payments and maintenance requests, and modern features like smart thermostats, energy-efficient appliances, and in-unit laundry.
- The Buckeye NW Way: We have replaced the old “caretaker” model with a strategic, data-driven approach to property management. We use technology to provide a high-tech, high-touch experience for both owners and tenants. Our local expertise helps us fill vacancies faster and keep tenants happy, which is the key to a profitable rental in any era.
Ready to experience the best of today’s Toledo market?
Browse our available Toledo rentals at: buckeyenw.com/rentals 📞 Or call us today at (419) 385-5555 to discuss your rental needs.
