You can travel the world, and each time you meet someone new, they will most likely tell you why they would consider their hometown or state the best one. They could even list the ways and reasons they cherish their beloved home. Well, for those lucky enough to live in Toledo, Ohio, we have quite a bit to shout from the mountain tops. Here are the top 10 reasons to live in beautiful, progressive Toledo, Ohio.

Traffic

Other than the typical delays caused by traffic, Toledo and the surrounding areas have a very appealing driving situation. Like the majority of US cities, Toledo has a very high number of commuters choosing to drive (92%), but this doesn’t always equate to worse traffic conditions as Toledo is said to have a drive time of about 20 minutes, which is 5.7 minutes less than the national average.

Cost of Living

Looking at housing trends in the United States over time, it is easy to see that Toledo and the surrounding areas do a great job of staying at least $10,000 below the national average (or median). The average cost for a house in Toledo, Ohio, in 2018 was roughly $117,000, and the national average is approximately $227,000. That isn’t to say that, just like many other cities in the United States, Toledo doesn’t have its higher scale (and lower scale) areas. Still, when all items are considered, Toledo prevails as an area cheaper on average than many other areas.

Entertainment (Zoo, Huntington Center, Theaters, Museums, Sports)

Toledo has so much to offer in the way of entertainment it is really hard to know where to begin. One of the biggest staples in Toledo would be the Toledo Zoo. Boasting hundreds and hundreds of visitors each quarter, The Toledo Zoo has been a great place for families to enjoy time together for years. However, if a little more action (and hot dogs) is what you’re seeking, then you can gear up for nine innings with the Toledo Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field. Some people enjoy the outdoors and just breathe in life; that is where Metro Parks come into play. With various parks, trails, and sights, the Metro Parks bring you and nature much closer together. This is merely the tip of the iceberg; Toledo has so much to offer, so we can’t easily cover it all here.

Nightlife

During the daytime, Toledo has a vast culture and history on display both in the environment and in theaters and museums. Still, this seemingly haven of culture at night becomes a bustling culmination of energy and life. Boasting well over 20 different options for your night, Toledo doesn’t disappoint with the nightlife options. Chasers is a college nightclub featuring dancing and DJs with dazzling lighting and large-screen TVs. If live bands are more your thing, Frankies Inner City features bands from various genres and areas. If pool tables and arcade games are your thing, you can check out Attic on Adams. The list could go on and on, but one thing is for sure: a simple Google search of ‘Toledo Ohio nightlife’ will provide you with all you need to make your plans spectacular.

Schools

As with many cities, Toledo has a variety of schools and programs for children and young adults, many with varying rating levels. Like many others in Ohio and surrounding areas, the public school system is average, with a rating of 4. One of the best parts of the Toledo school system is that there are loads of options outside of the public school system, making Toledo one of the easiest places to find an educational setting that fits the needs of your child and your family.

Pet-Friendly

You see it popping up all over the world; places are quickly becoming more and more pet-friendly. From hotels to restaurants, there are numerous places you can take your four-legged friend to join you in your fun. Toledo is no different and has been a pioneer in pet-friendly businesses and events. For pet-friendly places in Toledo, check out our blog post-Pet-friendly Places Around Toledo.

Restaurants

Overall, Toledo has a vast array of Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, and, of course, American restaurants. If fine dining is what you’re feeling, then options like Mancy’s Steak House or Rockwell’s offer some top-of-the-line steaks and much more. If you think domestic isn’t on your list, San Marcos, Zia’s, or Bd’s may be right up your alley. Whatever your pallet prefers, Toledo will have something for you.

Growth

When discussing the growth of any city, it is important to know what exactly we are focusing on. Things like unemployment, Gross Domestic Product (GPD), debt, and income per capita are used to forecast growth from year to year. Regarding unemployment, as of 2018, Toledo has leveled off at just under 5%, almost one full point lower than the previous year, meaning that employment has gone up 1%. GPD has been stabilized, not moving since 2015, but it is still worth noting. Overall, the growth in Toledo has been slow but steady.

Scenery

Focused heavily on nature and parks, Toledo boasts numerous preserves and beautiful landscapes that rank among the top in Ohio. From Metro Parks to the 577 Foundation, you don’t have to look far to find a place to take in the beauty of nature. If history and landmarks are more your cup of tea, there is Fifth Third Field, Fort Meigs, Ohio’s War of 1812 Battlefield, Woodlawn Cemetery, or the beautiful Historic Old West End.

Community

You’ll rarely hear Toledo’s residents described as unfriendly. From a simple smile to a hello or conversation, you can be sure you won’t feel like an outcast around these wonderful people. And when it comes to passions, first and foremost is their beloved Mud Hens, so when you aren’t catching people at the big game, they may be Maumee Bay Brewing enjoying a beer or Short’s for mouth-watering BBQ.

Toledo, Ohio, has a diverse history, arts, and cultural background. It can easily be called one of the many ‘melting pots’ of the United States, bringing many cultures and people together to create a place many people love to call home. Contact us today to learn more about houses available for rent in and around Toledo!