Toledo, Ohio is known as the “Glass Capital of the World”, thanks to its rich history of glass manufacturing.
Toledo is generally considered a good place to live for several reasons, including its low cost of living.
However, the city has its fair share of downsides as well.
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Pros of Living in Toledo, OH
There are many pros of living in Toledo, OH, and many people love living here.
The pros of living in Toledo, Oh, include:
- Close to larger cities
- Low cost of living
- Low housing prices
- Great metro parks
- Cultural Diversity
- Family Friendly Activities
- Rich history
- Thriving arts scene
1. Close to Larger Cities
Toledo is the 4th largest city in Ohio, so it has plenty of amenities.
Still, it’s not considered a big city.
If you want to visit a larger city, you are near Detroit, Chicago, and Indianapolis.
You can also reach more quaint areas, like Ann Arbor Michigan.
All these locations are within easy driving distance, about 1 hour away.
2. Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Toledo is 72, which is about 30% less than the national average.
It’s also less expensive than most cities in Ohio.
Columbus, for example, has a cost of living of 86.
This is still lower than the national average, but it’s about 20% higher than Toledo.
The average for the state is 82, making Toledo one of the least expensive cities in the state.
3. Low Housing Costs
This low cost of living can also put purchasing a house within reach.
The median home cost in Toledo is $81,900, compared to $179,700 in Ohio and $291,700 nationwide.
The housing index in Toledo is only 29, compared to 60 in Ohio, and 100 nationwide.
This means housing is approximately 66% less expensive in Toledo than the national average.
4. Great Metro Parks
Toledo has an excellent metro park system.
The park gets 6 million visits each year.
In 2020, Metroparks Toledo received the National Gold Medal Award for excellence in parks and recreation management.
This is considered the most prestigious award in the industry.
Activities available include biking, hiking, ice skating, camping, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing.
For a luxurious experience, stay at the Cannaley Treehouse Village.
These treehouses have heat and electricity and are the only treehouse village in America.
5. Cultural Diversity and Festivals
Toledo isn’t the most diverse city in the nation or Ohio.
The majority of the population is white, and only 3% of residents come from another country.
However, Toledo is well known for welcoming those of other ethnicities and backgrounds, and even celebrating them.
You can enjoy the Italian bowl, where the top Italian football players play on American soil.
The African American Festival celebrates the rich history and culture of African Americans.
The German-American festival is the largest ethnic festival in Toledo.
You should also enjoy the Greek-American festival.
These festivals can allow you to celebrate your own heritage, or learn about other cultures while having a great time.
6. Family Friendly Activities
Toledo has a lot to offer families, with plenty of family-friendly activities.
The Toledo Zoo is a family favorite, but it’s just the beginning.
Wildwood Preserve features a historic manor that you can visit.
The Imagination Station is a non-profit science museum that can spark a lifelong interest in science.
The Great Lakes Museum and Firefighters Museum are also great places to bring the family.
If you enjoy sports, Fifth Third Field features the Mud Hens, which is an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers.
7. Rich History
Toledo’s history begins with Native American tribes, including the Ottawa and Potawatomi.
The Native American influence and heritage can still be seen today.
In the early days of the city, Toledo was a trading post.
In the late 19th century, the city began to experience an industrial boom and became famous for automotive and glass production.
Toledo was a key stop on the underground railroad.
8. Thriving Arts Scene
Toledo has an exciting arts scene that focuses on community engagement along with creativity.
The Toledo Museum of Art is one of the most prestigious attractions and has art from around the world.
You’ll also find plenty of art galleries and performance spaces.
You can participate in workshops and educational exhibitions.
You can also enjoy street art and live music in Toledo.
Cons of Living in Toledo, OH
Of course, living in Toledo also has its problems.
Not everyone who moves to Toledo is happy with their choice.
The cons of living in Toledo, OH, include:
- Lower than average salary
- High poverty rate
- Declining population
- Poor schools
- Harsh winters
- Crime
- Lack of public transit
1. Lower Than Average Salary
When you move to Toledo, be prepared for a pay cut.
The average salary in Toledo is $26, which is 13% lower than the national average of $29.76.
The median household income in Toledo is $47,365, which is about 30% less than the Ohio average of $65,720.
It is important to note that the cost of living is also lower, which means that your lower salary will go further than it will in many cities.
2. High Poverty Rate
The poverty rate in Toledo is also significantly higher than average.
The poverty rate in Toledo is 23%, compared to only 13% in Ohio, and just 11% for the national average.
This is likely linked to lower salaries and higher unemployment rates.
3. Declining Population
The population in Toledo has been in decline for the last 5 years.
Declining population can be problematic for a city.
One reason for this is that it can be a sign that the city is not a desirable place to live, causing people to move away from the area.
It can also be due to low birth rates.
The declining population can trigger a domino effect.
When there are fewer people, industries like healthcare and hospitality suffer.
This can have a negative impact on the economy, which can cause more people to move away from the city.
4. Poor Schools
The schools in Toledo leave something to be desired.
The school received 2 and 1/2 stars on its most recent report card.
This means the school district needs support to meet state standards.
The school received two stars for student test scores.
Early literacy and graduation rates earned just one star, which is certainly concerning.
They missed a 3-star rating by .2 points.
Three stars are considered a passing grade, but many schools receive 4 or even 5-star ratings.
5. Harsh Winters
Toledo is located in northern Ohio, so you can expect winters to be very cold.
You’ll need to be prepared to deal with lots of snow and ice, as well as chilling temperatures.
The winter season begins in early December and lasts till early March.
Average temperatures are below 43 degrees.
January is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 33 degrees for the high, and 21 degrees for the low.
Temperatures rarely fall below 3 degrees.
Snow can make it hard to get around in Toledo, but residents adapt quickly.
High heating costs can be an issue, and it can be difficult to keep your home comfortable during the coldest periods.
Due to cool temperatures and low sunlight, SAD, or seasonal affective disorder, can also be an issue.
This is a type of depression that is triggered by fall and winter.
6. Crime
Toledo has a very high crime rate compared to other cities its size, and state and national averages.
In fact, according to the statistics, it’s more dangerous than 95% of all the cities in the nation.
The total crime rate is 39.
Violent crimes are 10.84, compared to 3.36 for Ohio.
The rate of assault is 8.84, compared to 2.84 nationwide.
The rate of property crime is 28.46, compared to 18.46 for Ohio.
Of course, some neighborhoods are relatively safe, while other neighborhoods are known for having very high crime rates.
7. Limited Public Transportation
If public transportation is important to you, you may want to think twice about Toledo.
The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority, or TARTA, provides public buses.
This can get you around town, but there are some issues.
Some buses only run once an hour, and they are often behind schedule.
This is a problem if you are attempting to make it to work or an appointment at a certain time.
The buses can be crowded, particularly on very hot or cold days.
The buses run for a very short time on Sunday, so you won’t be able to rely on them to get you where you are going.
Ride-sharing services like Lyft and Uber are another option, but you may have a long wait time.
Pros and Cons of Living in Toledo, OH – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Toledo, OH | Cons of Living in Toledo, OH |
|---|---|
| 1. Close to Larger Cities | 1. Lower Than Average Salary |
| 2. Low Cost of Living | 2. High Poverty Rate |
| 3. Low Housing Costs | 3. Declining Population |
| 4. Great Metro Parks | 4. Poor Schools |
| 5. Cultural Diversity and Festivals | 5. Harsh Winters |
| 6. Family Friendly Activities | 6. Crime |
| 7. Rich History | 7. Limited Public Transportation |
| 8. Thriving Arts Scene |
Toledo Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Toledo Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: LOW
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the people like in Toledo?
The people in Toledo are very friendly.
Despite being a good-sized city, residents are neighborly, giving the city a small-town feel.
You can expect people to smile at you, wave, and welcome you into the neighborhood.
Why is Toledo's population declining?
Toledo’s population is declining for a few reasons.
First, manufacturing production is slowing down, which means fewer jobs.
Crime in some neighborhoods may be driving people away.
There’s also a shift from the city to outlying areas, in Toledo and many other cities.
What is the best neighborhood in Toledo?
If you want a friendly and safe neighborhood, consider Old West End in Toledo.
Other neighborhoods that you can check out include Deveaux, Westgate, and Eerie.
Essentially, neighborhoods in the 43560 zip code are a good choice.
Is Toledo good for families?
Toledo is a good place to raise a family.
The low cost of living and slower pace of life make it an attractive choice.
However, crime and the quality of schools are concerns you should keep in mind.
Is Toledo a good place to retire?
Toledo is considered a good place to retire thanks to the low cost of living.
You can live well in Toledo on a relatively small fixed income.
The friendliness of the people is also a plus.
You will need to be prepared to brave the harsh winters, however.
Living in Toledo, OH definitely has its ups and downs. On one hand, the city offers a low cost of living, beautiful parks, and a strong sense of community. However, the harsh winters and limited job opportunities can be challenging.
As someone who has lived in Toledo for years, I can attest to the friendly people and delicious food, but also the traffic and high crime rates. Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and decide if Toledo is the right fit for you.