How can you live here? - 8/21/2021

I am a renter and the people are cold and disrespectful to you when you are disabled and single. They want to tell you want to do.They want you to make friends when the men only talk to you because they tell them. And they watch you and this is scary.

[Comment on this Posting]

Better than expected! 2020-2021 - 7/21/2021

Perfect for parents with older children. We moved to Toledo, OH from Madison, WI months before the COVID quarantine in 2020. We cross-compared possible living areas in Ann Arbor, MI, Chicago suburbs, and the Indianapolis area. As a family that works remotely from home, we really like the Toledo area. Aside from having family here, Toledo has greatly improved over the last decade. While it doesn't have the weekend crowds of Chicago, it has a beautiful downtown on the riverfront, a great art museum, and a nice Farmer's Market each Saturday. Like most cities, the schools score better in the 'burbs. The housing is very affordable, unlike Madison, WI. The parks are well managed and there is a lot to do if you like the outdoors. My kayak, mountain bike, boat, and practice archery. Toledo is working to improve all city parks and roads. The roads just north of Toledo in Michigan are a pothole mess but it has nice horse farms, fruit farms and orchards for getting away for the day. It's more driver-oriented than I would like but there are significant bike trails around and through the city. I was surprised to see how many people golf here! There is also a lot of outdoor music in the summer and Lake Erie and its beach towns are beautiful. It feels very nautical in parts. The winters are warm for the midwest so we get less snow and more slush. A lot of people travel to Florida to get out of the gray. The breweries popping up are pretty good also. We have the essentials for shopping but having a large Amazon Center, there are a lot of options. The only thing I wish Toledo had more of is Dog Parks. It only has 2 that I know of. Madison had close to 20!

[Comment on this Posting]

TOLEDOLY NOT COMING BACK - 5/9/2021

Toledoly Terrible! People are aggressive and understanding, after you are nice enough to them for way too long. The city looks like the bad parts of Detroit but does have some nice areas. There’s only one place you can buy liquor. The rest of the places say “Beer Wine & Select liquors” but if you go to those places they say “Real liquor?” And the obvious response is “Yes.” Then they say “You have to go to Kroger.” So apparently that “Select Liquor” means malt liquor. But if you do find it, it’s like a speakeasy and they do not speak easy. They chastise you for being a normal American or German-American such as my self and say “Apparently people are getting drunk...” Heck ya Toledo, Let’s go you bitter not saying thanks for holding the door MFer’s!” Other than that the zoo was great and we liked that. Obviously other than it’s a standard for not saying thanks when someone is curtious and let’s you barrel in a door when I hold it open for my family. WILL NOT PLAN ANOTHER TRIP.

[Comment on this Posting]

Explore Toledo OH like you would Toledo Spain... - 3/7/2020

I'm a born and raised Toledoan who has been here for close to 40 years. I also have traveled to many other states and cities...even out of the country a few times. Toledo gets a horrible rep from folks who don't know how and/or don't want to explore what the city has to offer; which is a lot if you actually look around. If someone who lives in a city Toledo's size says that the city has nothing to do or go, they're saying that because they are purposely overlooking the many obvious and various shows, shops, restaurants, "spots", activities, businesses, etc... that they turn their noses up at because Toledo isn't a bigger city. There is NO WAY that anyone who says they have gone everywhere there is to go and/or done everything to do in Toledo is telling the truth. I had an ex who would say there was nothing to do and no where to go in Toledo, and when we started dating and I would take her to different places around the city she would frequently remark that she didn't know certain places were here even though she was another born and raised Toledoan for more than 30 years at the time. Being a smaller city than Columbus or Cleveland helps keep the crime lower than in bigger cities such as those aforementioned cities. Crime happens in EVERY CITY though, so if you don't like a city having crime you're going to hate living in any city. Higher population equals higher crime rates. Also, just like any city there are areas where crime rates are higher because of gentrification, brain drain, etc...but thankfully for Toledo and the surrounding areas, there are people still opening and running plenty of businesses that generate jobs which means that there are less unemployed people turning to crime. Having traveled around to many other places, I've learned that every place has advantages and disadvantages. I've also learned how to explore where I live just like I explore where I travel to. If there's something you can't find in Toledo, then that is probably because you choose not to look in Toledo.

[Comment on this Posting]

Just Right For My Needs - 12/16/2019

I just moved here from NYC. I see the other reviews and ok I kinda get it its full here. But Bill's are paid, I have own my home and when i need something i go to Krogers all WalMart. Its bland here and to me that's not such a bad thing. My friends call all the time hey we're going to visit what's their to do over there?, Toledo Zoo, MudHen Game, go downtown with the family by the river have a meal, theme park about an hour away. In NYC I walk with rats on my side coming with me to work, homeless (God Bless Their Souls) on the same street with me in front of a billion dollar condominium begging for change, rent for a Studio apartment in the 1,500s, bedbugs,Section 8 trolls, crime, garbage lined up in the streets every 2 days with such a pleasant smell, talk about exotic. Like the saying goes in NYC if you could make it here you could make it anywhere. Well being born and raised in The Bronx 25 years of my life I think i made it there and Toledo is going to be my anywhere. I'm happy to be in Toledo. Everyone so far gas been nice, if it's fake nice hey I'll take it but so far nice. Crime is what i see on the news but with a military base being miles away and factory workers and blue collar workers being your neighbors I dont think it flys to well next to your home and you dont say or do something about it. And I think someone breaking into homes in Toledo is horrible for the bad guys. Castle Doctrine state. Just like in NYC if you're part of crime and drugs that's why you see crime and drugs. Toledo, you get a bad rep and I dont know why. But coming from where I'm from you're a breath of fresh air. It's not perfect but there's enough people here to fix the so called problems they complain about. Cost of living is reasonable here. All the essentials are at great prices to maintain your family. Again ESSENTIALS so I know Toledo doesn't have the best lobster and ny steaks like the east coast lol. Toledo,Ohio you are kinda bland but that's ok. So far you're infrastructure has gave me and my family the tools we needed to purchase our first home, great hospitals and talented doctors to aid my wife in birthing my daughter, a responsive Police And Fire Department, libraries that when I driveby are full, and community events that help families get together (Promedica Christmas Tree Lighting, Toledo Zoo Christmas Lights) Garbage is picked up in my Neighborhood every Tuesday. Thank you to the sanitation workers that get that done. Toledo's not for everyone I guess. But to me if you want your own home, quiet place to raise your family, be able to defend your home with a low cost of living here it is. God Bless Toledo First Responders God Bless Toledo God Bless America

[Comment on this Posting]

The absolute Pits - 6/22/2019

I was born and raised in The Toledo area, I grew up just over the state line in Bedford twp MI, which is considered a suburb of Toledo. Every bad thing you have heard about this city is true. The Climate is awful, terrible weather 7-8 months of the year. Ton's of boarded up buildings, roads are in terrible shape, and the downtown is a crime ridden ghost town, all that's missing are tumble weeds. The only thing downtown has to offer is The Mudhen stadium, if your into sports. However, when there is a game, good luck finding a parking spot. The local government in Toledo and Lucas county are totally incompetent, The People here are very close minded and stuck in there ways, anything new or different is shunned. All people seem to care about is Drinking and watching sports. The mentality of the people here is very stuck in the past as well, always hanging onto some old "used to be, a lot of bitterness. Way too many attitude problems and narcissism. Many Rude and Conceded people live here. Another problem is, the airport is just about useless. You have to drive over an hour to Detroit to fly anyplace. Also, lack of diverse shopping, again an hour to Detroit or 3 hours to Columbus. I've come to the conclusion that things are never going to change, at least not in my lifetime. I am almost 40 and am working on trying to find a way out of here, I don't want to live here anymore. The Incompetence, crime, rude people, the blight, and weather. Don't come here!

[Comment on this Posting]

NYC Transplant to Toledo - 9/24/2018

I’m from NYC and now live in Toledo. It was a culture shock to move here. Obviously you cant compare the two in terms of things to do so I won’t get into that. If you have a little kid you can keep them entertained with a really nice zoo, art museum, great playgrounds and metropark system and Cedar Point (nice amusement park) is fairly close. For adults it’s dismal. BUT the great part is the housing cost. You can get a decent 1 bedroom for $750.00. You can get a luxury one bedroom in Perrysburg full of great amenities for 1500.00. This is half of what I paid in Manhattan for a much smaller place. When I told my friends in NY that I was moving here they said Toledo was the armpit of the country. This is not true, there are far worse places to end up. The people are a little simple and backward and I was amazed at how much racism there is from white people. They make racial slurs that you could never say out loud in a professional setting back East. I miss having a more racially mixed and international group of friends. Ann Arbor MI is one hour away, home of University of Michigan. Many more cultural things to do, international crowd and cool bars and restaurants. A lot of people who live there are not from the Midwest which is nice. ( I like midwesterners but not all the time.) MY ADVICE: if you are going to live here and from a larger city, enjoy how far your money can get you in terms of a nice apartment or house. Enjoy the extra space and amenities that you’d have to pay triple for in major cities. Make your home your refuge for the long winters. Don’t expect a lot in terms of culture but enjoy the simple things. And remember that it’s not great but certainly not the “armpit of the world”.

[Comment on this Posting]

High Quality of Life - 3/20/2017

I have lived in Toledo, Ohio for about 7 years now. Toledo has one of the highest qualities of life I have experienced. Here are some highlights I enjoy: -Revitalized Downtown -#1 Art Museum in Ohio -Amazing Metroparks -Easy Commute -Affordable Housing -Farmers Markets -#2 Zoo in the Country Pro Tip: My favorite neighborhood in Toledo is the Warehouse District. The Warehouse District is home to 5/3rd field, Hensville, The Farmers Market, 40+ bars and restaurants, and 2000+ residents. It is very safe and walkable.

[Comment on this Posting]

Bad vibe living here like doing time - 2/2/2017

This place has a bad vibe. Yes there are things to do. There is a list that is popular with people defending Toledo. This is it Toledo zoo Toledo art museum Mud Hens This is fine but after you do everything Toledo has to offer than what do you do? It's about vibe. I grew up in Tucson Arizona and that place has a vibe. You could just sit downtown with a friend drink coffee or sip a beer stair up at the mountains and feel content. Interesting people walking by really cute women that are not pasty and fat. There isn't that feeling here it's ugly rundown no central place to feel like you are part of something. It's really depressing. The City paper tries to portray Toledo as an up and coming hot spot but it's not. I look at people here and think why are you here? If you are here then really you don't have anything really going on. Being cool or hip in Toledo is like being less than triple AAA baseball. You can't make it in the big leagues so you settle for this trash heap. Some have said the price of living is cheap bla bla. I would pay more to live some place have decent. Perrysburg sylvania Ottawa Hills All of those people think they are living the good life. They are not really but they live in a bubble. They are Triple AAA too. I moved here from Tucson because my mom was dying life happened and got stuck. Anyways moving in June and I feel like it's my release date counting down the days. I heard there are many warlocks and black and white magic going on here. I kinda wonder if it adds to the negative vibe. Do yourself a favor don't come here it really is depressing

[Comment on this Posting]

Toledo "jobs" - 9/23/2014

Toledo is a very good place to live if your in the health care. Yes Toledo is a Medical City meaning healthcare has taking over. Promedica, Toledo's and Northwest Ohio's Healthcare System, is the biggest employer of 16,000 follow by Mercy Heath Partners 7000. Also HCR Manor Care and the Toledo Clinic both employee of over 1000 jobs and UTMC employees 3500. Some things that Toledo has to offer is cheap housing in good neighborhoods, a wonderful zoo and art museum, the Mudhens and Walleye, The Lake Erie Museum , and is a good place for businesses. Some other major business in the Toledo Metro are Dana Co., Owens Illinois, Owens Corning, Libbey Glass, Jeep, The Anderson, and GM. Also another big employer in Toledo is the University of Toledo.

[Comment on this Posting]

It ain't horrible - 6/16/2014

I'd imagine that if you're a blue collar worker with few prospects, Toledo ain't the place to come. But if you can finagle a living off the interwebs, by all means find a cheap place to live in Toledo. Just pick a decent neighborhood. I have a feeling that this place is going to bounce back eventually, as the really poor people leave and others pour in in pursuit of cheap, simple living.

[Comment on this Posting]

Toledo: Better than its Reputation - 10/1/2013

Toledo is an affordable city with an unfortunate reputation. Yes, crime is somewhat higher than average for American cities, but there are many strong neighborhoods with low crime rates. The public school system may be the weakest point, but Toledo is split between Toledo Pubic Schools and Washington Local Schools. WLS has higher state rankings than TPS, so if you have school-age children, you might consider a WLS neighborhood over a TPS neighborhood. Toledo has a world-class art museum, access to Lake Erie, a great public zoo, and a metropolitan university. The city is located near two major interstates (I-75 and I-80/90) and has an international airport. Is Toledo a glittering paradise? No. However, you could do far worse in the Midwest than Toledo, and any cultural events that do not make it to Toledo are just a short drive to Detroit, Ann Arbor, Cleveland, or Columbus. My two cents worth...I have lived in the city since 1989 and like it, warts and all.

[Comment on this Posting]

Racial Climate - 4/12/2011

Although Toledo is racially diverse, I find it sad that this city still remains racially segregated. Asian and black, asian and white, white and black, hispanic and black, hispanic and asian, are rarely if ever seen together. Furthermore, if you even have a slight tan, you become a target for racial profiling. On the flip side of that, Toledo has lots of fun activities for young families. The world-class Toledo Museum of Art, The Toledo Zoo, and the fabulous fairs and festivals are amazing. With a bit more cultural sensitivity training, Toledo would surely be a contender for one of the countries nicest places to live for families.

[Comment on this Posting]

great variety - 3/5/2011

toledo offers an amazing array of entertainment opportunities. we have a world class museum, zoo, arena, ball field, and theater. toledo's history is rich in mobster lore and industry excellence. from tony packo's to the "imagination station", there is something for everyone. having said that, don't forget where you parked your car..... we lack a reliable "mass transit" system. in fact, unless you wanna bike around town (and this city is not bicycle friendly), pay for a cab, or just hoof it, pick one or two destinations and pray you find parking.

[Comment on this Posting]

Bad and getting worse. - 1/4/2011

The worse thing about Toledo is the crime. It's gone up so much in the past 10 years that very few people go there to shop anymore. Most the malls are full of gangs and the murder rate has gotten out of control in the pass few years. My sister lives there and she has had her car broke into so many times that they just close count. And I'm not just saying these things because I hate Toledo...I think the city could be a nice place. One reason I think the crime is so bad is because it's so close to Detroit. I May be wrong, but I do think a lot of drugs go between the two cites.

[Comment on this Posting]

Toledo sucks! - 12/23/2010

I live in a nearby suburb, Perrysburg which is considered one of the nicest suburbs in this area but I'm in Toledo at least a few times a week. I would not live in Toledo if you paid me. There are a few nice areas, but the schools are horrible, so if you have kids, the only option is private schools. The majority of the city is run down and scary looking. Some people on here have said there is a lot to do but I've been here 2 years and I've done pretty much all there is to do, which is not much. I have lived in Chicago, all over Michigan, and Boise, Idaho and Toledo by far is my least favorite. Yes, the cost of living is cheap but who cares if quality of life sucks. There is absolutely no night life and trying to go downtown is scary-it's like a ghost-town. Many people unfortunately have to stay here because if they do have a job, they don't want to lose it and/or can't sell their houses. I've been here 2 years and haven't found a job with a Bachelor's degree; thankfully my spouse has a good job. So, if u care anything about quality of life, do not move here!

[Comment on this Posting]

bad - 12/10/2010

not a good place

[Comment on this Posting]

Arm pit of the midwest - 12/3/2010

I've lived in Toledo my whole life. I hate banging on it all the time but it just sucks. I've had great times when I was younger but now i'm 31 & need opportunity. I'm currently in school for International Business & can't wait any longer to move. I will finish school elsewhere. The weather sucks. Its gray I would say 300 days a year. Even when its nice out which is only 4 months, half the time its gray. I always here people talk about midwest values. I gotta tell ya I don't see it. This city was based on industrial & manufacturing jobs back in the 70's & 80's. Thats why people stayed here. Well, those jobs are gone & not coming back. There are few white collar positions & the ones there are they don't pay. Going to move in August when my lease is up just trying to figure out where exactly. San Diego, Austin TX, Raleigh NC, Orlando FL, I've narrowed it down to these in that order. Any suggestions?

[Comment on this Posting]

Think Again Before Moving Home or Business Here - 10/16/2010

City is very predatory for issuing fines and tickets of all kinds. They take a particular pride in issuing "Public Nuisance" fines for those actively working on repairing homes, even with permits in view, they will order you to do the work you are doing then fine you in housing Court. They ignore properties where there is no one to pay a fine and let them rot. Red light cameras are the City's growth industry. Police will not respond to property crimes except for an incident report, which is not included in the crime reports because the crime report is a separate paper after incident level, which must be filed in business hours in person downtown where an outside contractor runs wild papering cars with parking tickets. If your insurance accepts the incident report and you do not file a crime report, if they recover your goods the items are sold with no official crime report and the proceeds go to Police Department. Senior citizens are browbeaten into not filing a crime report, to keep the statistics falsely low, in addition to the "incident reports" not counting as crimes in the statistics. Police officers tend to live outside the City and in Michigan as well. I know someone who got a ticket based on Michigan law, which of course the cop could not find in his Ohio book, so he ticketed a licensed, insured vehicle with a valid plate for having no license plate at all. $80 Court costs for any traffic ticket, even if they choose to find you innocent, they win you loose. I have witnessed shootings and came close to discovering a murder victim near a prestigious Church and other Public Buildings. A wave of arson fires and gang shootings is the hot topic for the year 2010. School taxes have no where to go but up, even with huge new building program the number of students continues to plunge. I consider staying here one of the biggest mistakes of my life, homes are worth far less than the mortgages and foreclosures sell for half or less of the Tax appraised value. Think again before inflicting the City of Toledo on yourself. You can always come in from a more secure suburb to enjoy the Mudhens, Walleye Hockey and the Art Museum.

[Comment on this Posting]

Transportation - 8/12/2010

Toledo is a hub with main arteries running to nearby metro's with Detroit to the north, Cleveland to the east, Columbus to the SE, Fort Wayne to the SW, and Dayton/Cinci to the south. The area has direct access to I-75 running north & south, I-80/90(Ohio turnpike) running east & west.

[Comment on this Posting]