Better than expected! 2020-2021
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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!
Heather | Toledo, OH