Hidden Gem
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5/14/2009
Ohio magazine ranked BG one of the best hometowns in the state. Great, laid back place to raise a family; the University (with over 20,000 students)keeps the economy stable. Toledo is a 25-30 minute drive away, so you can enjoy amenities the city has to offer, but avoid the hassles (dwindling population and job market, crime, bad roads). BG schools consistently rank high on the state's school district report cards, and BG Christian Academy offers private education from K-9. People are pretty friendly and laid back; most of the students at BGSU are respectful and don't cause trouble.
The city is well paved with sidewalks, and you can walk or ride a bike just about anywhere. Housing is cheap; My wife and I bought a 4BR, 3BA newer home (a foreclosure) for a little over 130K.
The main downside: taxes are high relative to many areas. BG levies a 1.9% local income tax, but you can see the results (roads, libraries, parks, services), so some may not mind.
alex | Bowling Green, OH