Toledo, Ohio

Toledo has a thriving arts scene in all media but specializes on both commercial and artistic glass. Its Museum of Art includes a world-renowned Glass Pavilion and major glass manufacturers employ many of the city’s populace.

Growth is a tricky thing. If you're in a growing city, then everyone complains about the growth (see every city in Montana). If on the other hand, you're in a stagnant city then that's a problem as well. Investment requires a tax base, so Toledo needs to work on some growth to increase services and amenities. You get lower costs for that lack of growth but again, for the overall city's future, you'd like to see some expansion.

Toledo is first and foremost a great place to raise a family. Many mid-sized, midwestern cities can make the same claim but Toledo has the advantage of also boasting a robust set of cultural amenities of much larger cities without having to fight any madness to get to them. This includes a world-class zoo the aforementioned art museum, a Children’s Art Museum, and the wonderful Toledo Symphony. Just as important though is Toledo’s proximity to cool places like Ann Arbor (20-30 minute drive) and incredible water activities via Lake Erie.

If you want to see what Toledoans do for fun and culture check out the calendar of events.

Toledo started as the Glass Capital of the country but has since transitioned to being more of a mix of industrial giants like Owens Corning and Libbey Inc., auto manufacturing with auto plants for General Motors, and DaimlerChrysler surviving the rust belt decline, emerging industry growth in the Green Industry and a banking and finance sector that serves northwestern Ohio. It can be a tricky city to find work if you move here and lose your job but Detroit and the entire Southeastern Michigan economy are 60 minutes or less away so options are available.