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. 



A strong commitment to the arts

LookyLOO Review of Toledo

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**](https://www.downtowntoledo.org/events/). 

Lifestyle 

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**](https://www.owenscorning.com/) and [**Libbey Inc**](https://www.libbey.com/)., 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. 


Worklife

Toledo is affordable, and like a lot of midwestern cities is experiencing a renaissance of work-from-homers looking for a pleasant, family-friendly, cheaper option. Like any city its size, there’s plenty to do and lots for families to enjoy. Finally, if you have midwestern sensibilities about what is close, then you'll find the drives to Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, Louisville or Pittsburgh easy for a weekend trip. 


 Affordable and central

*Why You Should Move Here Now?

**intransit47**
5mo ago
🦉🦉

It really depends on what neighborhood you choose to live in and your circle of friends. Sounds like you are single and relatively young. Honestly, there are some wonderful neighborhoods in the Toledo area, both in the city and in the suburbs. I read a report recently that stated that Toledo was the most affordable large city in Ohio for homebuyers. Anyway, there's plenty to do with a group of friends and Detroit, Cleveland and Cincinnati are all drivable destinations for entertainment and outdoor activities. I live close to Toledo and it's.not that bad unless you have to deal with the feckless, local politicians. You want to consider the West and far South areas of town. Happy hunting.

For more reviews of what living in Toledo is like from locals check out: [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/toledo/reviews)

Reviews of Toledo from Locals

**The Best Thing About Toledo?**  A strong commitment to the arts

Toledo has a thriving arts scene in all media, but has a special emphasis 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.

**The Worst Thing About Toledo?**  Crime

Toledo is considered one of the more dangerous cities in the country. But as with most cities a lot of that depends on where you live. In general, it has the kinds of ups and downs that any city its size would have but it’s something to be aware of when considering Toledo. 

**How You Living?**  It’s a mixed bag

Despite the crime, Toledo is a decent place to live. In addition to the arts, it has most of the amenities of a large city, anchored by an extended Metropark system, which provides great access to spaces within and outside the city. It’s a mid-sized city that’s still fairly affordable, and it’s located smack dab in the middle of the United States, offering easy access to other cities small and large. 

**Why You Should Move Here Now?**  Affordable and central

Toledo is affordable, and like a lot of midwestern cities is experiencing a renaissance of work-from-homers looking for a pleasant, family-friendly, cheaper option. Like any city its size, there’s plenty to do and lots for families to enjoy. Finally, if you have midwestern sensibilities about what is close, then you'll find the drives to Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus, Indianapolis, Louisville or Pittsburgh easy for a weekend trip. 


Toledo has historically not had a great neighborhood for young professionals. Downtown is where the biggest push is happening to build a more vital place to live and go out at night. A development effort is making progress in building that culture and it has a lot going for it. Two professional sports teams play there, a significant art community is growing there, restaurants and bars are going up, and even more significantly several thousand residential apartment and condo units have gone up to house the newbies excited to live within walking distance of there they work and now can go out.
- Downtown
- Uptown


Young Professionals

Downtown

Toledo doesn’t have a single dedicated neighborhood for the LGBTQ+ community but one of the most popular is the Old West End. Filled with historic 19th and early 20th century homes, the neighborhood enjoys great pride in the architecture, but also in the festivals and local community events that fill the calendar during the year. - - Old West End
- Old West End


LGBTQ+

Old West End

Westgate is one of the hottest neighborhoods for families in Toledo. Big, inexpensive homes, on large lots along tree-lined streets, what’s not to like. It also has a big collection of restaurants, bars and great shopping so while you get the suburban homes and streets, you also get the benefits of a vibrant commercial district. Deveaux is another ideal neighborhood to check out first. It has beautiful historic and new homes, plenty of community parks for the rugrats to play in, and most importantly, one of the best elementary schools in the city.
- Westgate
- Deveaux
- Perrysburg (suburb)


Families

Westgate

Toledo

**intransit47**
5mo ago
🦉🦉

It really depends on what neighborhood you choose to live in and your circle of friends. Sounds like you are single and relatively young. Honestly, there are some wonderful neighborhoods in the Toledo area, both in the city and in the suburbs. I read a report recently that stated that Toledo was the most affordable large city in Ohio for homebuyers. Anyway, there's plenty to do with a group of friends and Detroit, Cleveland and Cincinnati are all drivable destinations for entertainment and outdoor activities. I live close to Toledo and it's.not that bad unless you have to deal with the feckless, local politicians. You want to consider the West and far South areas of town. Happy hunting.

**IndependenceFree2364**
5mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

Born and raised in Toledo, moved to Chicago then moved back with no regrets. The quality of life here related to cost of living is unmatched. There are a ton of restaurants, outdoor recreation opportunities, great museum and zoo and it's relatively easy to get from point a to point b. I'm not a suburban girl, prefer the city life and have never had an issue with crime myself. I definitely think Toledo is a hidden gem.

**michaeloftroy**
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

Hey there! Caught your post about considering a move to Toledo, and figured I'd chime in as a lifelong local (47 years running!). Let me tell you, the love for this city grows stronger with every passing year.

Sure, there were times I grumbled about winter (Lake Erie throws some curveballs!), but lately, even those seem milder. Maybe it's just appreciating cozy nights by the fire with a hot Toledo Mud Hens coffee (yep, you'll learn all about them!).

But beyond the weather, here's the real magic of Toledo:

Your wallet smiles here: Affordability is a huge plus. Housing, groceries, even fun stuff – your budget goes further, leaving you more room to explore the many delights Toledo offers.

Foodie paradise: Forget boring chains! Toledo's culinary scene is bursting with diversity. From mouthwatering tacos to fancy farm-to-table, your taste buds will be dancing. And don't miss Tony Packo's hot dogs – a Toledo must-try!

Downtown's got the moves: Don't underestimate the "sleepy Midwest town" label. Summer in Toledo's downtown is electric! Catch a Mudhens game (Go Hens!), enjoy waterfront concerts, or wander through art walks – there's always something happening. And the new Glass City Metropark is a green oasis by the river, perfect for picnicking, biking, or just soaking up the city's energy.

3pmusic
1y ago
🦉🦉


Toledo is an amazing city or an awful one it is what you make it, just like any city. We have amazing parks, zoos, museums, a small but exciting music scene, amazing food, a big ass casino, airport, river walk, our downtown has been seeing a resurrection over the last decade and there is always something to do. We also have designated DORA areas where you can drink (if you drink alcohol) outside and on certain streets in several areas of the city. Incredible festivals over the summer like Love fest, Greek American festival, Toledo Pride, Jeep Fest, Polish festival, Taco wars and lots more. A brand new redeveloped river front in its final phase of construction... I could go on and on about the pros. One of the biggest cons is most people that have lived here their whole life will hate on the city because all they do is sit at home and bitch and complain lol. We're a small to medium sized city but also lots of diversity, plus, we're a sanctuary city for refugees which is amazing!

Toledo, Ohio

Glass City

Looklyloo Score: 79