What's Toledo Really Like? (Bowling Green, Kent: rental, houses, unemployment)

[lastonestanding]

Let me tell you what Toledo is really like. I was born and raised in Toledo, OH and I love Toledo and just as much I hate Toledo. Since I've lived in other cities for quite a while including Atlanta, LA, Chicago, and Norfolk, VA (which I will be moving back to in August) I tend to look at Toledo from the outside more than the inside like I used to. One I can't find any place like Gino's Pizza in Toledo (not even Gino's in Chicago). It's still one of those traditional american cities with nice people and civic pride. There are plenty of nice festivals that locals attend in the summer, but they are unique to Toledoens and Toledoens only. Toledo is within 2 to 3 hours from cities like Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Detroit (which is 45 minutes as well as Cedar Point), but with gas prices increasing you may want to plan your trip accordingly unless you take megabus, which picks you up at Southwyck mall. There are massive renovations and construction projects taking place including the marina district, the new sports area, fifth third field, and levis commons and fallen timbers in the suburbs. However, some these projects that are in progress may back fire due to poor management and too much going on at once just to bring more people to Toledo. Cost of living is extremely cheap, the only other city I've been to that was significantly cheaper was Flint, MI. Toledo is a nice city overall and has alot of potential, but now here are the negatives. Those great days of Toledo being safe and having job growth are over. Don't anticipate that taking place no time soon especially if things continue the way they are going. Out of all the cities I've lived in Toledo is the most Racist and I can prove that. I've lived in the South, The West, East and Midwest. I've visited plenty of other great cities in America. I haven't encountered more bigotry and police harassment than in Toledo. Toledo is facing a budget deficit and the mayor is making poor decisions in taking care of it, being he has very little knowledge in how other cities delt with their problems since he only has interest in running Toledo for the rest of his life. Although Toledo's violent crime rate isn't nearly as high as other places I've lived, Toledo has the same problems and with the budget being an issue no telling when Toledo will go through what it went through in the late 80s early 90s, October 2005 (North Toledo Riots) and September 2006 (murder week) again especially since there has been talks of more budget problems. Unemployment is high, jobs and people are leaving at the same rate. There is an increase in suburban growth, although Toledo's metropolitan is one of the smallest in the country of a city it size. The mayor is trying to keep people in the city and force city workers to live in the city to keep the budget from further getting worse and he also started taxing citizens for their garabage collection. The Toledo police department and fire department get paid more than any other city in the state and that takes a big chunk off the budget, plus the mayor is misusing city money. Chrysler just got sold to a private firm and although the chairman of that company is a Toledo native, there have been talks of them ending the Jeep brand (that is not for sure just rumors, but that may not happen). If that is true there will be even bigger problems. GM just invested millions in their plant here, but no new jobs were created. Although some would disagree, statistics show Toledo has one of the highest poverty rates in the nation along with other Ohio cities leading the way like Cleveland. The midwest itself is dying. I would prefer Columbus or Chicago. Chicago is growing, most of the bad areas are being transformed and they are the only city in the US up for the 2016Olympics (but go to a Chicago forum for more info). Back to Toledo, overall it is a great city, but due to the powers that be, it is slowly dying a long hard death. Disagree with me as much as you want, but count how many houses in the Old Orchard neighborhood, Eastgate, and all of the other nices neighborhoods in the city you see up for sale. Then go to the not so great areas and count the number of boarded up houses. Yes their getting torn down, but notice for every one that gets torn down two or three more get boarded up right after. In another comparison I'm moving back to Norfolk, VA (go to one of their forums for more on that city), it is similar to Toledo in alot of ways, but there are a few differences. What Toledo lacks, Norfolk gains. Their bad neighborhoods are being rehabed, newer ones are being built, their downtown is booming alot faster (when they say they're building something they do it without waiting) jobs are coming into that area not as fast as other cities, but alot faster than Toledo. Its metropolitan is 10 times larger, tourism is alot better, more exciting things to do and they have a minor league team as well. Although the murder rate is higher their, there overall crime rate is lower. You make the decision for yourself, but if Toledo is your choice for residing, just be aware of some of the things mention on some of the forums.

[Orwelleaut]

Originally Posted by Pilliod Njaim

One thing I've noticed that I must mention, is that when the weather forecast says bad weather is coming, it ALMOST always misses us. Whether it is rain, storms, tornadoes, winter blizzards, 9 out of 10 times it goes north to Michigan or south to Findlay and Tiffin

That is SO true. Toledo's location protects it from many of the really bad storms...though it still has weather extremes, but they mainly are the epic thunderstorms that happen in the summer and fall. I live in southern Ohio now, and I'd say the weather down here is much worse. There are about 15-30 fewer sunny days every year, and summers are loaded with overcast days (though fewer thrunderstroms- so basically drizzle with no excitement). Toledo summers are usually hot, humid, and sunny- perfect weather for boating on the Maumee River or going to a beach on Lake Erie (East Harbor is best). We of course don't have any beaches in southern Ohio, and they are sorely missed during the summertime.

BTW, great post. Toledo is a remarkable city and is incredibly diverse by Ohio standards. There are very few Midwestern cities that have retained their ethnic enclaves, but Toledo is one of them. The Lebanese, Polish, Hungarian, Mexican, and Syrian culture is easily the best in the state. It really is a friendly city with more options than almost any other city its size in North America. The restaurants, art museum, zoo, minor league/college sports, affordable housing, metroparks, and local music scene all contribute to a surprisingly high standard in living. The good life is not just reserved for the rich in Toledo.

We are interested in all the arts developments there because we work in our arts community.

The arts scene in Toledo is better than in other industrial cities its size. With that said, income in the area is not high, so it may be hard for an independent artist to get by on strictly art sales. Most artists seem to have other jobs too.

I'm sure you've already heard of the musuem (one of the best in the world), and the Toledo School for the Arts is ranked one of the 10 best charter high schools in America. The faculty is amazing, and I have never seen more talented students than in Toledo. It's very impressive and relatively recent (the school is not that old), and I expect we'll be seeing a lot of national musicians and dancers hailing from that school in the near future.

The are a lot of art galleries in the Downtown, Uptown, Warehouse District, and Old West End neighborhoods. Many artists live by the galleries too, and most are friendly and supportive of each other. Toledo tends to have more fame in photography, graphic arts, and glass than anything else though. There are a fair number of graphics arts firms around town with national reputations.

Online we saw some great looking houses for great prices. Are these all in crime areas or are housing costs that low?

Yes, they really are that low, and the housing stock is quite good. Toledo has a fair amount of crime (like any big city), but it's mostly non-violent crime. Rape and murder rates are lower than any other major city in Ohio, and lower than most similarly-sized cities in America. Toledo is a pretty safe city, but there is a lot of drug dealing and a fair amount of prostitution (due to its location by Canada, Lake Erie, I-75, and I-80/90). For some reason, Toledo has always had low violent crime rates, but has been high in drug and sex trade. Most people think those go hand-in-hand, but it really depends on the city. Comparatively, Detroit is also big in drug/sex trade (for the same reasons as Toledo), but violent crime is much higher there. It's a more dangerous city, but even in Detroit, many areas are still safe.

Basically, stay away from the drug and sex trade, and you should be fine in most neighborhoods, even the central city ones. I know people from the Old West End, Vistula (the oldest part of the city), East Toledo, Uptown, Downtown, and the Warehouse District, and none of them have ever been the victim of a violent crime. They mainly see petty theft and an occasional break-in...nothing too severe. It really depends on the company you keep...

We have a lot of PRIDE in our city, whether we are low income or wealthy..there can be good and bad, sex offenders and snobby, in every city and any area, but MOST of Toledo is very nice.

Very true. Toledoans tend to keep their pride through the good and bad economic times (Toledo is just getting out of the recession with new investments in alternative fuel, health care, and increased shipping and rail traffic). Toledo was one of America's founding BlockWatch cities, and that legacy has stuck.

I lived in Toledo for several years, and agree with all that you have said here. You know Toledo well!!

[Paddington]

The metro population of Toledo has been flat since the 1960's. Toledo housing prices are low because the developers keep building new houses like madmen, when the demand is stagnant.

[LiptonGuy]

Last One Standing: Thanks for your GREAT post, about Toledo. I agree with everything you stated. Out of all the posts about Toledo, your post, in my opionion, is the most accurate. Includes Good & Bad aspects, but very accurate.

I have lived in Toledo for the past 15 years now, but now am SERIOUSLY considering MOVING someplace else. I moved here (from upstate N.Y.), when I was a sophomore in High School. I attended Start High. I basically worked and hung out with kids in the Start & Whitmer school districts, which are relatively decent areas in west Toledo. Most of my friend's parents, worked for Jeep, GM-Hydramatic, tool & die shops or at other blue collar jobs.

I'm thinking about moving elsewhere, because like several POSTERS have suggested, I think TOLEDO (and maybe the entire region), is SLOWLY dying a slow death. I feel that the BEST days for TOLEDO and this region are long gone. I feel that things will only get worse.....over time.

It makes me a little SAD, when I think about it. Toledo does have a RICH history. Toledo was a GREAT place to work and raise a family, decades ago, but things are changing...year...by year. I FEAR that things are only going to get worse, for this metro-area.

I obtained my Bachelors degree from the University of Toledo -College of business. I've worked at the Toledo Blade newspaper (please don't hold that against me), since year 2000. Just like the rest of the newspaper industry, The Blade is also facing difficult challenges. I recently got my pink slip, along with 27 other people in our Guild. This is my last week there.

I worked as a manager in the circulation department, at distribution centers around Toeldo and the suburbs, where people stopped by each morning, to pick up their papers. I have an almost intimate knowledge of Toledo neighborhoods. I routinely had to train people on routes or deliver some routes myself. I spent a good part of each day, driving the streets of a particular neighborhood (Trilby, Point Place, old South End, Lagrange St. Polish Village, etc..) I see first hand, how streets and neighborhoods have changed.

I'm not really upset about losing my job, because I've known for some time now, that I need to think beyond THE NEWSPAPER BUSINESS and maybe TOLEDO.

I'm 33, with no baggage. I'm single with NO house, no debt, no kids, no wife, no immediate family. My parents are deceased. I often wonder, what TOLEDO would look like in another 15 or 20 years. Do I really want be living here, when I'm 60 or 65 years old. I can only envision things being much worse. I think it might be easier to move now, than when I'm a much older man (with possibly a family). I talked to a couple people from work. They said that I should consider trying to get a job at the new Costco. What does that pay ? Maybe $10 to $12 an hour ? That's the mentality of a lot of people in Toledo; that to be earning $10 or $12 an hr. would be acceptable to them.

A few years ago, they built that new JEEP plant in Toledo. If that wasn't built and they decided to build in another city, no doubt....TOLEDO would have been hit HARD. I wonder if the JEEP plant and the GM-Hydramatic plant will even be in operation, in say 15 years. I have no interest in working in manufacturing myself, but these are MAJOR employers for the area. Eliminate several thousand jobs here and it will be devastating to the local economy.

People talk about the Toledo Zoo, Mud Hens, Toledo Art Museum, Cosi and Toledo Storm. Frankly, to me....a zoo is just a zoo. I've been to the zoo a couple times, but Toledo isn't the only place with a zoo. Sure I've been to the Toledo Arm Museum to see the Star Wars exhibit and the Marilyn Monroe exhibit, but that's only twice in 15+ years. I've never been to a STORM or MudHens Game. Don't feel I'm missing much here. I do like the summer festivals (Polish & German) but figure....there are probably festivals in most ciites. Although the German American Festival would be hard to TOP.

I still haven't decided where I would like to live. Definately not moving back to upstate N.Y. Too much snow, too many taxes. Way too many taxes...

I'm considering Indianapolis, Atlanta, Cincinnati; maybe Columbus. Maybe Jacksonville, Florida. I haven't spent too much time outside of Toledo, so I don't know much about other cities. I have been to the cities I already noted. I'm looking for a balance between good job prospects, plus fair cost of living. I'm considering changing career paths; maybe working as a commercial real estate appraiser (+ broker after a few years) or entering the mortgage industry. I've taken some appraisal coursework before and worked at a mortgage company, right after college.

I find that most of the PEOPLE who think LIFE in Toledo is OKAY, have lived in Toledo all their lives. Toledo, for the most part, is all they know and they would HARDLY consider moving someplace outside of their comfort zone.

Economy.com and some business pubications, routinely RANK the best cities in the country, to do business or live. Often, Toledo is at the very end of a list (of 300 + cities) and just a couple pegs below or above Youngstown, Ohio, Gary Indiana, Flint Michigan, Cleveland, Ohio, Detroit, Michigan. To me, that says a lot about the future of Toledo.

Anybody have any thoughts on the Atlanta metro area ?

[movingtohouston]

I too grew up in Toledo and I am shocked by what the city has become. I moved away when I was first married and we came back and have now left again. My entire family still lives there and you couldn't uproot them for anything but I personally will never go back. The economy and job market there is terrible, especially for small independent business owners. I visited there twice last year once in August and then again in November. It was amazing how many businesses closed in that short span of time. It was very sad to see so many vacant buildings sitting empty and knowing that instead of reusing them they would just build some huge big box store somewhere else. I was also shocked to see so many of what used to be very pretty homes in Ottawa Hills looking very rundown. People's yards weren't cut, houses needed painting etc... For people who want to move there, yes the houses are cheap but that is because you are going to find a job that pays way less. That is the bottom line of why my family won't move back.

[Orwelleaut]

Originally Posted by LiptonGuy

Last One Standing: Thanks for your GREAT post, about Toledo. I agree with everything you stated. Out of all the posts about Toledo, your post, in my opionion, is the most accurate. Includes Good & Bad aspects, but very accurate.

I have lived in Toledo for the past 15 years now, but now am SERIOUSLY considering MOVING someplace else. I moved here (from upstate N.Y.), when I was a sophomore in High School. I attended Start High. I basically worked and hung out with kids in the Start & Whitmer school districts, which are relatively decent areas in west Toledo. Most of my friend's parents, worked for Jeep, GM-Hydramatic, tool & die shops or at other blue collar jobs.

I'm thinking about moving elsewhere, because like several POSTERS have suggested, I think TOLEDO (and maybe the entire region), is SLOWLY dying a slow death. I feel that the BEST days for TOLEDO and this region are long gone. I feel that things will only get worse.....over time.

It makes me a little SAD, when I think about it. Toledo does have a RICH history. Toledo was a GREAT place to work and raise a family, decades ago, but things are changing...year...by year. I FEAR that things are only going to get worse, for this metro-area.

I obtained my Bachelors degree from the University of Toledo -College of business. I've worked at the Toledo Blade newspaper (please don't hold that against me), since year 2000. Just like the rest of the newspaper industry, The Blade is also facing difficult challenges. I recently got my pink slip, along with 27 other people in our Guild. This is my last week there.

I worked as a manager in the circulation department, at distribution centers around Toeldo and the suburbs, where people stopped by each morning, to pick up their papers. I have an almost intimate knowledge of Toledo neighborhoods. I routinely had to train people on routes or deliver some routes myself. I spent a good part of each day, driving the streets of a particular neighborhood (Trilby, Point Place, old South End, Lagrange St. Polish Village, etc..) I see first hand, how streets and neighborhoods have changed.

I'm not really upset about losing my job, because I've known for some time now, that I need to think beyond THE NEWSPAPER BUSINESS and maybe TOLEDO.

I'm 33, with no baggage. I'm single with NO house, no debt, no kids, no wife, no immediate family. My parents are deceased. I often wonder, what TOLEDO would look like in another 15 or 20 years. Do I really want be living here, when I'm 60 or 65 years old. I can only envision things being much worse. I think it might be easier to move now, than when I'm a much older man (with possibly a family). I talked to a couple people from work. They said that I should consider trying to get a job at the new Costco. What does that pay ? Maybe $10 to $12 an hour ? That's the mentality of a lot of people in Toledo; that to be earning $10 or $12 an hr. would be acceptable to them.

A few years ago, they built that new JEEP plant in Toledo. If that wasn't built and they decided to build in another city, no doubt....TOLEDO would have been hit HARD. I wonder if the JEEP plant and the GM-Hydramatic plant will even be in operation, in say 15 years. I have no interest in working in manufacturing myself, but these are MAJOR employers for the area. Eliminate several thousand jobs here and it will be devastating to the local economy.

People talk about the Toledo Zoo, Mud Hens, Toledo Art Museum, Cosi and Toledo Storm. Frankly, to me....a zoo is just a zoo. I've been to the zoo a couple times, but Toledo isn't the only place with a zoo. Sure I've been to the Toledo Arm Museum to see the Star Wars exhibit and the Marilyn Monroe exhibit, but that's only twice in 15+ years. I've never been to a STORM or MudHens Game. Don't feel I'm missing much here. I do like the summer festivals (Polish & German) but figure....there are probably festivals in most ciites. Although the German American Festival would be hard to TOP.

I still haven't decided where I would like to live. Definately not moving back to upstate N.Y. Too much snow, too many taxes. Way too many taxes...

I'm considering Indianapolis, Atlanta, Cincinnati; maybe Columbus. Maybe Jacksonville, Florida. I haven't spent too much time outside of Toledo, so I don't know much about other cities. I have been to the cities I already noted. I'm looking for a balance between good job prospects, plus fair cost of living. I'm considering changing career paths; maybe working as a commercial real estate appraiser (+ broker after a few years) or entering the mortgage industry. I've taken some appraisal coursework before and worked at a mortgage company, right after college.

I find that most of the PEOPLE who think LIFE in Toledo is OKAY, have lived in Toledo all their lives. Toledo, for the most part, is all they know and they would HARDLY consider moving someplace outside of their comfort zone.

Economy.com and some business pubications, routinely RANK the best cities in the country, to do business or live. Often, Toledo is at the very end of a list (of 300 + cities) and just a couple pegs below or above Youngstown, Ohio, Gary Indiana, Flint Michigan, Cleveland, Ohio, Detroit, Michigan. To me, that says a lot about the future of Toledo.

Anybody have any thoughts on the Atlanta metro area ?

Personally, I'd avoid Atlanta at all costs. A friend from Chardon, which is near Cleveland, moved down there and wants to find a way to move back NOrth. Remember, the South was, until pretty recently, the most backward part of our country. I would certainly never move anywhere in the South for this reason.

I think Columbus and CIncy are both good choices, particularly Columbus. Columbus has an excellent job market. Cincy is not too bad either, as far as I know.

About YOungstown vs. Toledo: As far as jobs, there is no comparison between these two areas. Toledo is far better. The Youngstown area has been losing population for decades, much like Pittsburgh. Youngstown area people frequently take jobs in the Cleveland area or Toledo and do well, but especially in Columbus. I would give Columbus a serious look.

[micrguy]

Move west young man. I too grew up in Toledo and went to Start High School. I have lived out west for over 20 years now and currently live in Boise Idaho. Much better weather than Toledo and the unemployment rate is about 2.5%. People pretty much begging you to work for them, it only took me 3 weeks to find a professional sales job.

[sjgirl]

Originally Posted by lastonestanding

Let me tell you what Toledo is really like. I was born and raised in Toledo, OH and I love Toledo and just as much I hate Toledo. Since I've lived in other cities for quite a while including Atlanta, LA, Chicago, and Norfolk, VA (which I will be moving back to in August) I tend to look at Toledo from the outside more than the inside like I used to. One I can't find any place like Gino's Pizza in Toledo (not even Gino's in Chicago). It's still one of those traditional american cities with nice people and civic pride. There are plenty of nice festivals that locals attend in the summer, but they are unique to Toledoens and Toledoens only. Toledo is within 2 to 3 hours from cities like Chicago, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Detroit (which is 45 minutes as well as Cedar Point), but with gas prices increasing you may want to plan your trip accordingly unless you take megabus, which picks you up at Southwyck mall. There are massive renovations and construction projects taking place including the marina district, the new sports area, fifth third field, and levis commons and fallen timbers in the suburbs. However, some these projects that are in progress may back fire due to poor management and too much going on at once just to bring more people to Toledo. Cost of living is extremely cheap, the only other city I've been to that was significantly cheaper was Flint, MI. Toledo is a nice city overall and has alot of potential, but now here are the negatives. Those great days of Toledo being safe and having job growth are over. Don't anticipate that taking place no time soon especially if things continue the way they are going. Out of all the cities I've lived in Toledo is the most Racist and I can prove that. I've lived in the South, The West, East and Midwest. I've visited plenty of other great cities in America. I haven't encountered more bigotry and police harassment than in Toledo. Toledo is facing a budget deficit and the mayor is making poor decisions in taking care of it, being he has very little knowledge in how other cities delt with their problems since he only has interest in running Toledo for the rest of his life. Although Toledo's violent crime rate isn't nearly as high as other places I've lived, Toledo has the same problems and with the budget being an issue no telling when Toledo will go through what it went through in the late 80s early 90s, October 2005 (North Toledo Riots) and September 2006 (murder week) again especially since there has been talks of more budget problems. Unemployment is high, jobs and people are leaving at the same rate. There is an increase in suburban growth, although Toledo's metropolitan is one of the smallest in the country of a city it size. The mayor is trying to keep people in the city and force city workers to live in the city to keep the budget from further getting worse and he also started taxing citizens for their garabage collection. The Toledo police department and fire department get paid more than any other city in the state and that takes a big chunk off the budget, plus the mayor is misusing city money. Chrysler just got sold to a private firm and although the chairman of that company is a Toledo native, there have been talks of them ending the Jeep brand (that is not for sure just rumors, but that may not happen). If that is true there will be even bigger problems. GM just invested millions in their plant here, but no new jobs were created. Although some would disagree, statistics show Toledo has one of the highest poverty rates in the nation along with other Ohio cities leading the way like Cleveland. The midwest itself is dying. I would prefer Columbus or Chicago. Chicago is growing, most of the bad areas are being transformed and they are the only city in the US up for the 2016Olympics (but go to a Chicago forum for more info). Back to Toledo, overall it is a great city, but due to the powers that be, it is slowly dying a long hard death. Disagree with me as much as you want, but count how many houses in the Old Orchard neighborhood, Eastgate, and all of the other nices neighborhoods in the city you see up for sale. Then go to the not so great areas and count the number of boarded up houses. Yes their getting torn down, but notice for every one that gets torn down two or three more get boarded up right after. In another comparison I'm moving back to Norfolk, VA (go to one of their forums for more on that city), it is similar to Toledo in alot of ways, but there are a few differences. What Toledo lacks, Norfolk gains. Their bad neighborhoods are being rehabed, newer ones are being built, their downtown is booming alot faster (when they say they're building something they do it without waiting) jobs are coming into that area not as fast as other cities, but alot faster than Toledo. Its metropolitan is 10 times larger, tourism is alot better, more exciting things to do and they have a minor league team as well. Although the murder rate is higher their, there overall crime rate is lower. You make the decision for yourself, but if Toledo is your choice for residing, just be aware of some of the things mention on some of the forums.

I was also born and raised in Toledo, and was even considering moving to Norfolk VA, but am moving to San Jose CA. The Art Museum is one of the best in the world and I worked there for 2 1/2yrs, the zoo is also excellant. But the economy is a disaster here. I was laid off of 2 jobs in two entirely different industries within 3 years, before I was 25 years old, now in my late 20's I'm leaving Toledo to purse a career in graphic design, and join what has been dubed "The Brain Drain", young educated professionals leaving to pursue better opportunities. They talk about job growth in Toledo, but it is in the form of retail (ie Super Walmart, Costco, Falling Timbers), these are for the most part dead end jobs at minium wage. What the city really needs is technology, biotechnology, and other up and coming industries and start up companies to come in to the area, because this is a good location. The healthcare opportunities are pretty good in Toledo because of several hospitals and the medical university. But may people in the area way too dependant on Jeep and the manufacturing industry for jobs. And as we can see with what's happening to our neighbor up north Detroit, that is not a good thing, because if the city ever looses Jeep it will ruin the city economically. The unions have a lot of power in this town and that dosn't help, because most of the new companies formed in the past 10 years, are not unionized. The fact is that this is not 1965 anymore and the US dosn't have the auto industry monopoly anymore. That is going to hurt Toledo in the long run. Toledo is definatly a blue collar town and it is reflected in many of the people here. I've traveled all over the US and Europe and I can always spot the people who don't get beyond the radius of northwest Ohio much, because unlike in places such as New York City, or even Columbus or Chicago many of the people I've worked with and come across here have had very little exposure to other cultures and ideas beyond what they've heard on the news. I personally don't see any major turn around for Toledo within the next few years, and many of my friends are planning on leaving the area as well to go to Columbus, New York City, Las Vegas and other places, because like myself they also have no good opportunities here. I my personal experiance as with many of them Toledo has a "Catch 22" with regards to there young professionals (the exception being the medical profession) that being -nobody wants to hire you because of lack of experiance, but how are you suppose to get experiance if nobody gives you a chance- that does not help in keeping young people here. Other cities such as San Jose like to have young people working for there companies that they can mold and who have the energy and drive to really contribute to the companies. I find it very sad that I spent 1 year looking for a decent job, only to be underpaid by industry standards, and I have only been looking for work in San Jose for 2 months and have already had multiple job offers and I don't even live there yet. Toledo is not the worst place in the country to live, but the city is in desperate need of major change.

[Art1979]

Originally Posted by sjgirl

What the city really needs is technology, biotechnology, and other up and coming industries and start up companies to come in to the area, because this is a good location.

That's what I've been saying for years, but I usually get the nod-and-brushoff routine from the residents there. Probably because I'm young, from Findlay (to be fair, there's some reciprocity on that, too), and not a registered Democrat.

In fact, I don't know what it'll take for them to think outside of blue-collar, union controlled jobs... maybe a bottoming out of their tax base? It's hard to pay all those city workers when you don't have the funds to do so.

Originally Posted by sjgirl

the city is in desperate need of major change.

That is easily the biggest understatement of the year. They don't need a major change; they need a reset button.

[ohiotown]

Originally Posted by nashvillebratt

If You Think That You Can Make It In Ohio And Survive. Then By All Means Go For It. I Think It Is A Nasty Dirty Place To Live. And That Is Why Alot Of People Are Leaving There. I Lived There For 26 Years Of My Life And I Am So Glad That I Went South. And Found A Better Life And A Better Job. If I Never Go Back To Toledo, I Wll Be Happy.... The Place Smells And Looks So Gloomy. That Is Why The House Prices Are So Low. Everyone Wants Out Of There...

I would just like to let you know that it is people like you that ruin communities. I grew up right outside Toledo in a $350,000 home and enjoyed every single moment of my childhood. Im assuming that you lived in the hood and you never had any class to begin with. Do you understand that Toledo has one of the nation's best Zoos?.... or have you taken a recent trip to the Toledo Museum of Art(...known worldwide)? ... Im sure you havent.... and thats probably because you never received a good education from the Toledo Public Schools. Toledo has its flaws like every city... yet there is potential for growth and economic expansion. So us ohioans are happy when the scum leaves for the south... becuase thats where people like you belong. And dont even think that a person like you has the right to critize a place like Toledo. For those of you that are just reading... let it be known that Ohio is a great place to raise a family and there are opportunities... they may not come easy... but nothing good does. Many people here are very open minded and optomistic about the future of our great state.