We’re not exactly an unbiased source when it comes to our region’s greatness. However, hometown pride aside, there truly is a lot to love! The Toledo Metropolitan Statistical Area is the sixth-largest metropolitan in the state, extending from the Michigan border through Fulton, Lucas, and Wood Counties. It is the 98th-largest metro in the country with a population of more than 600,000.
There’s a special charm that comes with living in a midsized community. You have big-city conveniences and diverse offerings, yet it’s small enough to feel a close-knit bond throughout the region.
Let’s explore why Greater Toledo is a terrific place to live, work, and play.
cost of living + home prices
Between lagging wages, a 41-year high in US inflation and soaring home prices, the 2020s haven’t been the easiest time economically. Where you live can drastically impact how far your dollar goes.
According to the Economic Research Institute, the cost of living in Toledo is 16% lower than the national average. The city was also ranked as the top housing market of spring 2025 by the Wall Street Journal/Realtor.com®. Between the three counties in the Toledo Metropolitan Statistical Area, the average sales price is just over $254,000–less than half the national average of $512,800. Homes in Greater Toledo are remarkably affordable compared to housing across the country.
higher education
UNIVERSITY OF TOLEDO
Since UT’s establishment in 1872, it has transformed into a top-tier public institution. The University of Toledo has earned the prestigious Carnegie R1 Classification, which is the highest designation a university can receive for research activity. It is one of only 187 higher education institutions in the country with an R1 status. Recognized areas of research excellence include astronomy, astrophysics, solar energy, water quality, sustainable technologies, cell architecture and dynamics, along with numerous emerging areas of excellence. UT offers more than 250 majors and degree programs.
BOWLING GREEN STATE UNIVERSITY
Over the last 115 years, BGSU has grown into a comprehensive public research university with more than 200 undergraduate programs and nearly 100 graduate programs. It has a Carnegie R2 Classification for high research spending and doctorate production. BGSU offered the nation’s first Ph.D. program in photochemical science and continues to excel in this field. Other research centers include water quality, public policy, and forensic science. It is consistently listed as one of the nation’s top colleges by the Wall Street Journal. For 2025, it was ranked #3 in the US and #1 in the Midwest for schools that students would choose again. It was also in the top three public universities for learning facilities and #1 in Ohio for student experience.
LOURDES UNIVERSITY
Previously known as Lourdes College, this university has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the Northern Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1964. Lourdes has undergraduate programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Business and Leadership, the College of Nursing, and the College of Social Sciences.
In addition to these universities, the area also has an assortment of smaller schools as well as Owens Community College.
LARGE-SCALE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Northwest Ohio is home to several Fortune 500 powerhouses. Owens Corning, Dana Corporation, the Andersons, and Marathon Petroleum are all located within 50 miles of Toledo. O-I Glass, based out of Perrysburg, has also made many appearances on the Fortune 500.
Another top dog with deep Toledo roots is Jeep, which has been headquartered here since production began in the 1940s. Almost every Toledoan has a connection to Jeep, whether you’re an employee yourself or know someone (or dozens of people) who work there. In keeping with our ingenuity for automotive manufacturing, Toledo is home to a General Motors plant that employs approximately 1,500 workers.
And we can’t talk about Toledo jobs without mentioning healthcare, one of the region’s largest employment sectors. Mercy Health established the city’s first hospital in 1855 and remains the largest health system in Ohio. Between employees, physicians and medical staff, Mercy employs over 10,000 people throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Toledo is also home to ProMedica, a not-for-profit health care system with 10 hospitals across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan. For the sixth consecutive year, ProMedica Toledo Hospital was ranked the best hospital in the region by U.S. News & World Report.
These companies contribute to the region’s economic resilience and robust employment opportunities. In conjunction with Toledo’s higher education, many industry leaders partner with the universities for co-ops, applied research and job placement, allowing students to gain hands-on experience and a head start on career prospects.
fun in the 419
Perhaps you don’t think of the Midwest as a hub for culture and world-class experiences, but Toledo breaks the mold. This is just a small portion of Toledo’s top attractions.
The Toledo Museum of Art, established in 1901, is a privately endowed, non-profit institution that is free to the public. The 37-acre campus has a collection of more than 30,000 artworks. TMA was voted the Best Art Museum by USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2025.
Imagination Station is a nonprofit science center located in the heart of Downtown Toledo. Its mission is to promote STEAM learning and innovation. Memberships to Imagination Station are also reciprocal with 300 science centers across the globe.
The Toledo Zoo has received many accolades over the years: America’s Best Zoo by USA Today, the Public Agency Native Landscape Award, the Build Ohio Award, and the Wildlife Diversity Conservation Award, just to name a few. The Toledo Zoo is involved in many conservation programs and has the highest rating possible from Charity Navigator.
Despite being a major contributor to health and physical activity, many metropolitans lack green space. We’re lucky to have a strong metroparks system that spans 12,700 acres with 19 parks, 200 miles of trails, and plenty of development in the works. According to the national nonprofit Trust for Public Land, 83% of Toledo residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. Metroparks Toledo has received dozens of prestigious recognitions in recent years, including the 2024 Best in Innovation Award from the National Recreation and Park Association for Glass City Metropark.
low disaster rates
A major benefit of living in the Midwest is having a lower rate of natural disaster than many areas in the US, particularly coastal or wildfire-prone locations. Only 1.5% of Toledo properties are at risk of severe threats from heat, wind, air quality, flooding, or wildfires. The global uptick in natural disaster has led to insurance deserts across the country, meaning areas with few insurance options and/or skyrocketing premiums. According to Nerd Wallet, the average annual cost for homeowners insurance in Toledo is $1,645. That’s 22% below the national average.
convenience of travel
There’s a lot of exploring to be done in this world even if you have a great home base! Our area is a crossroads for many highways and interstates, making Toledo a perfect starting point for a roadtrip. You can also easily catch a flight from Toledo Express Airport or Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located less than 50 miles north of Toledo.
You’ll Do Better in Toledo isn’t just a catchy slogan. It encapsulates the spirit, drive, and opportunities that abound in good old T-Town. If you’re looking to plant your roots in a place that offers stability and affordability without compromising excitement, don’t overlook this Midwest gem.