While the energy of major metropolitan cities will continue to attract a loyal following, smaller cities like Toledo, Ohio, aren't having any problem convincing visitors to stick around. Just as many Americans long for the conveniences of big-city life combined with a small-town atmosphere. They want the luxury and stability of a broad-based economy that will provide them with plenty of options for employment, and a long-term financial insurance policy of sorts. They want to select from among several cultural attractions, all of them top quality. And yet, they're looking for affordable housing, neighbors that wave hello and know each other, a relatively hassle-free commute, and the security of safe streets. Toledo offers all of the above, and more.

Local economists have forecasted that Toledo's population will grow at a rate of more than 2 percent between 2000 and 2015. The city's current median age is 32 years old (approximately 50 percent of Toledo's population is between 18 and 50 years old), indicating that young people are discovering the advantages of living in a place that offers the conveniences of a big city along with the civility of a small town. They're also drawn to Toledo's extremely affordable housing and a cost of living that ranks below the national average. And despite the city's continued growth, Toledo's average commute time stands at under 19 minutes.

The affordability of local housing, in addition to the wealth of local businesses, gives graduates plenty of reason to stay in Toledo. According to the Toledo Board of Realtors, the average price of a single-family home in Toledo in 1998 was $115,730, compared to the 1998 national average of $130,600. Rents are also extremely reasonable; the average two-bedroom apartment in Toledo is approximately $475 per month.

Situated on Lake Erie's western border -- a location that has spared the city from excessive precipitation and temperature extremes -- Toledo and its surrounding towns have built a strong economic base in the manufacturing industries, including metal products, glass and plastic. Automotive parts and production rank closely behind. Local businesses rely quite heavily on graduates from a wealth of local educational institutions. In addition, these business tap into the resources of local universities to provide their employees with ongoing training. Toledo has led the state in per capita income growth for several consecutive years. Thirty-three colleges and universities are located within an hour's drive of Toledo, giving local business a resource of nearly 200,000 graduates.

These same educational institutions have also brought a diversity of cultural offerings to Toledo. In addition the annual lineup of theater productions, dance and symphony performances and lectures offered by local universities, Toledo has demonstrated a strong commitment to the arts far beyond the academic arena. Among its cultural centers are the Toledo Museum of Art, home to one of the world's most revered collections of glass (some 5,000 pieces); the Toledo Zoological Gardens, ranked among the top 10 zoos in the United States; and several professional ballet, theater, opera and symphonic organizations.

Toledo residents are committed to sports, as well. The city's two most popular organizations are its pro baseball team, the Toledo Mud Hens; and its pro hockey team, the Toledo Storm. Because of Toledo's location on the banks of Lake Erie and its proximity to several local rivers, residents are able to take full advantage of the waters for boating and canoeing. Nature trails line the banks of these waterways, attracting hikers and nature-lovers.

Consistently noted for its high quality of life, the city of Toledo has experienced a decrease in its crime rate since the decade began. Residents in many of Toledo's close-knit communities have banded together to form crime-watch organizations, and the local police department has added staff and launched a series of initiatives in recent years, all of which have contributed to safer streets.

From all angles, Toledo appears to be leading a charmed life. From its moderate climate and dedication to higher learning, to its affordable housing and friendly residents, this city on Lake Erie is likely to continue to enjoy further growth and prosperity well into the next century.

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Published: November 29, 1999

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