Holland, Maumee, and Northwood are just a few of the Toledo, Ohio-area towns that offer a rural lifestyle as well as easy city commutes, says a local Realtor.

Holland

"The village of Holland is a small community of just over 1,300 residents as of the 2000 Census," says Realtor Mary Wisher. "Although small in number, the village more than makes up for it in location. Holland is directly off of US 23, which connects you right to I-475 and I-75 in just a few minutes, and the Ohio Turnpike is only a three-mile drive. All major shopping areas may be reached in just minutes. As for other communities, you can be anywhere in Lucus County, Toledo and lower Michigan within a half hour.

"The Village of Holland students attend Springfield Local Schools, which is a continuous improving district with a performance index score of 93.2," says Wisher. "There are also several private schools, both primary and secondary, in the area. Both the University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University are an easy drive for the college student, as are Owens Community College, Monroe Community College, Lourds College and Davis College to name a few. The University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University is only a 45-50 minute drive. Recreational activities for the young and the young at heart are abundant in Holland and the neighboring communities, including, soccer, hockey, LaCrosse and golf to name a few. Parks with walking and riding trails, organized sports events, playgrounds and more are abundant in the area. The market statistics for 2003 is as follows: Single family homes sold - 256, lowest selling price - $25,000 highest - $1,395,000 with an average selling price of $217,618."

Maumee

"The city of Maumee boarders South Toledo and flows five miles along the north bank of the Maumee River," explains Wisher. "Founded in the 1800's, Maumee has two historic districts honored to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The first being the residential district with homes dated from the 1840's - late Victorian, early 20th Century. The second district being honored is the commercial district with a full block of store fronts from the 1870's. Maumee is full of other historical sites such as the Wolcott House Museum, Fallen Timbers Battleground, Fort Meigs, Fort Miamis and old canals and locks. Maumee is proud of its heritage and is working diligently to preserve its small town feel while the community continues to prosper."

She suggests, "Now, with a little over 15,000 residents, Maumee is no longer a sleepy little town, but one of he largest business centers in Northwest Ohio. Maumee contributes over 30,000 jobs to the area. Maumee has 13 city parks, one with a launch ramp into the Maumee River. Many of these parks have been newly refurbished. With so many to choose from, there will be one to suit your needs. Recreation at the parks vary, but include, playgrounds, walking, riding and skating trails, basketball, soccer, softball, volleyball, tennis, fishing and some gorgeous views. Rolf park is in the process of adding a pool. Maumee also has great summer recreational programs with everything from archery to theater and a wonderful senior center to keep seniors busy all year round with something for everyone. The senior center helps seniors with a variety of health and nutrition issues, health screenings, continuing education classes which include art, music and computer training. There are also book clubs/discussions, support groups, bingo and cards and travel."

Wisher continues, "Education is of great importance in Maumee. Maumee public schools have a designation rating of 'effective' - 17 of 22 state indicators and have a performance index of 94.9. The school district is continuing to strive to meet the needs of all students. There is also no shortage of private schools in Maumee and the surrounding communities for primary - secondary education. You can be anywhere in Maumee and the surrounding areas, including the greater Toledo area and lower Michigan within a half-hour or less. There are approximately 6477 homes in the Maumee Valley. For 2003, 309 homes were sold. The low sold price was $57,000 and the high being $775,000 with an average of $206,183. Maumee is currently in a sellers market with the housing cost price trend on the rise. This being said, Maumee would be a great place to call home."

Northwood

"The town of Northwood is located south of Oregon and East of I-280 in Wood County," says Wisher. "Northwood is considered a rural/suburban area giving a more country feel to the 8.4 square miles it covers. Northwood residents, 5471 at the 2000 Census, enjoy the lowest income tax rate in Wood County at only 1.5 percent and is below the state average in unemployment. Despite the more rural areas of Northwood, all amenities are located within the city limits, including the Woodville Mall. If that isn't enough, Northwood is only 6 miles from Toledo and all that the city has to offer such as: The Toledo Zoo which is one of the most comprehensive zoological institutions in the country and the #1 reason why people visit Toledo. The zoo has so much to offer from their Kids Corner programs, Senior Discovery Days complete with live music, bingo and health screenings. The Toledo Botanical Gardens which consists of 60 acres of beautiful gardens, an artists studio and a gallery. Educational classes are held for both adults and children. The Toledo Art Museum with their Community Learning Resource Center. Art classes are available for the entire family and other special events are held like 'It's Friday' which is held every Friday and fun for the whole family with live music (themes vary), informal lectures to bring the art to life, theatrical performances, tours and the cafe is open for dinner."

She adds, "Northwood schools are designated 'continuous improvement' by the state and the school board strives to keep the trend going in an upward movement. Northwood schools performance index score is at 91. Toledo and surrounding areas also have a good number of private schools, primary - secondary. Northwood has easy access to several major interchanges including I-280, I-75, I-475 and US 23. In 2003, 77 of 103 homes listed were sold. The lowest sale price was $28,000 and the highest being $325,000 with an average sale price of $125,393."

Published: February 27, 2004

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