Toledo, OH Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Toledo, OH: What You Need to Know

Toledo in northwest Ohio is known as the Glass Capital of the World for its rich heritage in glass manufacturing.

The Local History

What’s known today as Toledo used to be the villages of Port Lawrence and Vistula. They merged in 1833. Local leaders named the combined town Toledo. In 1835, Ohio included the Toledo Strip, a narrow piece of land between Ohio and the Michigan Territory, in its plans for the Miami and Erie Canal. However, Michigan also claimed the Toledo strip. The dispute between Ohio and Michigan was called the Toledo War. President Andrew Jackson ultimately settled the dispute in favor of Ohio.

Job Opportunities

Toledo’s legacy as a glass manufacturing hub dates back to the late 19th century when some of the world’s largest glass companies were founded in the city. Today, Libbey Inc., a leading glassware manufacturer, is based in Toledo. Other top employers are ProMedica (health care network), Toledo-based Owens Corning (insulation, roofing, and composites), NAMSA (a medical research organization), and First Solar (manufacturer of photovoltaic modules).

The Cost of Living in Toledo

The glass is certainly half full in Toledo (population: 272,779), given a cost of living that’s 6.6% lower than the national average. Likewise, food and housing costs are 25.9% and 43.5% lower than the national average respectively. The median gross rent in the city is $700. Ohio’s progressive income tax charges 0% to 4.797% in income tax depending on one’s earnings. While that’s considered low, many municipalities levy up to 3% of additional income taxes. The statewide sales tax rate is 5.75%.

Know Your Neighborhoods

If you want an urban lifestyle, downtown might be just the place for you with 2,500 residential units, from high-rise apartments to studios and condos. Prefer the suburbs? Perrysburg and Ottawa Hills are known for their excellent schools, and they are less than 10 miles away from Toledo. Residents love Perrysburg for its safe and welcoming environment, not to mention its popular farmer’s market. Ottawa Hills is primarily residential, with beautiful historic homes, but not much action. 

Shopping in Town

Franklin Park Mall is the premier shopping destination in Toledo, with over 160 specialty retailers plus restaurants and a food court. The eclectic shops and galleries downtown offer handmade products and artisan items. For locally made gifts, check out Taste of Toledo, which specializes in gourmet food, gift baskets, and corporate gifts. Visit the Libbey Glass Factory Outlet for glassware and dinnerware.