Franklin Park - Toledo, OH

Toledo, Ohio, including Franklin Park, has become known as the fourth most populous city in the state of Ohio. Franklin Park has a population of 15,389. The history of the area has not been written, but historical documentation about Toledo reveal it was developed as long ago as 1795 by Americans after the Battle of Fallen Timbers. In 1818, resettlement of the area resulted in the creation of the modern downtown Toledo area. Originally, this area was a port town important in the shipping and transportation of goods. The main industry shifted to railways in the first half of the 19th century, and now the area has become a hot spot for commercial enterprise and some manufacturing.

The Toledo Museum of Art, located on Monroe Street, holds a variety of art shows with different themes as well as tours. Each year, Franklin Park Mall holds an annual summer camp.

Residents enjoy the Beirut, an authentic Lebanese restaurant. Low prices and a variety of food options make this an enjoyable and cost-effective place to eat. The restaurant offers interesting international dishes, such as zahle kibbi and foul mudammas, along with traditional and international drinks.

Locals interested in burgers head to Bar 145 on Monroe Street. One of only four in Bar 145 restaurants in Ohio, residents may order unique burgers and pub plates here. Artisanal cheese, roasted salmon and bar wings make up the menu, among other dishes.

For a taste of home-style Mexican fare, residents go to Carmel's Mexican Restaurant. The restaurant has authentic foods and drinks, a warm environment and low prices, making it a popular destination.

For entertainment, locals head to Bar 145, which has live bands playing often. Club Irie Lounge on West Bancroft Street draws in consumers for drinks.

Students head to Chasers at night, which maintains its title as the best college bar in the area. Students can dance, play games, or hang out at this late-night bar.

Interstate 475 passes through the nearby area approximately 1.5 miles from Franklin Park, allowing for easy access to U.S. 23, which leads north to Michigan or south to Findlay and Bowling Green, Ohio.

Locals looking to travel call Uber for service to the surrounding areas. Those wishing to bike to their destinations may follow one of Toledo's bike trails, although biking lanes are not available in all parts of the city. Toledo's roadways can become congested, which makes them less safe for bikers than the trails provided by the city. Most people who walk around the city follow the sidewalks.

Locals use the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority, or TARTA, when they need to take a bus. For $1, passengers over the age of 6 may buy a one-way fare on a fixed route. Those who are elderly or disabled pay only $.50 per ride.

Those interested in finding a cab may find it difficult in this area of Toledo. Cabs typically concentrate in the student areas or business centers of the city, although residents may call a cab for pickup. Cabs may also be accessed from Franklin Park Mall.

Most residents have individual driveways for free parking. Shops, malls and local grocery stores have free parking for customers.

Foxglove Meadow Park has a walking path for those interested in exercise. Because the park remains prone to flooding, a new drainage has been installed. The creek traversing Foxglove Meadow Park is often full and flowing now due to the added drainage. Wildlife may be found at the park, including muskrats, ducks and fish. Foxglove Meadow Park provides picnic tables for those who stop for a visit and playground equipment for children. Pets may visit this park, although a leash is required. Foxglove Meadow Park has no entrance fees and no annual events as of yet.

Near Foxglove Meadow Park, Pine Glen Park stands as a quality park with space for children to play and sled in the winter. Playgrounds are scattered throughout the grounds, a walking path circles the area, and natural surroundings make this park enjoyable for adults, children and pets alike. As with Foxglove, Meadow Park's annual events are few and far between, although private events may be held at the park by individual groups. There is no fee to enter Pine Glen Park.

The cost of living in Franklin Park remains low in general, although it is 1 percent higher than the average cost in the rest of Toledo as a whole. The average rental price for a one-bedroom residence is $451. Gas prices are 9 percent lower on average than the national average.

Taking public transportation with the TARTA bus system costs $1 for a one-way ticket on fixed routes, so residents should be able to get to the city center and back for no more than $2.

The average cost for a beer at the local pubs and clubs in this area is about $3.

Franklin Park Mall, at 5001 Monroe Street, provides access to popular stores. Residents looking for high-end fashion shop at the Franklin Park Mall's Coach store or J.Crew.

Several specialty shops have opened nearby. SOFO's Italian Market, located on Monroe Street, opens every day of the week. Residents purchase Italian foods, baked goods, gift baskets and wines among other delicious delicacies. Friendly customer service and a variety of goods have made this a popular spot.

For those interested in purchasing wedding gowns or evening gowns, Atlas Bridal Shop on Monroe Street provides everything needed for a beautiful look. The shop has tuxedos, prom gowns, bridesmaid dresses and wedding gowns available. The shop provides personalized service, offers appointments for groups and individuals and specials for discount gowns or tuxedos.

Grocery stores near Franklin Park include Kroger on Monroe Street, Stop & Shop on Monroe Street and Costco on West Central Avenue. Residents can access the Toledo Farmers Market by heading to Market Street. The market remains open all year, but the hours vary.