Southside - Toledo, OH Area Guide

The Southside's location along the Maumee River helped it become a major manufacturing hub. But while Lake Erie and its tributaries formed the backbone of Toledo's early economy by enabling farming, transportation, and manufacturing industries, a growing reliance on factory work in the 19th and 20th centuries made residents unprepared for the rapid financial decline of the Great Depression. World War II and post-war manufacturing restimulated the economy, but for decades, Toledo still suffered from high vacancy rates as many residents moved to suburbs.

Growth of the University of Toledo and recreational attractions such as Fifth Third Field ballpark and Toledo Zoo inspired residents to rediscover Southside. See a Mud Hens game downtown, or head a few blocks south to explore the zoo's primate forest and penguin beach. If you value fun educational environments, learn about Latino traditions at the Sofia Quintero Arts and Culture Center, which hosts an annual Dio de los Muertos celebration.

A few scattered franchises and local eateries make up the Southside dining scene, so residents head downtown or drive over to Northwood to find a variety of restaurants in one area.

Locals appreciate the low-cost menu and late-night hours at Mr. Gyro's, which stays open until 4 a.m. every day. Order everything from fish and chips to falafel on this fast food-style menu. For under $10, you can take home large platters, such as a seafood basket, a gyro special, or a chili cheeseburger with fries.

From the food to the interior, every aspect of El Tipico reinforces the community-oriented, homegrown aesthetic. Themed artwork by local painters decorates the vibrant walls, and the owners proudly serve many organic and vegetarian-friendly products on a 95 percent gluten-free menu. Dine on a plate of grilled shrimp and rice with guacamole salad and spicy habanero-mango sauce, or save some cash by sticking to the rotating customer appreciation discounts, including tostada Thursdays and steak taco Fridays.

When you a want a homestyle meal cooked by professionals, visit the family-friendly Glendale Garden Cafe. The huge menu selection can intimidate newcomers, but locals love the flexibility of finding steak dinners, Middle Easter kabobs and loaded omelets on one menu. When you need morning fuel, order a big plate of German chocolate pancakes, or try out the hungry man's breakfast platter.

The Southside's close proximity to downtown Toledo's bar scene makes up for the scarcity of nightlife within the neighborhood. Ottawa Tavern draws a steady crowd for its low-cost beer, TV screens, dance floor, and live music shows that rarely cost a penny. If you prefer a blend of youthful and old-school patrons, stop by the Attic on Adams. The bar serves both its own menu and items from the Greek restaurant below it, and locals can't help coming back for the bold Blood Mary concoctions. Locals who frequent Veritas Cork & Craft consider it a cocktail lover's paradise, thanks to an accommodating staff known for giving spot-on recommendations and even mixing impromptu drinks.

TARTA delivers tailored transportation services to accommodate the city's multifaceted community. For everyday trips from the Southside, residents can catch standard and express buses on Broadway Street, South Avenue, and West Avenue. The city also provides TARPS buses specifically for disabled riders and a range of shuttle services that provide an affordable alternative to taxi services, including Call-A-Ride at-home pickup and transportation for students from the University of Toledo. Of course, you can still find a taxi downtown in a pinch, or schedule an Uber ride using your smartphone.

The Southside allows moderate walkability if you live close to downtown or near the central highways. Otherwise, you may need another form of transportation to find entertainment or occupational opportunities, but rest assured that the neighborhood has free on-street parking for your vehicle. The neighborhood's residential streets provide safe biking areas, but you won't find many designated lanes or roads. The Toledo Amtrak station lies in the neighborhood, providing easy commuting to Michigan or other Ohio cities. When you want to cruise out of the city, the Southside's location at the center of I-75, and Routes 2, 24, and 25 let you get on the highway almost as soon as you leave home.

Toledo's free metropark system provides the neighborhood with an oasis of natural forestland and rare plant life to explore. Scan for deer and migrating birds, or bring your pooch while traveling the trails of Swan Creek Preserve Metropark. Locals enjoy using the swinging bridge or scenic overlooks as quick rest spots, or you can head over to the playground when you have little ones in tow.

Highland Park also lies along Swan Creek, enabling freshwater fishing. Pedal along the loop path, or stop by the popular skate park to show off your stunts. An open field surrounds the playground, letting kids split time between riding the slide and playing touch football.

For summer fun at a nearby public pool, take a five-minute drive to Savage Splash Pad Water Play Park on Vance Street. If you enjoy organized park events, drive about four miles north to Ottawa Park for seasonal ice skating, the Spring Festival, and the Hockey Festival.

Toledo's Southside neighborhood offers low living expenses, with an average rental rate of $404 a month for one-bedroom apartments in Southside and an overall cost of living that sits about three percent below the city average. Pay about $2 to reach the city center using Toledo's budget-friendly public transportation, while those who choose to drive pay about five percent less than the national average for gas. Drink a beer or two for $2 to $4 a pint at local pubs.

Aside from a smattering of local markets and shops, Southside is primarily residential. Nearby neighborhoods feature a wide selection of boutiques and specialty stores. When you want to shop, visit nearby Southwyck, Reynolds Corners, and East Toledo.

When you're planning an event or entertaining at home, get your glassware accessories at the Libbey Glass Factory outlet store, located near downtown Toledo. While Libbey products are widely sold in franchises such as Target, the outlet stocks many unsold, custom-made pieces and restaurant-quality stemware, serving dishes, storage containers, and vases at coveted clearance prices. The staff at Encore Furniture Exchange make consignment shopping a memorable experience, helping bargain hunters find high-quality used furnishings to turn their homes into stylish sanctuaries. Customers love the sturdy, practically everlasting construction of time-honored pieces, and the store's rotating stock means you can frequently spot vintage or refinished decor with unique patterns or design details.

Aldi, Kroger, and Stop & Shop supermarkets all lie within a four-mile radius of Southside. A five-minute drive or a quick bus trip to the city center gives you access to the Toledo Farmers' Market. Stop by on Saturday mornings to browse for fresh cabbage and squash and stock up on seasonal goods, such as homemade apple cider.