Whitmer-Trilby - Toledo, OH

Originally consisting of the town of Trilby and the suburb around Whitmer High School, Toledo annexed this district in the 1960s. Until the 19th century, the area included Ottawa and Potawatami communities, and Tremainsville Road once served as an Indian trail. In 1795, the Treaty of Greenville blocked Northwest Ohio from settlement, but pioneers ignored that in their western migration. Settlers came in 1835, building a small schoolhouse in the 1840s.

During the Toledo War of 1835, soldiers from Ohio and Michigan stalked each other through the swamp, sent by state governors over a land dispute. Previous surveys were unclear which state owned the boggy territory. This contested land contained what would later be Whitmer-Trilby. Ohio finally won jurisdiction of this land in an agreement, giving Michigan the Upper Peninsula.

Museums in the vicinity include the Toledo Firefighters Museum, and the Toledo Museum of Art lies about six miles to the south.

Whitmer-Trilby offers a wide range of restaurant choices, and many of them line Alexis Road. American- and Mediterranean-style diners and Chinese restaurants predominate along with sports bars and small neighborhood taverns. Chili dog joints also make a popular local option.

Ahmed's Steak House features char-grilled steaks in a casual atmosphere. Try a perfectly-cooked house ribeye accompanied by onion rings. Long known as a favorite place for Mexican food, Carmel's Mexican Restaurant features the most popular margaritas in town. Chill with friends while sharing super nachos followed by the beef chimichangas.

Ya Halla Restaurant serves Lebanese and American food made from old recipes and fresh ingredients. The silky smooth hummus makes a great starter, and don't miss the fresh Tabouli salad. Customers praise the char-broiled lamb chops. For something spicy, try the Inferno Burger.

After the sun goes down, head to Andrea's Sports Pub for cheap beer and live music. Try the outdoor eating area in good weather. For a bit of retro fun, check out Secor Lanes, which features a dive bar atmosphere and decor that looks straight out of the '60s. If you want to bowl, eight non-automated lanes let you keep your own score, or you can just chill over a few beers in the bar. A friendly bartender runs a well-stocked bar and the kitchen delivers routine bar food. For another nostalgic option, head to Ohio Skate for roller skating until 11 p.m. on the weekends. Look for special events like Glow Night.

Although many residents depend on cars to get around the neighborhood, Whitmer-Trilby ranks as the 14th most walkable neighborhood in Toledo. With a higher percentage of drivers than the typical Toledo neighborhood, about 96 percent of the workforce goes to work in a vehicle, with an average commute taking about 20 minutes. Drivers find ample free parking all over the area in private lots of various businesses or on the street. A drive of several miles gets you to Interstates 475 or 75 for access to the highway system.

If you prefer public transportation, Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) provides four local bus routes. Convenient stops in residential areas make catching a ride simple, and most routes buses run about every half hour. To summon a taxi, call one of 30 taxi companies providing service to the area. Cab reservations can also be made online.

Whitmer-Trilby encompasses four free parks managed by the Parks and Recreation Department of the city of Toledo. For sports, Trilby Park includes a basketball court, a baseball diamond, and tennis courts. Runners and dog walkers appreciate the well-maintained trails. Large and small groups picnic here, making use of the BBQ Grills, tables, and a picnic shelter.

Greenwood City Park contains a large open field and hiking trails through a wooded area. Birders consider this park great for birdwatching, with over 40 species spotted here. Neighborhood kids enjoy the small playground, and the park welcomes dogs on leashes. Both Wernert's Field and Jackman Park feature baseball diamonds and large playing fields.

UAW Local 14 operates a family park available to all GM Toledo Transmission employees and retirees. Team facilities include baseball diamonds, courts for basketball, tennis courts, and a sand volley ball court. Kids enjoy the nine-hole miniature golf course and two playgrounds. The park sponsors a summer children's program and also hosts major events open to the community. Dog owners looking for a place to play with their dogs off-leash go to Glass City Dog Park, about 10 miles to the south.

With four golf courses in the area, residents have plenty of places to tee off. Open to the public with reasonable greens fees, Tamaron Country Club features an 18-hole course and an indoor golf simulator. Three other courses sit just over the Michigan line: Maple Grove, Sunningdale, and Bedford Hills.

Residents of the Whitmer-Trilby neighborhood appreciate the low cost of living. It costs 12 percent less than the national average to live here, one percent less than the average Toledo neighborhood. The price of housing helps keep costs low, so expect to pay about $485 per month to rent a typical one-bedroom apartment.

Anticipate paying about 17 percent less than national average when you fill your car's gas tank. If you prefer public transportation, a one-way bus fare gets you to Toledo's city center for $1. When at a local pub, anticipate paying about $3 for a domestic beer and another $11.50 for a mid-price meal.

Residents of Whitmer-Trilby have many shopping possibilities. Considerable commercial development lines five main roads: Laskey, Alexis, Jackman, Douglas, and Tremainsville. Many auto supply shops and large retailers reside along these roads. Miracle Mile Shopping Center at the corner of Laskey and Jackman supplies a wide selection of goods and services. For other shopping needs, residents go a few miles southwest to Franklin Park Mall, the area's premier high-end mall, or a few miles south to Westgate Village Shopping Center.

A handful of convenience stores and several Kroger's supermarkets provide groceries to the neighborhood. Phoenix Earth Food Cooperative sells organic, minimally-processed food about a mile to the south. Locals shop at nearby Sofo's Italian Market for a tempting assortment of baked sweets, deli meats, and cheeses. Look for make-your-own pizza supplies and all kinds of olives. Monnette's Market sells fresh fruits and vegetables year-round and Tony's Farm Market provides fresh produce in season.

Westgate Village Shopping Center hosts the nearest farmers market. It takes place Wednesday afternoons from May through October, featuring fresh produce from local farms. The larger Downtown Toledo Farmers Market, a 15-minute drive away, provides another option on Saturdays year-round.