The neighborhoods of Westgate and Ottawa Hills in Toledo have become highly sought-after for families and students. Westgate is a more affordable area, while Ottawa Hills is one of the most affluent areas in Toledo.
Accessibility and Transportation
Public Transit
Westgate is well-served by the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA), offering several bus routes that make it easy to travel around the city. Key bus lines such as Routes 20, 22, 5, and 3 connect the area to downtown Toledo, the University of Toledo, and the surrounding neighborhoods. With downtown Toledo only about a 10-minute drive away, public transit options are a convenient alternative for those who prefer not to drive or are commuting to work, school, or entertainment hubs.
Highways/Commuter Routes
For drivers, Westgate and Ottawa Hills are conveniently located near I-475, which connects them to I-75 and US-20, making commuting to other parts of Toledo and nearby cities smooth and efficient. Westgate benefits from easy access to Secor Road and Central Avenue, which link to other Toledo neighborhoods, shopping areas, and schools. Ottawa Hills, being more residential, has less traffic but still enjoys easy access to major thoroughfares, with Central Avenue and Bancroft Street providing quick routes into the heart of Toledo. Commute times to downtown Toledo range from 10-15 minutes from both areas.
Walkability Score
Westgate: With a walkability score of around 60, Westgate is a walkable neighborhood, especially near the bustling Westgate Shopping Center. Many daily errands, such as grocery shopping, dining, or visiting local cafes, can be accomplished on foot. The well-maintained sidewalks and various retail and dining options make it easy for residents to navigate without a car.
Ottawa Hills: Ottawa Hills is more of a residential, park-like area and is less walkable for errands, with a score of 25-50. However, the peaceful, tree-lined streets make it highly walkable for recreation, dog walking, or simply enjoying the scenic beauty of the neighborhood. Most shopping and dining requires a short drive to Westgate or nearby areas.
Proximity to Major Hubs
Both Westgate and Ottawa Hills boast excellent locations for easy access to Toledo’s major hubs:
- University of Toledo: The university is only about 1-2 miles from both neighborhoods, making it a short 5-10 minute drive. This proximity benefits students, staff, and faculty members living in the area.
- Downtown Toledo: For those commuting to downtown, both neighborhoods offer quick access by car, with Westgate being a 10-minute drive and Ottawa Hills around 15 minutes.
- Toledo Express Airport: The airport is roughly 20-25 minutes away from both neighborhoods, making it convenient for frequent travelers or those needing access to regional and national flights.
Shopping and Dining:
Both Westgate and Ottawa Hills offer convenient access to shopping and dining options, but each neighborhood has its own distinct vibe:
- Westgate:
The Westgate Shopping Center is the main retail hub in the area, featuring popular stores like Costco, Fresh Market, and Target. This are several dining options, including local favorites such as Barry Bagels, Balance Pan-Asian Grille, and Starbucks. Additionally, several national chains, boutique shops, and specialty stores round out the shopping experience. - Ottawa Hills:
As a smaller, more residential community, Ottawa Hills doesn’t have its own large commercial center. However, it’s just a few minutes from the Westgate Shopping Center.
Recreation
Residents of both Westgate and Ottawa Hills have ample opportunities for outdoor activities, fitness, and relaxation:
- Ottawa Park: Located near Ottawa Hills, this is one of Toledo’s largest and most popular parks. It offers a golf course, ice skating rink, walking trails, and tennis courts, making it a central recreational spot for both neighborhoods.
- Wildwood Preserve Metropark: Just a few minutes away, this park offers beautiful walking trails, picnic areas, and nature programs. It’s a fantastic spot for hiking, jogging, or family outings.
- Gyms and Fitness Centers: Residents of Westgate have access to several gyms such as Planet Fitness and Fitness 419. For a more upscale experience, the Toledo Club offers a fitness center and additional amenities.
Major Employers in Westgate and Ottawa Hills, Toledo
- Location: Less than 2 miles from Westgate and Ottawa Hills
- Industry: Higher Education and Research
- Description: The University of Toledo is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 6,000 employees. It is a major center for academic and medical research.
- Location: Headquarters in downtown Toledo, hospital facilities within 5 miles
- Industry: Healthcare
- Description: ProMedica is a major healthcare provider in the region, employing over 16,000 people in Toledo and surrounding areas.
- Location: Multiple locations in Toledo
- Industry: Healthcare
- Description: Mercy Health is another prominent healthcare system in Toledo, with Mercy St. Anne’s Hospital located just west of Westgate, employing thousands of professionals.
- Location: Downtown Toledo (10-15 minute drive)
- Industry: Building Materials Manufacturing
- Description: Owens Corning, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Toledo, is a global leader in insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composites.
Economic Outlook for Westgate and Ottawa Hills
The job market in Toledo, including the Westgate and Ottawa Hills areas, has been relatively stable with steady growth in key sectors like healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
Job growth in Toledo has been driven by the healthcare and education sectors, while manufacturing remains a pillar of the local economy. The unemployment rate in the Toledo area has steadily declined over recent years, with more opportunities emerging in logistics, healthcare, and technology. Toledo is also benefiting from a focus on downtown revitalization, with new businesses and restaurants opening, creating more jobs in service and retail. Additionally, there’s been an uptick in real estate development, which has fueled growth in construction jobs.
School Systems and Educational Resources in Westgate and Ottawa Hills, Toledo
Westgate and Ottawa Hills are served by two different public school systems, both offering highly regarded schools, but Ottawa Hills has a distinct reputation for academic excellence.
- Ottawa Hills High School: Rated 9/10 on GreatSchools, it consistently ranks as one of the top high schools in Ohio. The school is known for its rigorous academic programs, small class sizes, and high graduation rates.
- Ottawa Hills Elementary School: Also rated 9/10 on GreatSchools, this K-6 school is recognized for its focus on academic achievement and community involvement.
Toledo Public Schools (TPS):
Westgate falls within the TPS district, which serves a wide variety of neighborhoods across Toledo.
- Old Orchard Elementary School: Located near Westgate, this school has a 4/10 rating on GreatSchools, with strengths in teacher-student engagement and community involvement.
- Start High School: Also part of the TPS system, Start High has a 2/10 rating on GreatSchools. The school offers several specialized programs, including career technical education (CTE) pathways.
Private Schools and Daycares:
Westgate and Ottawa Hills are home to a number of excellent private schools and daycare centers that cater to families seeking alternative education options.
- St. Ursula Academy: All-girls Catholic high school, known for its college preparatory programs and faith-based education.
- Central Catholic High School:
Co-educational environment with a focus on academics, athletics, and spiritual development. - Maumee Valley Country Day School:
A prestigious private school, Maumee Valley is known for its emphasis on creativity and critical thinking and offers education from pre-K through 12th grade. - West Side Montessori:
West Side Montessori provides an alternative educational approach based on Montessori principles, serving children from toddlers through middle school.. - Daycare Options:
Both neighborhoods have numerous daycare options, including Toledo Children’s Academy and Ottawa Hills Preschool.
Crime Statistics
Westgate and Ottawa Hills are considered among the safer neighborhoods in the Toledo area.
Westgate:
Westgate has comparatively low crime rates, but like most urban areas, it does experience some crime. Recent data shows that property crime (such as theft and burglary) is more common than violent crime.
Ottawa Hills:Ottawa Hills has some of the lowest crime rates in all of Toledo. Both property crime and violent crime are significantly below state and national averages. The affluential village of Ottawa Hills has a strong community with a dedicated police force, contributing to its reputation as a very safe neighborhood.
