North Towne and Five Points in Toledo’s northern quadrant are all about affordability, suburban charm, and urban convenience.
North Towne has the feel of a blue-collar, no-frills neighborhood where practicality takes precedence over prestige. It’s a place where longtime residents, many with deep family roots in Toledo, live alongside a steady influx of newcomers looking for an affordable entry point into homeownership. The neighborhood’s biggest appeal is its proximity to commercial hubs and major highways. This makes it particularly attractive to tradespeople, logistics workers, and service industry employees who need quick access to jobs in and around Toledo.
Five Points offers a slightly different energy—one that blends the past with the present. Walking through the neighborhood, you’ll see tree-lined streets with older homes that have been lovingly maintained, next to pockets of redevelopment that bring a fresh, modern feel.
This is a neighborhood that attracts young families looking for space and affordability, as well as professionals who want easy access to downtown Toledo but prefer the quieter pace of a suburban environment. You’ll find teachers, nurses, and local business owners making their homes here, drawn in by the character of the neighborhood and the strong sense of community. Five Points is also home to a growing number of renters, particularly young adults who aren’t ready to buy but want to be in a neighborhood with a friendly, lived-in feel.
What ties North Towne and Five Points together is their accessibility. These are neighborhoods where people move when they want affordability without compromising too much on location.
Accessibility and Transportation
Public Transit
North Towne and Five Points are served by the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA), making public transportation a practical choice for many residents. TARTA’s routes ensure seamless connections to key destinations, including downtown Toledo, shopping districts, and educational institutions.
- Route 19: Provides direct access to downtown Toledo, commercial centers, and nearby neighborhoods.
- Route 12: Links these neighborhoods to the bustling Franklin Park Mall area and adjacent residential zones.
- Route 2: Connects to the University of Toledo and surrounding areas, making it ideal for students and staff.
TARTA also offers Call-a-Ride and paratransit services, catering to residents with specific mobility needs. This accessibility makes North Towne and Five Points appealing for those who prefer to commute without relying solely on personal vehicles.
Highways and Commuter Routes
These neighborhoods offer excellent connectivity for commuters, making travel throughout Toledo and beyond convenient. With easy access to major highways and key local roads, residents can quickly reach downtown, industrial hubs, and neighboring cities with:
- Interstate 75 (I-75): A vital north-south artery connecting Toledo to Detroit, Dayton, and beyond.
- US-23: Located nearby, providing routes to Michigan and northern Ohio.
- Alexis Road and Stickney Avenue: Key local thoroughfares that link residential areas to commercial zones and industrial centers.
Walkability Score
With a walkability score of 40, North Towne is primarily a car-dependent neighborhood where most errands require driving. While some residential areas are within walking distance of local amenities, residents typically rely on vehicles for shopping, dining, and commuting.
Five Points boasts a higher walkability score of 61, making it one of Toledo’s more pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. Residents can easily access schools, parks, and local shops on foot, particularly in areas like Library Village, which ranks as the 4th most walkable neighborhood in Toledo.
Proximity to Major Hubs
The strategic location of North Towne and Five Points provides residents with convenient access to many of Toledo’s key landmarks and attractions:
- Downtown Toledo: Just a 15-20 minute drive away, downtown offers a vibrant mix of entertainment venues, cultural attractions, dining options, and major employment centers.
- Franklin Park Mall: Located less than 10 minutes away, this premier shopping destination features a wide range of top retailers, a bustling food court, and entertainment options such as a movie theater.
- University of Toledo: About 20 minutes from these neighborhoods, the university’s proximity makes the area appealing to students, faculty, and staff seeking nearby housing.
Shopping and Dining in North Towne and Five Points
North Towne and Five Points offer a mix of shopping and dining that prioritizes convenience over high-end experiences. These neighborhoods cater to everyday needs, with a blend of big-box stores, discount retailers, local businesses, and casual dining spots that serve as familiar go-tos for residents.
Shopping
- North Towne Commons: Once a thriving mall, this hub is finally starting to pick up some retail activity with discount stores, independent businesses, and service providers.
- Pavilion Plaza: This shopping plaza offers a variety of stores and services, catering to diverse shopping needs in a central location.
- Alexis Park Shopping Center: This center combines retail stores and dining establishments, providing a well-rounded shopping experience for residents in the northern part of Toledo.
Dining Options
Residents of North Towne and Five Points enjoy a diverse selection of dining options, ranging from family-owned establishments to popular chain restaurants.
- Ocean Garden Buffet: A well-loved spot for buffet-style dining, Ocean Garden Buffet offers a wide range of dishes, including fresh seafood, Asian cuisine, and classic comfort foods. The variety and affordability make it a popular choice for families and groups.
- Brickhouse Restaurant & Bar: Known for its hearty American fare and welcoming atmosphere, Brickhouse is a favorite for burgers, wings, and craft beer. The lively bar area makes it a go-to spot for socializing or catching a game.
- Big Boy: This iconic chain serves up classic American diner food, including its famous burgers, breakfasts, and milkshakes. Big Boy is a comforting choice for residents looking for reliable, familiar flavors.
- Las Delicias de Vargas: A hidden gem in the area, this family-owned restaurant serves authentic Mexican dishes bursting with flavor. From tacos to enchiladas, the menu highlights traditional recipes that keep diners coming back.
Recreation
Residents of North Towne and Five Points enjoy access to a variety of parks and recreational facilities, catering to outdoor enthusiasts and families alike:
- Bennett Park: A spacious park with open fields, walking trails, and sports courts.
- North Collingwood Park: Perfect for leisurely walks and quiet afternoons, this park provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
- Liberty Park: A well-maintained park with plenty of space for children to play and families to enjoy outdoor activities, such as picnicking or casual sports.
- Library Village Park: Located near the heart of Five Points, this park combines green spaces with recreational facilities, making it a great spot for both relaxation and activity.
Major Employers in North Towne and Five Points
- Location: Downtown Toledo, approximately 15-20 minutes from North Towne and Five Points.
- Industry: Healthcare.
- Description: As one of the region’s largest employers, ProMedica offers careers in patient care, medical research, and healthcare administration. The organization also has roles in information technology and operations management.
Mercy Health St. Anne’s Hospital
- Location: West Toledo, about 15 minutes from Five Points.
- Industry: Healthcare.
- Description: A key facility in the Mercy Health system, St. Anne’s Hospital provides employment opportunities in nursing, allied health, medical technology, and administrative support roles.
Jeep Assembly Plant (Stellantis)
- Location: North Toledo, less than 10 minutes from North Towne.
- Industry: Automotive Manufacturing.
- Description: A cornerstone of Toledo’s automotive industry, the Jeep Assembly Plant employs thousands of workers in vehicle assembly, engineering, and logistics. The plant continues to drive the local economy with new technology and model launches.
- Location: Downtown Toledo, approximately 15-20 minutes from North Towne and Five Points.
- Industry: Building Materials Manufacturing.
- Description: This global leader in insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composites offers careers in engineering, manufacturing, research and development, and corporate operations. Owens Corning is headquartered in Toledo and is one of the city’s Fortune 500 companies.
- Location: Downtown Toledo, approximately 15 minutes from these neighborhoods.
- Industry: Glass Manufacturing.
- Description: As a major player in the glass industry, Libbey provides careers in design, production, logistics, and sales. The company is a testament to Toledo’s rich history as the “Glass City.”
Economic Outlook for North Towne and Five Points
The economic outlook for North Towne and Five Points is bright, highlighted by the redevelopment of the former North Towne Square Mall into the Toledo Trade Center. This $70 million project by NorthPoint Development will bring over 500 jobs in advanced manufacturing and automotive supply, revitalizing the area with modern industrial facilities.
Toledo’s broader initiatives, including a $10 million Business Growth Fund and downtown housing developments, further enhance opportunities for these neighborhoods. With over $1 billion in citywide projects planned, North Towne and Five Points are poised to benefit from increased investment, job creation, and community revitalization.
These developments are expected to have a positive ripple effect on the local real estate market. The influx of jobs and improved infrastructure can lead to increased demand for housing, potentially boosting property values and attracting new residents.
School Systems and Educational Resources
Public Schools
- Larchmont Elementary School: Rated 4/10 on GreatSchools. Serving grades K-8, Larchmont Elementary provides a curriculum aimed at foundational academics and skill-building, with a focus on literacy and math.
- Whittier Elementary School: Rated 3/10 on GreatSchools. Catering to grades K-8, Whittier Elementary offers a supportive learning environment that prioritizes individualized instruction and personal growth, alongside efforts to improve academic achievement in core subjects.
- Bennett Venture Academy: Rated 5/10 on GreatSchools. A charter school serving grades K-8, Bennett Venture Academy offers a balanced curriculum focusing on academic growth and character development, supported by a structured and inclusive learning environment.
Private Schools and Daycares
For families seeking alternative education options:
- St. Catherine of Siena School: Serving grades Pre-K through 8, this Catholic school provides a faith-based education focused on academic achievement, moral development, and small class sizes for personalized learning.
- Regina Coeli Catholic School: This K-8 Catholic school serves approximately 210 students, offering a faith-based curriculum that emphasizes academic excellence and spiritual development.
Crime Statistics
North Towne and Five Points, like many older urban neighborhoods, face ongoing challenges with crime and safety, as is reflected by a crime grade of F. However, it’s important to understand the reality beyond the statistics. Crime here tends to be concentrated in specific pockets rather than affecting every street equally, and many long-time residents emphasize the strength of their community despite these concerns.
These areas are actively pursuing initiatives such as neighborhood watch programs and partnerships with local law enforcement to enhance safety and foster a stronger sense of community. Residents are encouraged to engage in these efforts and take advantage of available resources to support a secure and welcoming environment.
