Is Roosevelt (Toledo) safe?
Toledo, Ohio · safety score updated nightly
Not recommended for casual walking around, especially after dark.
VibeLoco rates Roosevelt (Toledo) as “No-go after dark”.
Gogo's take on Roosevelt (Toledo)
“Skip unless visiting for a specific personal or community purpose. The Roosevelt area experiences significantly elevated rates of both violent and property crime relative to state and national averages. Visitors unfamiliar with the neighborhood should exercise heightened situational awareness, especially after dark.”
Local news coverage frequently reports on Toledo police initiatives targeting gun violence and property theft along the central city corridors including Dorr Street and Detroit Avenue.
About the area
Roosevelt is an urban residential neighborhood in central Toledo situated just southwest of the central business district. It consists largely of older single-family homes and duplexes, with commercial activity concentrated along main thoroughfares like Dorr Street and Detroit Avenue. The area faces notable socioeconomic challenges, including high vacancy rates and limited retail amenities.
- Urban Core
- Residential
- Under-Resourced
Walking and biking in Roosevelt (Toledo)
Walk score: 52/100 · Bike score: 48/100
Dedicated bike infrastructure is sparse within the neighborhood, though riders can connect to the University Parks Trail a short distance to the north and west.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Convenient driving access to downtown Toledo and the University of Toledo
- Close proximity to major regional healthcare facilities like ProMedica Toledo Hospital
- Active grassroots community development and urban revitalization efforts
Cons
- Violent and property crime rates remain significantly above the national average
- Poverty rate exceeds 35% with high residential vacancy and abandoned parcels
- Limited neighborhood retail, full-service grocery, and sit-down dining options
- Dimly lit side streets and patchy sidewalk maintenance throughout parts of the area
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present, mostly concentrated around major commercial intersections and vacant properties along Dorr Street, with several social service agencies operating in adjacent central Toledo districts.
What Roosevelt (Toledo) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Relatively quiet with basic commuter traffic along major avenues, though residential side streets see limited foot traffic.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Activity increases along commercial corridors like Dorr Street, with standard neighborhood bustle and bus transit.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Pedestrian presence drops noticeably as dusk approaches, and visitors should stick to main well-lit thoroughfares.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Walking alone is not recommended due to heightened safety risks, poor lighting on side streets, and sparse activity.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA), with frequent bus lines running along Dorr Street and Detroit Avenue connecting directly to the downtown hub; Toledo has no passenger rail or BRT systems.
Free on-street parking is widely available throughout the residential streets, and commercial strips typically offer dedicated surface lots with no metered fees.
Things to do in Roosevelt (Toledo)
- Visit nearby Ottawa Park for golf, tennis, and walking trails just north of the neighborhood
- Explore the historic architecture and murals along the Dorr Street corridor
- Attend community events and recreational activities at local neighborhood parks and centers
Local favorites
- J&M Cruise-In Diner · Diner · 4.5★ (310)A retro-style local diner serving up classic American breakfast and comfort fare.
- Ruby's Kitchen · Soul Food Restaurant · 4.3★ (420)Beloved local establishment known for hearty homestyle soul food favorites.
- San Marcos Supermarket · Grocery Store & Taqueria · 4.6★ (750)Popular nearby market offering authentic Mexican groceries and fresh tacos.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Roosevelt (Toledo)? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.