Are you considering coming to Tiffin and Seneca County to work, live, or study? If so, we hope this quick overview shares ten of the great reasons we love our community and why it's such a great place to thrive. You'll discover why Tiffin's population grew last year and residential development is on the rise. Let's kick things off with our year in review video to introduce you to our home and then move to the reasons.
Reason 1 - A Life Connected
What makes the Tiffin-Seneca community unique is the connection we all feel to our friends and family, and to this place we call home. This connection ensures our businesses are supported, our growth as a community continues, and that newcomers and long-time residents alike are able to find a life fulfilled here. Read more.
Reason 2 - A Booming Economy
Over the last ten years, Tiffin-Seneca has consistently ranked in the top ten percent of the almost 600 micropolitans nationally for large economic development projects. This year, we were #14 in the country. In 2018, we were ranked #10. In 2017, we also ranked #10. Our economy is also not dependent on one type of business - manufacturing, education, healthcare, and agribusiness are all leaders, and we are ranked as one of the top midwestern cities for entrepreneurship.
Reason 3 - A Thriving Downtown
We believe that the downtown is the heartbeat of the community, and we are proud that Downtown Tiffin has an award-winning and state and nationally accredited Main Street program. Please check out our Downtown Tiffin page and the large downtown section in last year's annual report (2018) to learn more.
Reason 4 - Quality Education
Known as the "Education Community" for decades, we are one of the few communities of our size (18,000 in Tiffin, 56,000 in Seneca County) with two private universities (Heidelberg University, Tiffin University), a regional Educational Service Center, high-quality public and private K12 districts, award-winning career and technical education (Vanguard-Sentinel), an innovative community college (Terra State), and new training center (Fostoria Learning Center.) Also check out the Education section of previous annual reports (2017, 2016, 2015, 2014).
Reason 5 - Abundant Arts
The arts and recreational opportunities in Tiffin-Seneca are numerous. From the restored historic Ritz Theatre to university activities at Heidelberg and TU, from our 14 galleries and museums to our art guild, there is a lot to experience. Add to that the constant happenings at the new outdoor Frost-Kalnow Amphitheatre at the East Green.
Reason 6 - Robust Recreation
With 900 acres of protected nature and 30 parks, Tiffin and Seneca County offers great opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors in Tiffin, Fostoria, Seneca County, and at our two state nature preserves. The Sandusky River is one of the state's designated scenic rivers, and Lake Erie is within easy reach. We have roadways great for biking and trails within easy reach, and we've also recently completed an Active Transportation Plan. The Tiffin Community Y (3rd largest in Ohio), Geary Family YMCA in Fostoria, university facilities, and a number of local gyms and studios are great assets.
Reason 7 - Low Cost
Tiffin has been ranked one of the 20 most affordable college towns in Ohio, and Fostoria has been ranked one of the 10 most affordable cities in the state. Research also shows the Tiffin-Seneca community as having a cost of living 15-20% below the national average.
Reason 8 - Easy Access
Seneca County is within a 90-minute drive of larger metropolitan areas like Columbus, Cleveland, and Detroit, and an hour away from Toledo, which provides great access to airports, professional sports (Blue Jackets, Browns, Indians, Pistons, Redwings, Lions, Tigers) and shows (Playhouse Square is largest performing arts area outside NY), attractions (top-rated Toledo and Columbus Zoo, top-rated amusement park Cedar Point and waterparks), and much, much more.
Reason 9 - Dining & Drinks
For a community our size, there are a number of unique places to eat, drink, and shop. Newer eateries include one the Empire at 138 (top-rated on Open Table), the IronWood Steakhouse, and KiKu Japanese Fusion, while the Laird Arcade Brewery (local microbrewery) and Renaissance (top five distilled selection in Ohio) offer quality brew, bourbon, and cocktails. Check out the Chamber's listing of restaurants and cafés.
Reason 10 - Global Mindset
Many people are surprised by the international flavor of the Tiffin-Seneca community, and we believe it makes our community a much more interesting place to live. More than 300 students from Heidelberg and TU representing more than 30 countries become part of the Tiffin-Seneca Tribe annually. Our International Cultural Center in the schools and TU's new PhD program in Global Leadership and Change promote internationalism in education and research, and our many international companies with global operations mean we stay connected around the globe.
