Lima

Founded in 1831 at the edge of the legendary Big Black Swamp, is it any wonder that Lima was named after Lima, Peru, the source of the quinine bark once used to treat malaria? No matter. The Black Swamp long since drained, Lima is now better known alternately as "a community of value," "a top-10 place to raise a family," and a community with "big town advantages in a small-town atmosphere."

Manufacturing (including BP Chemicals, Ford, Dana Corp., General Dynamics and Countryside Foods/I&K Distributors) is still king in this area. With more than 11,000 people involved, it represents a fourth of Allen County's workforce and accounts for about $8 billion of the county's $10- to 12-billion economy. Lima also boasts strong healthcare and retail industries, which employ more than 7.500 and 6,000 people, respectively.

For fun, catch a midget-car race at Limaland Motorsports Park, pitch horseshoes at the Allen County Fairgrounds, snarf a Kewpee Burger, or check out the Lima Warriors, a semi-pro football team that has stomped the competition since its formation in 2003. Locals also like to call the area number one for up-ground reservoir fishing.