Akron, OH, known as "The Rubber City," is famous for its history in the rubber and tire industry. Located in northeastern Ohio, Akron is approximately 40 miles south of Cleveland and 20 miles north of Canton. This medium-sized city offers a mix of urban amenities and suburban charm, making it a great place to live.
Akron's climate features cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers, providing a variety of seasonal activities. The city boasts numerous parks and outdoor spaces, including the scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the expansive Portage Lakes State Park, which offer trails, lakes, and recreational opportunities year-round.
Akron is renowned for its cultural attractions, with institutions such as the Akron Art Museum, the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, and the Akron Civic Theatre. The city hosts numerous events and festivals, including the Akron Marathon and the National Hamburger Festival, which celebrate the city's athletic and culinary achievements.
Education is a key focus in Akron, with several higher education institutions, including the University of Akron and Stark State College, contributing to the city's vibrant academic environment. The city's public and private schools are well-regarded, making it an attractive place for families. The strong emphasis on education supports a knowledgeable and skilled workforce.
Living in Akron combines the benefits of urban living with the warmth of a close-knit community. Residents have access to top-notch healthcare facilities, a thriving job market, and diverse dining and shopping options. The city's efficient public transportation system, including buses and the Metro RTA, makes commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its rich history, cultural vibrancy, and welcoming atmosphere, Akron offers a dynamic and fulfilling living experience.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.
Ratings
AreaVibes conducted surveys and polls with locals who live in the area. The results were not favorable for walkability of amenities, parks, public transit and the overall sense of community in the area.
Located in the state of Ohio, Akron is a big city with a population of 203,042 people. In Akron, there are 3,274 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. Individuals of White (59%) and Black or African American (30%) backgrounds make up a significant portion of the population of the city. In Akron, only 41% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Akron, Ohio. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. With useful information like amenities, crime, health & safety, education and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Akron and in the areas around Akron is a much easier task.
Using data and statistics Akron has received a livability score of 81 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 95th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a phenomenal score, as Akron ranks well in multiple categories! Another exciting tidbit, is that Akron ranks better than 90% of all US cities! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Akron scores well for housing (A+) Unfortunately for Akron, there are some categories for which it does not score well, this includes: crime (F) and employment (F).
The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Akron, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Akron undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Akron: Akron Zoo, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, and Akron Art Museum.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Akron excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Akron is real estate affordability. The median home price for Akron homes is $149,422, which is 36.4% lower than the Ohio average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Akron, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.5, which is 19.4% lower than the Ohio average.
| Statistic | Akron | Ohio | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.3% | 83.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 11.2% | 7.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.1% | 1.7% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.9% | 2.3% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.6% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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