7 Best Places to Live in Akron, Ohio

Did you know that Akron, Ohio, is a three-time All-America City? This small city is sometimes overshadowed by Cleveland to its north, but Akron is actually one of Ohio’s best places to live. Lebron James’ hometown is a world-renowned center for polymer research, a one-time rubber capital of the world, and the home of the breakfast cereal industry.

With all that industry, why live in Akron? We’ll explore what makes Akron a great place to call home and highlight a few of its top communities to check out.

Why live in Akron?

Akron is definitely a quirky place to live. Some of its claims to fame? It’s home to:

• All-American Soap Box Derby,
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Oatmeal
• Artificial fishing bait
• National Hamburger Festival

And the quirkiness goes on, but we’ll save that for you to discover on your own.

The city’s history dates to 1825, when Akron was a canal town on the Ohio & Erie Canalway. The coming of the railroad industry didn’t slow it down. It pivoted to be a center of manufacturing and remains one today.

That manufacturing drew people to live in Akron and the services to support a blue-collar population. Around the city grew affordable housing, shopping centers, schools, and parks.

Modern Akron blends metropolitan convenience and outdoor recreation. Thanks to 6,600 acres of Metropolitan Parks, residents have miles of biking and hiking trails that snake through the parklands, such as the 87-mile Towpath Trail or the Sand Run Metro Park.

People needed something else to do off work, and Akron grew a music culture over time. Whether you prefer local watering holes or live outdoor concerts in the summer, Akron has an authentic music scene with skilled artists across genres. Some of music’s renowned performers, such as The Black Keys and Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, are from the city of Akron.

What else is there to do? Spend time with Minor League Baseball AA team, the Akron Rubber Ducks playing from Canal Park. Or, tour the National First Ladies Library, where you can immerse yourself in US history and the life stories of first ladies through exhibits. Once the home of Goodyear’s founders, the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is a beautiful historic site and attraction in every season. Akron has a zoo, civic theater, art museum, children’s museum, and many more attractions.

Plus, it’s an affordable city where all these top-tier attractions can be accessible without emptying your wallet. Akron’s overall cost of living was 31% below the national average, with housing coming in an astonishing 74% under. The median list price in January 2023 was $120,000 for 828 listings.

So where do you live in Akron? The good news is even though it’s a city, it’s a small one, so many of its 24 neighborhoods have a small-town feel. Start looking at these top-picked Akron neighborhoods.

Goodyear Heights

Goodyear Heights is an iconic neighborhood and home to some of the most stunning architecture around. Developed by Goodyear Tire & Rubber founder Frank Seiberling to enhance his workers’ living conditions, Goodyear Heights has become a model of efficient community planning and suburban architecture.

Filled with lush parks and mature landscaping, this neighborhood feels like an escape from urban Akron. Notably, Goodyear Heights Metro Park has 400 acres of open space with sledding, fishing, and hiking facilities.

Goodyear Heights is renowned for being one of the city’s oldest and most-regarded areas; the historic houses are often snatched up quickly. Not only that, but those looking for a place here will find prices surprisingly affordable. Goodyear Heights had 61 listings at a median list price of $106,000 in February 2023. Options range from Cape Cod style to midcentury ranch.

Highland Square

Are you searching for something offbeat and artistic? Then Highland Square is the place to be! It’s situated near downtown, yet offers a more urban village atmosphere with 19th-century buildings mixed in.

Locals can find retail and specialty shops, restaurants, neighborhood services, auto dealers, and offices in the West Market Street District. Locals have the “bar district” near West Market Street and five parks, all situated in a pedestrian-oriented neighborhood for easy resident access. Or visit the Highland Theater, a 1938 movie house with $5 admission deals.

One of its most notable features includes Portage Path, a pathway forged by Native Americans for transporting goods between the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas Rivers.

Experience PorchRokr, a music and art festival hosted on Highland Square neighborhood’s front porches and in conjunction with Highland Square Film Fest. Living here is perfect for any creative person looking for inspiration or fulfilling entertainment.

The available housing includes apartments and single-family homes. Highland Square had 30 homes for sale for a median of $147,500 in February 2023.

Northwest Akron

Driving through Northwest Akron feels like a country club, with a picturesque landscape of mature trees, golf courses, and ample park space. Home to Sand Run Metro Park, Northwest Akron is an ideal location for those seeking recreation and relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It has a reputation as one of the more affluent areas in Akron.

The Pilgrim Square Shopping Center is where locals come to get what they need – whether it’s a new haircut or simply browsing the plaza. Located in the middle is Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. The Tudor-inspired former home of Goodyear founder Frank Seiberling impresses its visitors with 70 acres of beautiful grounds. Other perks include excellent schools and a lower crime rate than other areas in Akron.

Northwest Akron has apartments up to single-family estate homes on ample lots. In particular, there are large homes along Portage Path and Merriman Road. February 2023 had 33 homes for sale at a median list price of $240,000.

Firestone Park

Firestone Park in the southern area of Akron developed a century ago, thanks to Firestone Tire and Rubber Company CEO Harvey Firestone. The homes were constructed for company personnel, just like nearby Goodyear Heights.

Tucked away in the southern region of this community lies Firestone Metro Park, where nature enthusiasts and families can immerse themselves in a picturesque landscape. Here you’ll find walking paths, hills perfect for sledding during the winter, and marshland views. There’s even a new splash pad for the kids to play in during summer.

The Firestone neighborhood also has a community center, exceptional schools, and a library branch. There were 44 homes for sale at a median price of $120,000 in February 2023.

Fairlawn Heights

Fairlawn Heights, located on the western side of Akron, is a charming neighborhood surrounded by lush trees and classic homes. Families will be pleased to know that their children can receive a top-notch education in this area in public and private schools.

Even though Fairlawn Heights has country charm, you don’t have to worry about missing out on city life since it’s only minutes away by car from downtown Akron and within reach of several shopping centers.

Locals have an optional neighborhood association dedicated to building community through events like a Fourth of July Parade.

Fairlawn Heights offers a diverse selection of homes ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 square feet, with styles including Georgian Revival, Tudor, and Chateaux. This neighborhood is one of the most expensive regions within Akron, with a median list price of $385,000 for its eight homes for sale in February 2023.

Merriman Valley

Merriman Valley is a vibrant area around Akron that has quickly become attractive to up-and-coming professionals and those seeking an active lifestyle. Located along the picturesque Cuyahoga River, locals can take full advantage of its natural beauty with outdoor recreation such as canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding when spring and summer roll around. This spectacular region offers unbeatable scenery combined with convenience.

While it’s outside of town, that doesn’t mean you’re far from neighborhood services and amenities. Residents have several coffee shops perfect for catching up with friends, an eclectic dining scene with over 20 choices, and a few bars when you want happy hour after work! The Weathervane Playhouse is a community theater with fun shows put on during the year.

For more attractions, step back in time to two centuries ago with a visit to Hale Farm & Western Reserve Village. Alternatively, explore the Industrial Age at the dawn of the twentieth century by touring the nearby Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens.

Merriman Valley had 12 listings with a median list price of $260,000 in February 2023

Ellet

Ellet is the second-largest neighborhood in Akron by population. It offers neighbors a residential suburban lifestyle that feels worlds away from downtown. The land was named for Samuel Ellet, an early Akron pioneer.

Ellet is uniquely partitioned from the rest of Akron by the Akron Executive Airport, Goodyear’s industrial plant, Goodyear Heights Metro Park, and finally, I-76 and the Little Cuyahoga River.

Today Ellet is a vibrant area with a mix of apartments, condos, and single-family homes. Many were built after the 1990s, making it one of the city’s newer areas. This neighborhood attracts families for its highly rated schools like Ellet Community Learning Center and young professionals looking for affordable housing options near downtown Akron.

Locals have plenty to do with shopping at Eastgate Ellet Plaza, the Goodyear Heights Metro Park, and Springfield Lake Park. In the fall, one of the state’s best haunted houses is put on at the Haunted Schoolhouse & Library.

Ellet had 52 homes for sale at a median list price of $149,000 in February 2023.

Living in Akron, Ohio

From the iconic All-American Soap Box Derby to historical sites like Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Akron has a unique charm that captivates its residents. While its roots are highly industrial, the modern city is a place for art, culture, music, and a relaxed lifestyle. Find an affordable urban neighborhood or a highly desirable affluent area without spending millions in Akron.

Ready to live the good life in Ohio? Let a local real estate agent show you more of Akron’s charms.