Best 7 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.

Akron Gets Started

The city 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.

Things to Do in Akron

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 the 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.

Cost of Living

Plus, it’s an affordable city where all these top-tier attractions can be accessible without emptying your wallet. The cost of living in Akron, Ohio, was 19% below the national average, with housing coming in an astonishing 74% under. The median list price in May 2024 was $148,000 for 822 listings.

Akron, Ohio Neighborhoods

So, where do you live in Akron? The good news is it’s a city, but a small one. Only about 189,000 people lived here in 2023. As a result, many of its 24 neighborhoods have a small-town feel. Expect lower commute times, friendly people, and fun activities without a big price tag. Start your Akron home search by looking at these top-picked Akron neighborhoods.

Goodyear Heights

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

This neighborhood feels like an escape from urban Akron. In place of packed-in concrete and brick buildings are lush parks and mature landscaping. Notably, Goodyear Heights Metro Park has 400 acres of open space with sledding, fishing, and hiking facilities. Find room for all your recreational activities.

The neighborhood 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 52 listings at a median home price of $130,000 in June 2024. 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 minutes from downtown yet offers a more urban village vibe with 19th-century buildings mixed in.

This pedestrian-oriented neighborhood makes getting around to its five parks and other perks easy. Locals have retail and specialty shops, restaurants, neighborhood services, auto dealers, and offices in the West Market Street District. For night life, the “bar district” is near this popular district. Or visit the Highland Theater, a 1938 movie house with $5 admission deals.

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

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 historic homes. Highland Square had 23 homes for sale for a median of $180,000 in June 2024.

Northwest Akron

Driving through Northwest Akron feels like a country club. Beautiful homes sit in 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 of city life. It has a reputation as one of the more affluent areas in Akron.

Located in the middle is Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, an Ohio bucket-list attraction. The Tudor-inspired former home of Goodyear founder Frank Seiberling impresses its visitors with 70 acres of beautiful grounds. The 19th century home is equally impressive.

The Pilgrim Square Shopping Center is where locals come to get what they need. Visit retailers for a new haircut or simply browse the plaza shops. 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. June 2024 had 50 homes for sale at a median list price of $245,000.

Firestone Park

Firestone Park in South Akron developed a century ago, this time 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. Here, nature enthusiasts can walk through wildflower meadows and forests. The park has walking paths, hills perfect for sledding during the winter, and fishing at its pond. There’s even a new splash pad for the kids to play in during summer.

The Firestone Park neighborhood has perks of its own, too. Locals benefit from a community center, exceptional schools, and a library branch. There were 27 homes for sale at a median price of $142,000 in June 2024.

Fairlawn Heights

Fairlawn Heights in West 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 from the local private and public 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. Several shopping centers keep the conveniences of modern living within reach.

Locals have an optional neighborhood association dedicated to building a sense of 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. Styles include Georgian Revival, Tudor, and Chateaux. The cost of housing is higher compared to the Akron area. A median list price of $500,000 for its five homes for sale in February 2023.

Merriman Valley

Merriman Valley is attractive to up-and-coming professionals and those seeking an active lifestyle in their Akron, Ohio, neighborhood. Thanks to the picturesque Cuyahoga River, locals take full advantage of outdoor recreation such as canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding when spring and summer roll around. Between the river and the rolling landscape, this part of Akron has unbeatable scenery and convenience.

While it’s outside Akron city limits, 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 in northwest Akron.

Merriman Valley had 18 listings with a median list price of $282,000 in June 2024.

Ellet

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

The neighborhood is uniquely partitioned from the rest of Akron by the Akron Executive Airport, Goodyear’s industrial plant, Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Interstate 76 and the Little Cuyahoga River. It makes it feel like a city within a city.

While surrounded by industry, inside Ellet is 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 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 61 homes for sale at a median list price of $180,000 in June 2024.

Best Places to Live in Akron, Ohio

From the iconic All-American Soap Box Derby to historical sites like Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Akron has a unique charm. While its roots are highly industrial, the modern city is a place for art, culture, music, and a relaxed lifestyle. Find a high quality of life without breaking the bank by buying a home in Akron.

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

Updated July 2024