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.
Akron, Ohio is a medium-sized city with a population of 197,375 people. Akron has a population density of 3,187 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. Akron is mostly populated by White (59%) and Black or African American (30%) ethnic groups. Akron is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 41%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married.
Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Akron, Ohio could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Akron and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Ohio and national averages.
Using data and statistics Akron has received a livability score of 80 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 96th percentile when compared to all other cities. Compared to the US average, Akron ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that Akron ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we check out each of the categories individually, we see that Akron ranks well for housing (B+). There are some categories that Akron scores poorly for, including: crime (F) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
Living in Akron offers many benefits and offers an extensive array of local amenities. These amenities play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in this vibrant community. From readily accessible grocery stores to charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and generously spaced parks, Akron provides a wide spectrum of resources for its residents. This ensures that your daily requirements are effortlessly met and creates abundant opportunities for leisure and recreation. The abundant local offerings contribute to the area's overall appeal, making it an attractive destination for those seeking convenience, variety and a fulfilling lifestyle. If you're considering a move, the wealth of local amenities continues could be a defining feature of this remarkable locale. Among the enticing options for fun and exploration in Akron are: Akron Zoo, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, and Akron Art Museum.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Akron apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Akron. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Akron are affordable. The median home price for Akron homes is $83,500, which is 36.7% 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 2.1, which is 19.2% 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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