Most people who know Akron know it as a neighbor of Cleveland or as the birthplace of basketball legend LeBron James. The city, though, has a lot to offer relative to its quiet reputation. Despite the perception of it as small, it has a population of ~200,000 and a metro area of nearly 700,000. This size is a sweet spot, particularly in the Midwest, for a combination of low housing prices and interesting city amenities. 

Downtown Akron hosts a good mix of concerts, shows, expos, and cultural events throughout the year that are usually reserved for bigger or more prominent cities than Akron. Fortunately for Akron residents, this does not translate to big-city prices. The low cost of living and a median home value of $80K mean residents save on the essentials so they can enjoy everything else Akron has to offer.

Akron is known for high crime rates, and while plenty of neighborhoods have better stats, safety is something to consider when making a move. As with most cities, these safety statistics are not helpful on a city-wide basis but regardless they are trending in the right direction in most major categories. Perhaps more importantly, the Akron City School District consistently places in the bottom 50% in the state of Ohio for most educational categories.


More Bang for your Buck

LookyLOO Review of Akron

Akron is often lauded by residents as an embodiment of midwestern hospitality and small-city living (even if it’s not as small as that ideal warrants). Lock 3 Park in the city’s downtown is home to outdoor events year-round, including ice skating, bumper cars, and the aforementioned concerts and cultural events. Akron is a diverse city with a great park system, including the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, and easy access to Portage Lakes State Park, giving Akron an outdoor edge over most midwestern destinations. Cleveland also isn’t too far away for those looking for a bigger metropolitan.

If you're interested in checking out what locals get up to in Akron here is the downtown [**calendar of events**](downtownakron.com/calendar). 

We highly recommend visiting Akron and staying in the community in a [VRBO](https://vrbo.com/affiliate/p4JS4ZC) rather than a hotel to get a feel for what it's like to live among the locals. You can receive discounted fares on travel via our [partnership with Expedia](expedia.com/affiliate/9NZ8LBQ) as well.

Lifestyle 

Revitalization is a term Akronites throw around a lot and for good reason. In 2018, the city began investing in neighborhood business districts to catalyze small business growth across the city. While Akron was no exception to the struggles that came with COVID, the city has doubled down on its support of small businesses through additional investments and incentives in an attempt to make Akron one of the best places in the country to start a small business. The big name in Akron is Goodyear, one of the largest tire manufacturers on the planet and the owner of an abnormally large fleet of airship blimps. Goodyear started in Akron and still employs thousands of people in the area. 


Worklife

Broad economic development plans in Akron’s revitalization could make for a wise investment for you personally. Buying into the area’s relatively cheap housing market as the city improves and grows might be a smart move for both your future home and financial status. 


The Bounce

Why Move Here Now?

**cuyahoagie**
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

Just me... I love it here. It checks all my boxes, but I don't live in Akron proper so I don't know if that counts. Are there other places that would be cool to live? Of course! Could I afford to live in those places? No!

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is such an asset, and you are within driving distance of whatever experience you are looking for. World-class theatre, museums, professional sports, live music, water, roller coasters, healthcare. And we are safe from the major natural disasters.

Nowhere is perfect. Akron isn't perfect. Can you live a well rounded life here? Yes.

For more reviews of what living in Akron is like from locals check out: [**The Reviews**](https://lookyloomove.com/locations/akron/reviews)




Safety and Education

Reviews of Akron from Locals

Downtown Akron, as is true in most cities, is a great place for young people to start their search for a place to live. There are tons of cool and luxurious apartment/condo/loft spaces in renovated and historic buildings throughout the area. There are 50+ boutique/eclectic restaurant options and plenty of rooftop bars, hidden speakeasies, clubs and micro-breweries for nightlife. Downtown is host for many of the city’s festivals and concerts, including the annual Pride parade and has great parks and outdoor play areas when the weather warms up. Nearby Highland Square is regarded as “quirky,” “artsy,” and another great option for young single people into the arts and is an area where the LGBTQ community often lives. 
- Downtown
- Highland Square
- Goodyear Heights


Young Professionals/LGBTQ+

Downtown

Developed by Goodyear founder Frank Seiberling to improve housing conditions for his workers, Goodyear Heights is a walkable historic neighborhood with tree-lined streets and wonderful homes that are still relatively affordable for first-time homeowners and retirees alike. The community culture is strong with the parks and a community centers acting as gathering places for events like the Friday Night Summer Concert Series, and the Good Garden Art Events at the Community Garden. If you're just starting your search for a place for your family or a great neighborhood for retirement then add Goodyear Heights to your list. 
- Goodyear Heights
- Firestone Park
- Ellet


Families/Retirees

Goodyear Heights

Northwest Akron is one of the most popular family-friendly neighborhoods in Akron. Some of this is due to the beautiful estates near Portage Path and Merriman Road (although the area has plenty of new, more reasonably priced homes as well). Some of this is due to the fact the neighborhood borders Sand Run Metropark, which has miles of quiet bucolic trails for walking, hiking or biking. Finally, locals also love the Northwest Community Center where families gather for play and events throughout the year.  
- Northwest Akron
- Fairlawn Heights
- Highland Square
- North Hill


Families

Northwest Akron

Another beloved family neighborhood in Akron is Firestone Park.  This highly rated spot is at the southern tip of city and is known for its beautiful homes and wonderful crazy park. The homes were mostly built between 1940-1960, with a batch also built in the original historic development in the early decades of the 20th century. 

One unusual part of Firestone Park is the actual shape of the park at its center. It was designed and built to match the shape of the original Firestone shield emblem. It is surrounded by churches, a school, a community center, a public library and the Astor Avenue commercial district. Families love the park for its wonderful green spaces for outdoor play, tennis courts, and walking trails. 

Firestone Park

Akron

**leashskeeeez**
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉🦉

I live in West Akron, and we love it here. You’ll be able to find some places to rent in Highland Square and Cuyahoga Falls, which is likely what I would go for outside of West Akron/Fairlawn. Do yourself a favor and if you do decide on Akron, come here to get an opinion on apartments/locations before you sign a lease. There are certainly some apartments in all of these locations that I would still avoid (looking at you, Timbertop).

**seabunnies**
1y ago
🦉🦉🦉

University of Akron has a great law school program. My husband went there and we still live in Akron still. He lived in Cuyahoga Falls for awhile and then Highland Square where we still live. Akron's a good sized small city. Cost of living is good and plenty to do around here or go check out in Cleveland.

**Mammoth-Analyst-2286**
5mo ago
🦉🦉🦉

Akron area has a lot of really nice hiking trails. It’s one of our favorite parts of living around here. There are lots of activities to do in Akron and surrounding cities. Especially if you’ll drive an hour around each way. You can find all different activities. The schools in actual Akron city limits are not my favorite. surrounding cities are better. Depending on your child’s needs. There are plenty of Homeschool groups/ co-ops all around. From just play date types to co-op style full day classes. Job market is going to depend on your abilities like everywhere. We are moving closer to town after living farther out for a few years. But buying in surrounding area. So it’s all personal preference really



**cuyahoagie**
2y ago
🦉🦉🦉

Just me... I love it here. It checks all my boxes, but I don't live in Akron proper so I don't know if that counts. Are there other places that would be cool to live? Of course! Could I afford to live in those places? No!

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park is such an asset, and you are within driving distance of whatever experience you are looking for. World-class theatre, museums, professional sports, live music, water, roller coasters, healthcare. And we are safe from the major natural disasters.

Nowhere is perfect. Akron isn't perfect. Can you live a well rounded life here? Yes.

**Living in Akron, Ohio**

There are so many reason to Move to Akron Ohio, and in today's video, I am coving 10 reasons why Akron Ohio is a Great City to live in. You'll hear me say it like 3 times in the video, but Akron is on the come up!!!!


Akron, Ohio

Rubber City

Looklyloo Score: 83

Reviews

What's it like to live in Akron?