If you’re considering moving to Akron OH, you’ll find a city with a rich history, a strong job market, and a blend of urban and outdoor experiences. Known as the “Rubber Capital of the World,” Akron earned its nickname for its deep roots in the tire and rubber industry, with companies like Goodyear calling the city home. Today, while manufacturing remains a key part of the economy, Akron’s job market has diversified into healthcare, education, and technology.
As one of the most affordable Ohio cities, Akron offers the perks of a big city without the overwhelming cost of living. Located just 40 miles south of Lake Erie, residents enjoy access to waterfront recreation while also being within driving distance of larger cities like Cleveland and Columbus. Plus, Akron’s neighboring cities, such as Cuyahoga Falls and Fairlawn, offer additional dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
For those who love arts and culture living in Akron Ohio, you’ll be happy to know that the city is home to numerous museums, including the Akron Art Museum and Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. The city also boasts a thriving music scene, with venues like Musica and the Akron Civic Theatre hosting local and national acts. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the many hiking trails throughout the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, providing a scenic escape just minutes from downtown.
So, is Akron Ohio a good place to live? With its affordability, job opportunities, cultural attractions, and outdoor amenities, the benefits of living in Akron Ohio make it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a well-rounded place to call home. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about living in Akron Ohio.
Table of Contents
Is Akron Ohio a Good Place to Live?
Akron Ohio is a good place to live. Residents living in Akron Ohio can enjoy a thriving job market, affordable cost of living, vibrant culture scene, and proximity to other major cities.
Where Is Akron, Ohio?
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What county is Akron Ohio in? Akron Ohio is in Summit County and is also the county seat. When living in Akron Ohio, you’ll be located in the Northeast Ohio Great Lakes region, and you’ll be just 40 miles south of Lake Erie. Additionally, Downtown Akron is close to many larger cities that you can easily commute to.
It is 232 miles from Akron OH to Cincinnati OH and 125 miles from Akron Ohio to Columbus Ohio. Other cities near Akron include Portage Lakes, Cuyahoga Falls, and Stow. In addition to these other cities, many people living in Akron Ohio say that Akron falls into the Cleveland area.
How big is Akron Ohio? Akron is 62.27 square miles, giving it a population density of 3,075 people per square mile.
Akron Information
- Akron county: Summit County
- Akron area: 62.27 square miles
- Akron zip code: 44301-44398
- Akron area code: 234, 330
- Akron elevation: 1,004 feet
- Akron time zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC -5 and -4)
- Closest airport to Akron: Akron-Canton Airport (CAK), 14 miles away
Akron Population & Demographics
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What is the population of Akron Ohio? The Akron population is 190,469, which is a 4.3% decrease over the past decade. Akron is also a part of the Akron metropolitan area, which has a population of 702,219. The median age in Akron is 37.1, and the average household size is 2.2 persons.
Out of all the households of residents living in Akron Ohio, 40% are occupied by married couples, 28% by non-family members, 26% by a female householder, and 6% by a male householder. Additionally, 91.1% of residents living in Akron Ohio have a high school degree (or higher), while 26.3% have a bachelor’s degree (or higher).
Here are a few additional Akron Ohio demographics to help you get to know the residents living in Akron Ohio.
- Sex ratio: 51.6% female, 48.4% male
- Racial & ethnic composition: 56.2% White (54.9% non-Hispanic), 29.4% Black or African American, 8.5% two or more races, 4.6% Asian, 0.2% American Indian
- Median household income: $48,544 (compared to Ohio average of $67,769)
- Foreign-born population: 6.4%
- Notable people from Akron: LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Chrissie Hynde
Transportation
One of the benefits of living in Akron Ohio is its convenient and accessible transportation options. Whether you’re moving to Akron Ohio for work or leisure, getting around the city is relatively easy.
Akron is well-connected by major highways, making the daily commute efficient for residents living in Akron Ohio. Interstate 77 runs north-south through the city, providing a direct route to Cleveland and Canton, while Interstate 76 connects Akron to Youngstown and the Pennsylvania border. Route 8 serves as a key highway for those traveling between Akron and its neighboring cities.
For those who prefer public transportation, the METRO Regional Transit Authority (METRO RTA) operates a network of bus routes throughout Akron and the surrounding areas. METRO RTA offers both local and express services.
Air travel is also convenient for those living in Akron Ohio. The Akron-Canton Airport (CAK), located just 15 minutes south of Downtown Akron, provides flights to major U.S. destinations. Additionally, Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) is less than an hour away, offering even more flight options for both domestic and international travel.
Akron Ohio Cost of Living
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Is Akron Ohio a good place to live for families on a budget? Yes! Akron offers affordable living compared to many other major cities. The Cost of Living Index in Akron is 80.8. This means that living in Akron Ohio is 19.2% more affordable compared to the national average of 100. The cost of living in Akron Ohio is lower than other Ohio cities like Cleveland (10.6% more affordable), Columbus (11% more affordable), and Cincinnati (16.1% more affordable).
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in Akron Ohio would need to earn $101,067 per year to live comfortably in the city.
Typical Akron Living Expenses
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $14.50
- Gallon of milk: $4.24
- Loaf of bread: $2.46
- Pound of apples: $3.47
- Bottle of wine: $14.00
- Gallon of gas: $3.15
- Fitness membership (monthly): $43.33
- Average Akron utilities per month: $158.05
Source: Numbeo
When living in Akron Ohio, you’ll need to pay the appropriate taxes. The income tax rate for the City of Akron is 2.50%, which applies to business net profits, employee wages, and all income taxable to the city. The Akron sales tax rate is 6.75%, which includes both local and state sales tax rates. When it comes to property taxes in Akron, you’ll need to pay property taxes to the Summit County Fiscal Office. Property taxes are based on the assessed value of your home as well as tax levies. Your assessed value will be 35% of the appraised market value of your home.
When living in Akron Ohio, you’ll also need to consider the cost of real estate. This will significantly impact the cost of living you will encounter.
Akron Ohio Real Estate | Average Rent & Home Prices
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Do you want to purchase Akron housing when living in Akron Ohio? Luckily, there are plenty of Akron Ohio houses to choose from! According to Redfin, the average home price in Akron Ohio is $129,000, which is well below the Ohio average of $231,000 and the national average of $418,000. When living in Akron Ohio, you’ll find a mix of several different types of housing. The most common are single-family homes; however you’ll find some condos and townhomes scattered throughout the area.
If you’d rather rent when living in Akron Ohio, there are plenty of great apartments to consider. A few popular options include The Goodrich, Standard on Main, Riverwood Apartments, and The 401 Lofts. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Akron Ohio is $1,085. The most affordable neighborhoods in the area are Kenmore ($783 per month), Summit Lake ($816 per month), and South Akron ($859 per month). The most expensive neighborhoods in Akron are Downtown Akron ($1,196 per month), Bath ($1,225 per month), and High Hampton ($1,455 per month).
According to the 2022 Rental Affordability Report, it is more affordable to buy than to rent when living in Akron Ohio.
Best Akron Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Akron
After moving to Akron Ohio, you’ll want to find a great place to settle down. From busy inner city areas to rural Akron neighborhoods on the outskirts of town, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are a few of the best Akron neighborhoods.
Merriman Valley | Peaceful Akron Neighborhood
Merriman Valley is often considered the best place to live in Akron Ohio. This neighborhood is situated in the northern portion of the city and is home to large home sites and spacious yards. This neighborhood has plenty of recreation opportunities and borders Hampton Hills Metro Park, which is a 655-acre park with an archery range, hiking trails, and more. This neighborhood is also just a short drive from Cleveland, making it a popular spot for commuters. It is also considered to be one of the safest neighborhoods in Akron Ohio.
North Hill | Popular Among Families
Located just north of Downtown Akron, North Hill is a popular option among young families looking to stay close to the action while still enjoying a rural lifestyle. This area is almost entirely residential and is full of single family homes and walkable streets. There are plenty of amazing schools located in North Hill, including Findley CLC, Saint Hedwigs School, and North High School. This amazing neighborhood is bordered by Gorge Metro Park to the north.
Downtown Akron | Bustling Area Great for Young Professionals
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If you’re a student or young professional living in Akron Ohio, then Downtown Akron is a great place to be. Downtown Akron is walkable and lively, and there’s always something to do. You’ll find some of the area’s popular breweries in this neighborhood, such as Lock 15 Brewing Company and Thirsty Dog Brewing Company.
This neighborhood is also home to a majority of the city’s apartment complexes, with popular options like The Depot Apartments, The Bowery, and Mayflower Manor. The University of Akron is also located Downtown, so the neighborhood has become a hotspot for students.
Akron Ohio Weather & Climate
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When living in Akron Ohio, you’ll enjoy a climate that is typical of the Midwest. Akron offers a humid continental climate, which means that the Akron climate is characterized by four distinct seasons, allowing you to enjoy the natural beauty that the city has to offer. You’ll experience humid summers and cold winters. The average summer Akron temperature is 72ºF, while the average winter Akron temperature is 22ºF.
Does it snow in Akron Ohio? It does snow in Akron Ohio, however, you’ll experience far less snow than areas closer to Lake Erie. The average annual snowfall in Akron is 42 inches, which is higher than the national average of 28 inches. In addition to snowfall, you’ll likely experience other weather patterns like rain, sleet, and ice.
Akron Restaurants
When living in Akron Ohio, you’ll find no shortage of amazing places to eat. There are many different cuisines in Akron, including both Hungarian and Polish foods due to the large number of residents of Hungarian and Polish descent living in Akron Ohio. In fact, Sauerkraut balls were voted the official dish of Akron in 1996, according to The Columbus Dispatch. Here are a few of the best places to eat in Akron.
- Kingfish: Kingfish is easily one of the best restaurants in Akron and serves up yummy seafood along with delightful wines. From oysters to surf and turf, this is the place to go for fresh seafood. 115 Montrose W Ave, Akron, OH 44321, (330) 777-2005
- Gasoline Alley: A favorite among those living in Akron Ohio, Gasoline Alley is the perfect place to sit down for a pizza or hamburger. They serve up classic American food with a twist, such as Reuben pizzas and bacon burgers. 870 N Cleveland Massillon Rd, Akron, OH 44333, (330) 666-2670
- Crave: Crave is an upscale American restaurant serving up elevated salads, sandwiches, soups, and more. 156 S Main St, Akron, OH 44308, (330) 253-1234
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Things to Do in Akron Ohio
Aren’t sure what to do in Akron Ohio? When living in Akron Ohio, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do. From outdoor activities to entertainment options, these are the best things to do in Akron.
Top Akron Attractions
- Akron Zoo: When it comes to fun things to do in Akron with kids, the Akron Zoo is at the top of the list. This 50-acre zoo features over 700 species as well as fun seasonal events.
- Lock 3 Park: Head over to Lock 3 Park to enjoy seasonal concerts, ice skating, fireworks, a farmer’s market, and more.
- The Great Escape Room Akron: You have to try The Great Escape Room when living in Akron Ohio. Step into a themed room and see if you can get out in time.
- Akron Break Room: Akron Break Room features paint rooms, rage rooms, and more.
- Nature Realm Visitor Center: This beautiful visitor center features peaceful gardens, water fixtures, and more.
- K1 Speed: This indoor racing center offers go-karting for all skill levels.
- Get Air Trampoline Park: If you have kids living in Akron Ohio, then head over to Get Air to jump until you can’t anymore.
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Akron Entertainment & Arts
- Cascade Plaza: This downtown spot features seasonal events like roller skating, movies, and more.
- Akron Art Museum: Don’t skip out on the Akron Art Museum when living in Akron Ohio. You’ll find thousands of historic prints in this building.
- Akron Civic Theatre: This is easily one of the best entertainment venues in town, featuring historic architecture from 1929.
- Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Stop by to ride on vintage trains and learn more about locomotive history.
Akron Museums
- Akron Children’s Museum: This interactive museum features exhibits on science, health, and technology.
- Hower House Museum: Walk through this historic home and learn more about life in the Victorian era.
- Simon Perkins Stone Mansion: This museum is located in a restored Greek Revival mansion and was completed by the son of the city’s founder.
- Cummings Center for the History of Psychology: This unique museum is organized by the University of Akron.
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Akron Parks & Outdoors
- Canal Park: Canal Park is an 8,500-seat stadium hosting the Akron RubberDucks baseball games.
- F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm: Wander through this beautiful park featuring forests, bridges, and more.
- Portage Lakes State Park: Here, you’ll find eight lakes as well as several camping spots and picnic shelters.
- Goodyear Heights Metro Park: This park features over 400 acres of open space for a variety of outdoor activities.
Shopping in Akron
- Summit Mall: This outdoor mall features many well-known retailers and restaurants.
- Arlington Plaza: Here, you’ll find many locally-owned shops and businesses.
- South Plaza Shopping Center: This popular mall features a grocery store, a nail salon, a Big Lots, and more.
Map of Akron Attractions
Sports
For sports fans, living in Akron Ohio means being a part of a community that has a deep passion for athletics. The city is home to the Akron Zips, the University of Akron’s NCAA Division I teams, which compete in sports like football, basketball, and soccer. Catching sports events at InfoCision Stadium or the James A. Rhodes Arena is a great way to experience local college athletics.
Beyond college sports, Akron’s sports scene has been heavily influenced by LeBron James, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, who was born and raised in the city. His success has fueled a love of basketball throughout the region, inspiring young athletes and drawing attention to Akron as a sports hub. Stephen Curry, another NBA legend, was also born in Akron.
If you’re looking for major sports teams, living in Akron Ohio puts you just a short drive from Cleveland, where you can watch the Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), Cleveland Browns (NFL), and Cleveland Guardians (MLB), in action.
Akron Crime Rate | Is Akron Ohio a Safe Place to Live?
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Is Akron safe? This is one of the most important things to consider before moving to Akron OH. Let’s take a look at the Akron crime rate.
- Overall crime rate: 4,250 crimes per 100,000 people (104.7% higher than the state average and 82.9% higher than the national average)
- Violent crime rate: 821 crimes per 100,000 people (179.6% higher than the state average and 122.0% higher than the national average)
- Property crime rate: 3,429 crimes per 100,000 people (92.3% higher than the state average and 75.4% higher than the national average)
As you can see, the Akron crime rate is well above both the Ohio average and the national average. However, living in Akron Ohio is very safe. In a recent press conference, the mayor of Akron confirmed that crime rates in Akron are on the decline. Over the past year, there has been a 33% decrease in shootings, an 8% decrease in felony assaults, and a 2% decrease in robberies.
Additionally, there are several safe neighborhoods in the area that see little to no crime at all. If you’re living in Akron Ohio and want to consider the safest neighborhoods, Merriman Valley, Wallhaven, and Fairlawn Heights are all great options.
The Akron Police Department protects residents living in Akron Ohio.
Economy & Jobs in Akron Ohio
For those considering living in Akron Ohio, the city’s economy offers a mix of traditional industries and growing job sectors. Once known as the Rubber Capital of the World, Akron was home to major tire manufacturers, including Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, which remains one of the area’s largest employers today.
Beyond its industrial roots, Akron’s job market has expanded into healthcare, education, and technology. Some of the city’s top employers include Summa Health, Akron Children’s Hospital, and the University of Akron. Manufacturing and polymer research also play a significant role in the local economy, thanks to the Polymer Science Institute at the University of Akron.
For those seeking even more job opportunities, living in Akron Ohio provides easy access to Cleveland, which is just a 40-minute drive north. Many Akron residents commute to Cleveland for work, where top employers like Cleveland Clinic, KeyBank, and Sherwin-Williams offer competitive salaries.
Speaking of earnings, the average salary in Akron is generally lower than in some larger metro areas, but so is the cost of living – making it an affordable option for young professionals and families living in Akron Ohio. According to Payscale, the average salary in Akron is $69,000. To look for Akron jobs, check out the city job board or search for ‘jobs in Akron Ohio’ on Indeed.
Healthcare
When living in Akron Ohio, you’ll find a great healthcare system. Summa Health System – Akron Campus, is a nationally recognized provider of quality, compassionate healthcare services. You’ll also find Cleveland Clinic Akron General, which offers a wide range of specialties and programs to meet diverse healthcare needs.
Families will find great pediatric care at Akron Children’s Hospital, which is known for its specialized services in areas like cardiology, oncology, and sports health. For veterans, the Akron VA Clinic provides primary and specialty health services, including mental health care and women’s health services.
Akron Schools
For families living in Akron Ohio, the city offers a variety of educational opportunities for students of all ages. The Akron School District, officially known as Akron Public Schools (APS), serves over 20,000 students across numerous elementary schools, middle schools, and Akron high schools. APS is known for its College & Career Academies, which provide students with hands-on learning experiences.
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There are many elementary schools in Akron Ohio, including Ritzman Elementary School, King Elementary, and Windemere CLC. When it comes to high schools in Akron Ohio, notable options include Firestone Community Learning Center, which offers an International Baccalaureate program, and STEM High School, which specializes in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
For families seeking private schools in Akron Ohio, options include St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, a well-regarded Catholic school known for its academics and athletics (and notably the alma mater of LeBron James). Other options include Our Lady of the Elms and The Lippman School.
Higher education is also a major part of living in Akron Ohio. The University of Akron is located in the heart of the city and is known for its engineering, business, and polymer science programs.
When living in Akron Ohio, you can utilize the Akron-Summit County Public Library.
Akron Utilities & DMV Change of Address
Before you start living in Akron Ohio, you may need to transfer your utilities to your new home. Ohio Edison and AEP provide electric and gas services to the area, while the Akron Water Supply Bureau provides water services.
If you need to change your address before moving to Akron OH, then you’ll need to get in touch with the USPS and the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Ready to Start Living in Akron Ohio?
So, is Akron Ohio a good place to live? Yes! Living in Akron Ohio has truly never been better. If you’re thinking about moving to Akron OH, then get in touch with the Akron movers at Summit Moving & Storage. Our team will help make your move smooth and stress-free from start to finish. Give us a call today at (330) 633-3633 to get started with a free quote.
