If you’re considering moving to Akron, you’re in for a city rich in history, culture, and affordability. As the fifth largest city in the state, Akron offers a diverse range of communities for young professionals, families, and retirees alike. You’ll find plenty of amazing single family homes, apartments, and condos to choose from in the area as well.
From bustling downtown districts to charming suburban enclaves, the best neighborhoods in Akron Ohio offer something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the top Akron neighborhoods to help you find the perfect spot to call home in the Akron area. So, let’s dive in and help you find the best place to live in Akron Ohio.
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Downtown Akron | One of the Best Akron Neighborhoods for Young Professionals
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Downtown Akron is in the heart of the city and offers culture, entertainment, and convenience. With lively streets like East Market Street and West Market Street, residents enjoy easy access to trendy coffee shops, local restaurants, and exciting nightlife at places like Square Nightclub and BLU Jazz+. Downtown Akron is also known for its cultural attractions, including the Akron Art Museum and the Akron Children’s Museum.
Living in the Downtown Akron area means being within walking distance of the University of Akron’s Akron Campus, making it ideal for students and young professionals. Families can also explore the nearby Akron Zoo for a fun day out. With a variety of apartment neighborhoods, this busy area offers many different living options.
Downtown Akron Information
- Population: 5,727
- Average rent: $1,217
- Average home price: $165,000
- Downtown Akron crime rate: 4,508 crimes per 100,000 people (17.5% higher than the Akron average)
Northwest Akron | Diverse Neighborhood Close to Outdoor Activities
Northwest Akron is easily one of the most popular Akron neighborhoods. It is a popular place for Akron senior living due to its close proximity to fun outdoor attractions like Sand Run Metro Park, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, and Fairlawn Country Club. This area is very quiet and feels somewhat secluded, however, it is only a short drive away from all of the amenities of Downtown Akron.
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Northwest Akron is also one of the safest neighborhoods in Akron Ohio, and the crime rate is 85.7% lower than the Akron average. In this area, you’ll find mostly single family homes, and the median home price is $230,000. This is lower than the national average of $418,000.
Northwest Akron Information
- Population: 12,084
- Average rent: $1,081
- Average home price: $230,000
- Northwest Akron crime rate: 1,512 crimes per 100,000 people (85.7% lower than the Akron average)
Highland Square | One of the Best Akron Neighborhoods for Art Lovers
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When exploring the best neighborhoods in Akron Ohio, Highland Square stands out as one of the best. Known for its strong artistic culture and bustling social scene, this historic neighborhood attracts young professionals looking for a lively place to live.
One of the most exciting events in Highland Square is the annual Highland Square Music and Arts Festival, which celebrates local artists, musicians, and businesses. The area features a blend of stylish apartments like Highland Square Apartments, as well as gorgeous single family homes. Highland Square Akron is very safe, with a crime rate that is 28.1% lower than the Akron average.
Highland Square Information
- Population: 10,343
- Average rent: $1,115
- Average home price: $155,000
- Highland Square crime rate: 2,847 crimes per 100,000 people (28.1% lower than the Akron average)
South Akron | Peaceful Neighborhood With Plenty of Family-Owned Businesses
Located in Southwest Akron, South Akron is one of the best Akron neighborhoods. This peaceful neighborhood is located just south of the University of Akron, making it a popular place for students to settle down for a short commute. This area is mostly residential, although you’ll find a few small family-owned establishments such as Adam Klein’s Seafood and A Walk in the Park Cafe.
During the summer months in South Akron, you can soak up the sun at Morgan Park, and when the harsh winter weather arrives, you can enjoy a warm cup of coffee at The Java Shoppe. The mix of college students and families makes South Akron a fun and diverse place to live.
South Akron Information
- Population: 5,586
- Average rent: $1,090
- Average home price: $73,000
- South Akron crime rate: 5,196 crimes per 100,000 people (31.5% higher than the Akron average)
Chapel Hill | Akron Neighborhood Offering Both Natural Charm and Urban Convenience
Chapel Hill is one of the best Akron neighborhoods and is located in the northeast section of the city. This neighborhood offers the best of both worlds. You can enjoy urban amenities at the Chapel Hill Mall and Regal Independence, while also having easy access to natural attractions like Gorge Metro Park and Patterson Park.
Chapel Hill mostly consists of single family homes, and the median home price in the neighborhood is $141,000. According to Redfin, home prices are down 14% compared to last year, and homes sell after an average of 58 days on the market. You’ll also find some of the most affordable rent in the entire city here, with a median rent price of only $901 per month.
Chapel Hill Information
- Population: 7,198
- Average rent: $901
- Average home price: $141,000
- Chapel Hill crime rate: 4,308 crimes per 100,000 people (13% higher than the Akron average)
Firestone Park | One of the Most Sought-After Akron Neighborhoods
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Among Akron neighborhoods, Firestone Park offers a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere with a mix of historic homes and modern amenities. This well-established community is home to beautiful Akron parks such as Hines Hill Park and Diamond Crystal Ballfield. Firestone Park itself features walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas, making it a great spot for families and nature lovers.
For aviation enthusiasts, the Akron Fulton Airport is just minutes away, offering a glimpse into the city’s aviation history. Residents can enjoy nearby attractions like Firestone Stadium, which hosts local baseball and softball games. Firestone Park is also just a short drive away from the prestigious Firestone Country Club, which offers a 9-hole golf course and a heated driving range.
Firestone Park Information
- Population: 14,889
- Average rent: $1,090
- Average home price: $135,000
- Firestone Park crime rate: 4,023 crimes per 100,000 people (6.2% higher than the Akron average)
North Hill | Popular Akron Neighborhood Offering Easy Access to Cleveland
Head over to North Hill to explore one of the best neighborhoods in Akron Ohio. This residential neighborhood is located in Northeast Akron and is full of beautifully designed single family homes and several convenient retail shops. North Hill is surrounded by nature, and is bordered by the Cuyahoga River to the north and Cascade Valley Metro Park to the west.
North Hill is one of the best Akron neighborhoods for those who need easy access to the Cleveland area, as you can quickly hop on OH-8 and commute to Cleveland in under 45 minutes. North Hill is also home to Summa Health System – St. Thomas Campus, making it a great place to live for those who want easy access to healthcare.
North Hill Information
- Population: 15,911
- Average rent: $745
- Average home price: $132,000
- North Hill crime rate: 4,296 crimes per 100,000 people (12.7% higher than the Akron average)
West Akron | Welcoming Akron Neighborhood With Fantastic Schools
One of the most desirable Akron neighborhoods, West Akron, is known for its tree-lined streets, beautiful homes, and strong sense of community. It’s a great area for families, with top-rated schools like Firestone Community Learning Center and St. Vincent-St. Mary High School serving local students.
For shopping and dining, West Akron residents enjoy convenient access to shopping centers like Wallhaven Plaza and Fairlawn’s Summit Mall, just a few minutes away. Golf lovers can visit the historic Good Park Golf Course, while nature lovers can explore Sand Run Metro Park’s scenic trails. West Akron offers a great mix of charming historic homes and modern developments, offering something for every type of homeowner.
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West Akron Information
- Population: 15,361
- Average rent: $1,081
- Average home price: $125,000
- West Akron crime rate: 3,725 crimes per 100,000 people (1.4% lower than the Akron average)
Goodyear Heights | One of the Most Historic Akron Neighborhoods
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One of the most unique neighborhoods in Akron Ohio, Goodyear Heights is a historic neighborhood originally built for workers of Goodyear Tire in the early 1900s. Today, it remains a charming, well-established community known for its historic homes and well-maintained buildings.
Residents living in the area can enjoy the beautiful Goodyear Heights Metro Park, which offers scenic trails, picnic areas, and a fishing pond. For family-friendly fun, the nearby Reservoir Park features sports fields, a playground, and a public swimming pool to enjoy during the summer months. The area is also home to Eastwood Square Shopping Center, providing convenient dining and retail options. Additionally, you can check out the Linda Theatre, a single-screen budget theater that shows classic movies in a historic setting.
Goodyear Heights Information
- Population: 18,716
- Average rent: $1,090
- Average home price: $100,000
- Goodyear Heights crime rate: 4,136 crimes per 100,000 people (8.9% higher than the Akron average)
Merriman Valley | Affluent Akron Neighborhood Close to Natural Attractions
Merriman Valley is one of the most popular Akron neighborhoods and is full of amazing nature. It encompasses part of Hampton Hills Metro Park, which is a 655-acre space complete with hiking trails, an archery range, and abundant wildlife. Merriman Valley also borders Sand Run Metro Park and Cascade Valley Metro Park.
This is an affluent Akron neighborhood, and the median household income of $56,714, which is higher than the Akron average of $56,714. In this area, you’ll find plenty of single family homes, as well as plenty of land for sale for those who want to build their own house.
Merriman Valley Information
- Population: 6,968
- Average rent: $1,274
- Average home price: $300,000
- Merriman Valley crime rate: 1,959 crimes per 100,000 people (63.4% lower than the Akron average)
Akron Neighborhoods Map
Find the best Akron neighborhoods on this Akron map.
Let Summit Moving & Storage Help You Find the Best Akron Neighborhoods
Now that you know the best neighborhoods in Akron Ohio, where will you be calling home? Any one of these Akron neighborhoods would be a great place for you and your family to plant your roots. Once you’ve found the perfect Akron neighborhood for your needs, give the expert Akron movers at Summit Moving & Storage a call to help you with your relocation. Give us a call today at (330) 633-3633 for a free quote.
