Are you curious about what life is like in Akron? In this summary of the pros and cons of living in Akron, Ohio, we provide the answers.
Located in Summit County in the northeastern state region, the Ohio and Erie Canal divides the city in two.
As the fifth largest city in Ohio, the community is independent. Nearly 200,000 people live here, while over 700,000 live in its metro region.
The city is known for creating clay marbles, baby dolls, balloons, rubber ducks, and balls, making it known as the City of Invention. The metropolis is known as the Rubber Capital of the World, Rubber City, Summit City, and Tire City, among others.
Living here could be rewarding if you know what to expect from the community. Keep reading to learn if the city is ideal for you.
List of Contents
Is Akron a Good Place To Live In? – A Large Metropolis With a Small-town Feel
The Good Side
Akron Is Home To Many Points of Interest
If you live in Akron, the fifth largest city in Ohio, there are numerous attractions and annual events to keep you entertained. You can always find a sporting, artistic, or musical event in the town that meets your preferences.
One of the things that you can come to see and do in the city is the Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens. This 65-room Tudor-style estate is open to the public for tours, providing an excellent opportunity to learn while having fun.
During the summer, you can stroll through these verdant old English gardens and envision yourself as a wealthy socialite with all the time in the world.
Lock 3 in downtown Akron is also a venue for community events. This versatile arena offers concerts, shows, cultural events, expos, bumper car rides, and ice skating.
The Akron Zoo is an additional family-friendly destination. The lion enclosure is the primary attraction here. More than 700 species of animals make the child-friendly, walkable zoo suitable for children.
These are just some examples of the activities that are well worth visiting. If you choose to make this location your home, you will quickly realize that it offers a lot of things to everyone.
The Place Has Diverse Cultures
Even though Ohio, where the city lie, is a state in the Midwest of the United States, Akron is no stranger to the concept of global diversity. The demographic of this city is 58.8% white, 30.3% black, 4% Asian, and 2.4% Hispanic.
The city is also home to several communities of people of different ethnicities with a long history in the surrounding area. These communities include Germans, Chinese, and Italians.
The town’s cultural diversity makes it unique, bringing new restaurants, music with diverse rhythms, and an integrated community.
If you wish to live in an area where you can learn about new cultures, this city is the most significant spot for you to do so.
Its System of Public Transportation Is User-friendly
Not everyone owns a car, and even among those who do, there are instances when some individuals prefer to take public transportation for reasons related to convenience or the environment. For this reason, every community needs to have an accessible public transit system.
Fortunately, this city has accessible and reliable public transportation. The Akron Metro Bus system provides excellent service within and around the area. At $1.25 per ride, you can get anywhere in air-conditioned comfort.
The METRO Regional Transit Authority is responsible for the town’s public transportation system. The system’s fleet of buses and trolleys exceeds 200.
The Akron-Canton Regional Airport also serves about two million people every year. This Class C commercial airport is 16 kilometers southeast of the city.
Living here, you will find it simple to get around the community, which is an important consideration when selecting a place to call home.
The City Has a Family-friendly Vibe
As a typical city with a more traditional way of life, Akron captures many of the welcoming qualities of the Midwest.
Some numerous different programs and activities in this town are ideally explicitly suited for families with children. So if you have children, the Akron Children’s Museum is a beautiful place to take them to expose them to the world of art.
Compared to other places in the Midwest, many people believe that this area is a more laid-back city to live in, in addition to hosting various exciting activities and events.
It is one of the primary reasons the town is an excellent location for families.
The Bad Side
The City’s Winters Are Terrible
Akron lies in the area known as the Rust Belt. This area is known to have long, chilly winters with plenty of snow and ice, followed by typically late, wet, and rainy springs.
Although the city is not as infamous for its dreadful winters as other Great Lakes cities, it is no longer a tropical paradise.
Be ready for cold weather if you’re coming from a place with a warmer climate. Winters can be extremely harsh when you live here, characterized by solid blizzards and massive snowfall.
January is cold with many cloudy days, but February is even worse. February has the coldest days of the year, with temperatures sometimes falling below 0!
Also, prepare yourself for a significant amount of precipitation and lousy weather. The area receives annual average precipitation of 38 inches, the same as the average rainfall across the country.
Consider moving to a city in the southern part of the state if you want to live in an area with higher average temperatures and more hours of sunshine.
The Place Is Known for Its High Rate of Crime
The rate of criminal activity in Akron is relatively high, with an 89% higher crime rate than the national norm. The most typical types of illegal activity are acts of physical violence and theft of property.
This city has 135% more violent crimes than the national average. Also, it is safer than 4% of the United States cities and ranks 47th on the list of the most dangerous cities in the country.
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, reports of increased property crimes and violent crimes discouraged many individuals from looking for homes in and near Akron.
If you choose to live here, you should also be aware that the likelihood of becoming a victim of crime is approximately 1 in 23. Sadly, the crime rate in this city has grown by 5% compared to the previous year.
However, law enforcement agencies have been working hard to address the crime issues. Urban renewal is gradually but steadily bringing hope that Akron can be a safe and flourishing city in the future.
What Is the Cost of Living in Akron? – A Big City Within Budget
The Good Side
Akron Has Affordable Housing Costs
The cost of a home in Akron can range widely from one neighborhood to the next. In this city, the homeownership rate is 60.1%, while the average price of a home is $129,706.
The other half of the people in this area lease their homes and apartments. The city’s average rent price is $652 per month, which is a 3% decrease from its average from the previous year.
South Akron, East Akron, Kenmore, Middlebury, and North Hill are the cheapest places to buy a home.
In contrast, Northwest Akron, Merriman Hills, Wallhaven, and Fairlawn Heights are the most costly locations to purchase a home.
The City Is Within Reach for Most People’s Budgets
Since the cost of living in Akron, Ohio is low, the city is a suitable option for families and young professionals starting their careers.
Aside from having cheap homes, the town is also one of the least expensive cities in the country as a whole.
It is excellent news for thrifty individuals seeking to reside in a big city. Here, you can maintain a comfortable standard of living while taking advantage of all the city has to offer.
The cost of living here is 13.1% which is cheaper than the average for the state of Ohio and 30.5% lower than the average for the entire country. It also is known as one of the most cost-effective cities in the United States.
Food, healthcare, utilities, transportation, and housing all cost less here than in the rest of the state.
If you choose to make this city your home, the low cost of living will save up more of your bucks for you to spend on other things.
The Bad Side
Akron’s Housing Markets Are Overpriced
Akron was the 25th-hottest housing market in March 2020. It was primarily attributable to the affordable housing options available here. As a result, in June 2022, the median property price was $138,000, a 10.9% increase from the previous year.
The rising demand and a small number of homes for sale have created a sellers’ market unlike anything seen in recent years. Houses are now selling faster and for more money than ever before.
Due to increased housing demand, sellers can command a premium price, and in many parts of the city, properties are overpriced relative to historical averages.
A recent study by academics in the College of Business at Florida Atlantic University shows that the city is currently home to one of the most overpriced real estate markets in the whole country.
Currently, the typical property price in the neighborhood is significantly higher than the estimated average price purchasers should pay of $149,513 based on past sales data.
You should ensure that you already have a place to live before moving to this city because the housing market is quite competitive.
Why Work in Akron? – Your Professional Development Begins Here!
The Good Side
It Is an Excellent Location To Look for Employment
Akron has been a center for manufacturing, retail, healthcare, construction, and other industries for decades. Working in this city, you can expect to earn a median income of $60,000.
Healthcare, manufacturing and tire manufacturing are the three most common industries. The city’s largest employers are Akron Children’s Hospital, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. , and Summa Health System.
Living here will make you eligible for various career openings within the Summit County administration and the city of Akron’s public schools.
Those who work in this area and have specialized skills can expect to make more money. Public administration, utilities, finance, and insurance are the industries that pay the most in this town.
If any of these seem appealing, Akron is an excellent spot for you to look for a new job.
The City Welcomes New Commercial Ventures
The city of Akron is currently in a revitalization initiative, which involves making an effort to get new enterprises to establish themselves in the town.
If you are looking for new employment or a new place to put your business in one of Akron’s core industries, the city will welcome you and help you reach your goals.
Whether you’re a new entrepreneur, have an established enterprise, or want to migrate, this city is perfect for you.
The Bad Side
Akron Has a Competitive Employment Market
It should not be a shock that there is a lot of competition for jobs in this city, given that it is home to many exceptionally talented people.
Throughout history, renowned physicians, artists, politicians, musicians, social science professionals, and athletes have resided in this city.
Maybe it’s the attitude, or perhaps it’s just a coincidence, but the metropolis saw an uptick in the amount of developing talent that comes from its citizens.
Consequently, getting a job in this area can be challenging due to the many intelligent people looking for work.
Choosing the city you will call home should be a conscious decision. You will hear people’s opinions, listen to the news, and read rankings in publications, but at the end of the day, the ideal place to live is the area that makes you happy.
We wish you nothing but the best in your next chapter, no matter where you live.