Don't Sleep on Akron: A Renter's Guide to the City's Best Neighborhoods

Hi, I’m Catrina, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Akron, Ohio. I've lived in Northeastern Ohio for most of my life, and so Akron, the nearby neighbor to my stomping grounds in Canton, Massillon, and North Canton, has always been a destination on summer days or for important holiday events.

Akron is a popular place for people to visit in Ohio, a common thoroughfare, and a place many people call home. In this part of Northeast Ohio, choosing where to live is not just about finding an apartment with the right number of bedrooms or the shortest commute, but also about making sure you live in an area of Akron that fits your needs. Plenty of areas are bustling and busy, but there are also quiet places to enjoy (or even neighborhoods close to the extremely popular Akron Zoo!)

And yes, Akron is one of those cities that can tend to surprise you. People might mention that it is an industrial city or that it was once “Rubber City,” making it seem like a place of the past. However, once you spend more time here, you’ll find there is so much more to the city than its history. There are artistic districts, family-friendly streets, woodland areas, student-friendly communities, old commercial corridors finding new life, and classic neighborhoods that still look the way they did many years ago. In my experience, Akron works best for those who know what they want — whether that’s to be close to work, the park system, the highway, or another area.

Current Rental Pricing for Apartments in the Akron Area

Downtown Akron Is Your Entrance to the City

Downtown Akron is the first place I would go if you want the most urban version of the city. Downtown Akron isn’t huge, but it does have easy access to restaurants, entertainment, many office buildings and workplaces, and some of the main events held by the city.

Canal Park, Lock 3, local theaters, and the Towpath Trail are all local to downtown, so if you want to take advantage, this is the place to visit. Personally, I like to head to a RubberDucks game — it’s classic baseball with the Ohio quirk people grow to love.

Highland Square: Foodies’ Delight for a Night Out

Highland Square is one of Akron’s most recognizable neighborhoods, and it is usually one of the first areas locals mention when someone asks for a place with a little more character than downtown. Centered around West Market Street, this part of the city is walkable and artistic; it’s nice because it doesn’t look like a “cookie-cutter city.” You can head to the library, grab food, or meet up at a local coffee shop.

My favorite thing about Highland Square is that it does not feel cookie-cutter. People choose it because they want personality. You may see someone walking to the library, grabbing food, browsing a record shop, or meeting friends near the square. Just remember that this area varies almost block to block, so it can be helpful to get a local to walk with you the first time you go (and, as a side note, don’t get surprised if you hear your local lion. The Akron Zoo is located on Edgewood Avenue, and its animals aren’t always quiet!)

West Akron and Wallhaven: A Calm, Residential Environment

West Akron, which includes Wallhaven, can be a great place to live if you want to be in a more residential area but still be close to the major roadways, good shopping, excellent restaurants, and schools. Families tend to like this area because it’s quieter at the times that matter (like after work, overnight, and in the early mornings). Wallhaven also makes sense for renters who value errands being easy and for those who love botany. You’ll find Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens just outside the Northeast edge of this neighborhood at the intersection of North Portage Path and Garman Road.

Hop on the Train or Head Outside in Merriman Valley

Tucked along the northern edge of town, Merriman Valley has that rare mix of residential areas, wooded views, restaurants, trails, and quick access to some of the best outdoor spaces in Northeast Ohio.

If you are an outdoorsy person and your ideal Akron day includes getting outside without having to travel far, you’ll like this area. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, the Towpath Trail, Sand Run Metro Park, and the wider Cuyahoga Valley National Park all help give this part of Akron a unique personality. You can spend the day taking the CVSR if you want to get to know Akron — it lets you get off at several stops, so you can see different areas in Ohio without needing to drive yourself. It’s a great round-trip day trip.

Goodyear Heights and a Day at the Park

Goodyear Heights, much like the next neighborhood, Firestone Park, is a well-known area in Akron. It’s almost synonymous with the city’s name.

Goodyear Heights Metro Park is one of the first places I would visit to get a feel for this region. It isn’t as polished as the main parts of the city, and it has some older homes and history to it. It’s lived-in, which appeals to many people.

Firestone Park, a Classic Destination

Firestone Park is one of the key neighborhoods in Akron. Almost everyone has heard of it in NE Ohio, even if they haven’t been there. One of the reasons for that is that it’s near the Akron Fulton Airport (a small airport, and not to be confused with the Akron-Canton Airport) and is also home to Firestone Stadium, a historic softball stadium and the former home to the Akron Racers (now the Cleveland Comets).

Internationality Comes Together in North Hill

I’ve only been to North Hill a couple of times, but what I found most enjoyable was that it was a multicultural hub. Unlike many other parts of Ohio, this neighborhood has become well-known for its international restaurants, immigrant-owned businesses, and a community that goes beyond the “basic.” In other words, it is a foodie’s delight and a cultural joy. You’ll also appreciate that you can reach Gorge Metro Park and Mary Campbell Cave to the north of this neighborhood. The Cuyahoga River also borders it to the north.

Kenmore: The Musical and Artistic Neighborhood

Kenmore is a place I love to go to in Akron because it has a musical background. Local musicians often play out here, so you can see up-and-coming bands and groups in local bars and venues. Kenmore Boulevard is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it’s also a cool place to go if you appreciate architecture.

Ellet a Suburb With Community

Ellet is a suburban area, so it’s usually home to renters and single-family home owners. It’s close to Mogador, another popular area to visit in NE Ohio, and it is Akron’s largest neighborhood. Today, over 19,000 residents live there. This area is the place to be for a community feel — many of the activities surround school days and events. It’s known for some great (though sometimes small) craft fairs, though, so if you’re into the small-town vibe, this can be a fun place to visit.

Portage Lakes: A Natural Escape From City Life

Portage Lakes is technically its own kind of lifestyle pocket south of Akron, but it is worth mentioning for renters and visitors who want access to water and a more weekend-oriented feel. Ohio is nothing if not known for its lakes, and this is the area you’ll want to head to for beachy afternoons and pontoon rides.

The area has a different pace from central Akron. It is more about lake life, casual restaurants, boating culture, and feeling more in touch with nature, something most of us digitally connected individuals can appreciate. Check out Portage Lakes State Park to enjoy outdoor recreation near Akron, or stay closer to home by heading to the Summit Lake Nature Center and getting outdoors.

A Final Take - Akron Is What You Make of It

Akron is a unique part of Northeast Ohio, and in my opinion, it really is what you make of it. You’ll be able to head to lots of events and enjoy baseball in or near downtown, and to the west, you can spend the day at the zoo. Or, you can head to the botanical gardens, park, or lakes to get out into nature. The sky is really the limit in Akron because it is a generously sized city with multiple unique neighborhoods and lots to do.

Whether you’re in the mood for the music scene, want to live out a foodie’s dream, need to go to a museum or want to explore the outdoors, I am confident that you can find something to do and love in Akron. And, if you decide to move there? I know that you’ll be surprised by how quickly you feel comfortable calling Akron your perfect fit — just be sure you take the time to explore and find the right neighborhood for you.