Akron,OH Neighborhood Guides
Neighborhoods in Akron, OH – Data, Lifestyle & Local Insights
Neighborhood Map
Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Akron: A Local’s Guide
Akron, Ohio, is a city full of charm, history, and diverse neighborhoods that offer something for everyone. From vibrant urban enclaves to quiet, tree-lined suburbs, Akron’s neighborhoods each have their own unique character. Whether you’re a student at the University of Akron, a young professional, or a family looking for community, exploring the best neighborhoods in Akron is a great way to find your perfect fit. Using an Akron neighborhoods map can help you navigate this welcoming city and discover its hidden gems.
Demographic Insights & Community Composition
Akron’s neighborhoods are wonderfully diverse, with communities that reflect a wide range of age groups, cultures, and lifestyles. For example, the Highland Square area is known for its vibrant arts scene and attracts a younger demographic including artists and students. Meanwhile, Firestone Park is a family-friendly neighborhood with plenty of parks and community events, appealing to long-term residents and retirees. Many neighborhoods blend historic homes with modern developments, creating a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers and longtime Akronites alike.
Lifestyle Variety: What Different Areas Offer
Each neighborhood in Akron offers a distinct lifestyle. For those who love the outdoors, the Merriman Valley area provides access to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and scenic trails. If you prefer urban living, Downtown Akron features bustling nightlife, theaters like the Akron Civic Theatre, and trendy restaurants such as Crave. Suburban neighborhoods like Fairlawn provide excellent schools and shopping centers, perfect for families seeking convenience and comfort. Whether it’s cultural attractions, outdoor activities, or peaceful residential streets, Akron neighborhoods cater to a wide variety of lifestyles.
Crime, Safety & Neighborhood Stability
Safety is a priority in Akron’s best neighborhoods, with many areas boasting strong community programs and neighborhood watches that help maintain a secure environment. Neighborhoods like Goodyear Heights and Chapel Hill are known for their lower crime rates and active community engagement. Akron has invested in revitalization efforts that have improved stability in areas previously facing challenges, making many neighborhoods increasingly attractive for new residents. Consulting an Akron neighborhoods map can help identify safer areas that suit your lifestyle.
The Structure, Culture & Personality of the City’s Neighborhoods
Akron’s neighborhoods each have their own unique vibe and cultural identity. Highland Square pulses with creativity, featuring art galleries, eclectic shops, and music venues. West Akron is home to the University of Akron, bringing a youthful and academic energy, along with coffee shops and bookstores. East Akron offers quiet residential streets lined with charming bungalows and family-owned businesses. The diversity of architecture—from historic Victorian homes to modern condos—adds depth to the city’s personality, making each neighborhood a special place to call home.
Akron Demographics
Best Neighborhoods
| Hood | Med. Age | Have Kids | Home Price | Med. Income | Affordability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Ohio Akron | 31.3 | 17.7% | $46,636 | $31,469 | 1.4 |
| South Akron | 32.5 | 24.3% | $59,033 | $40,093 | 1.5 |
| Middlebury | 34.8 | 17.4% | $63,375 | $37,931 | 1.6 |
| Goodyear Heights | 42.4 | 20.8% | $101,546 | $57,078 | 1.8 |
| Kenmore | 39 | 22.2% | $77,559 | $45,857 | 1.8 |
| Rolling Acres | 39.9 | 19.7% | $84,627 | $45,279 | 1.9 |
| East Akron | 38.5 | 22.4% | $75,107 | $46,776 | 2.0 |
| Firestone Park | 38 | 21.7% | $87,444 | $54,146 | 2.1 |
| North Hill | 35.6 | 23.9% | $98,205 | $45,628 | 2.2 |
| Summit Lake | 37.3 | 25% | $67,050 | $33,915 | 2.4 |
Akron neighborhoods bring their own blend of lifestyle, affordability, and long-term appeal, and the data in the table above helps highlight what makes each area stand out. By comparing home prices, median income, average age, families with kids, and housing affordability ratios, you can quickly uncover the best neighborhoods in Akron—those that balance cost, character, and overall livability. For budget-minded buyers, the table also makes it easy to identify the most affordable neighborhoods in Akron, where lower home prices combined with local income levels create meaningful value. Families can use the children-per-household data to pinpoint the best neighborhoods for families, revealing which areas offer strong community connections and a family-friendly atmosphere. Meanwhile, adults looking for quieter, age-friendly surroundings can turn to neighborhoods with higher median ages to find the best neighborhoods for retirees, where comfort, stability, and an easy pace of living tend to define the local experience. This data-driven overview offers a clear starting point for understanding how each neighborhood aligns with the lifestyle you want.
Crime in Akron
| Crime |
Reported |
Akron /100k |
OH /100k |
National /100k |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 24 | 12.8 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Rape | 213 | 113.2 | 45.7 | 37.5 |
| Robbery | 155 | 82.3 | 45.5 | 60.6 |
| Assault | 1,152 | 612.0 | 197.4 | 256.1 |
| Total Violent Crime | 1,544 | 820 | 294 | 359 |
| Burglary | 714 | 379.3 | 206.0 | 229.2 |
| Theft | 4,071 | 2,162.9 | 1,132.8 | 1,272.1 |
| Vehicle Theft | 777 | 412.8 | 212.5 | 258.8 |
| Total Property Crime | 5,562 | 2,955 | 1,551 | 1,760 |
| TOTAL CRIME | 7,106 | 3,775 | 1,845 | 2,119 |