Peaceful village life with shopping, parks and more in Akron
Set 25 miles northeast of Buffalo, Akron is a picturesque village located in the rural town of Newstead. "It's very neighborly," says Lisa Kaminski, deputy town clerk of Newstead. "For it being such a small community, you basically get to know everybody." Main Street is lined with mom-and-pop shopping and dining, and the village's parks offer sports fields, picnic areas and natural beauty. While commuting to Buffalo is common, the village has several major employers. "There's Whiting — they're a major door manufacturer. We also have Perry's Ice Cream, Ford Gum — they manufacture Big League Chew," Kaminski says. The village is also known for its holiday celebrations, like Light Up Akron. "If you're going to live on Main Street, you can expect a couple of parades down your road," Kaminski says.
Craftsman-inspired homes priced below the national median
Most Akron homes for sale date back to the early 1900s, although construction spans from the early 1800s through the early 2000s. Styles vary, but farmhouses, Minimal Traditional and Craftsman-inspired homes are common throughout. These single-family homes are generally compact and set along tree-shaded, sidewalk-lined streets. Many share rustic features, such as wood siding, detached garages and covered porches with rocking chairs or swinging benches. Prices typically range from $100,000 to $360,000, but recently renovated homes occasionally sell for more. The median sale price is $285,000, lower than the national median.
There are also late 20th-century manufactured homes available in Akron Mobile Home Park. These homes have simple vinyl siding with attached carports or garages. They rarely come on the market, but prices range between $50,000 and $65,000.
Coffee, fast-casual bites and date nights on Main Street
Main Street is the heart of the village, lined with red-brick buildings and colorful storefronts steeped in mid-20th-century charm. To start the morning, the Akron Market on Main offers coffee, baked goods and boutique shopping all under one roof, with specialties like the Campfire S'mores Latte and strawberry champagne cupcakes. For a quick bite, Guy's Subs serves melts, wraps and sandwiches with gluten-free and vegetarian options. Cipollina is a date-night go-to for its gourmet Italian dishes such as veal parmesan and house-made ravioli. Secondhand stores like Hometown Vintage are popular for antique finds, while Grandpa's Country Store stocks candy, souvenirs and artisan-made jams and spices.
Nearby, the family-owned Pixley Shur Fine Food Mart has been serving the village's grocery needs for over 85 years. "They support our community," Kaminski says. "If the school or Girl Scouts want to hold a car wash, Pixley's offers the space, hose and water to do it."
Little League, Akron Falls Park and waterfall views
Akron's parks bring the community together. Russell Park hosts many of the village's annual events, while kids' games are held at several different venues.“[The parks] house the football program, the Akron Soccer League program … and Little League baseball,” Kaminski says. The 280-acre Akron Falls Park is a scenic highlight, featuring mature black walnut trees and a diverse array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer and black-capped chickadees. "It's a large park," Kaminski says. "It's got tennis courts, a basketball court and a playground." Murder Creek flows through the park and into a cascading waterfall. In the fall, the park's trails are packed with crunchy orange leaves, and in the winter, there's sledding and an ice rink. Nearby, Newstead Veterans Park features soccer fields, a shelter and another playground. "You could picnic there," Kaminski says. "A lot of people walk their dogs." Two miles away, the Arrowhead Golf Club offers a public 18-hole course with serene, tree-lined views.
Celebrating the holidays in Akron
Akron's social calendar is packed with community events. For June's Summer Sidewalk Sale, dozens of artisans and food trucks set up shop along Main Street. The Fourth of July, an all-day event at Russell Park, is another popular draw, featuring long-standing traditions such as the kids' parade, the ice cream-eating contest and the boxcar race. "You build a little boxcar and race 'em down Main Street," Kaminski says. In December, Light Up Akron kicks off with a parade through the village, followed by a Christmas concert and tree lighting.
Academic opportunities at Akron High
Akron is part of the Akron Central School District, which is rated B-plus overall by Niche. Kids may start at B-plus-rated Akron Elementary before moving to A-minus-rated Akron Middle. At B-rated Akron High, teens can explore their interests in extracurricular activities like chess, photography and Mock Trial. The high school also partners with Hilbert College for dual-enrollment opportunities.
State Route 93, sidewalk-lined Main Street and Clarence Pathways
State Route 93 passes through Akron, providing connecting access to Buffalo. Residents generally drive to get around, but thoroughfares, such as Main Street, are lined with sidewalks. Clarence Pathways, a 20-mile bike trail system, connects Akron with Clarence, 6 miles away. Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital is 15 miles away. Akron Jesson Field, a private airport, is located within the village, and Buffalo Niagara International Airport is a 17-mile drive away.
