With homes comprising only about 5% of Downtown Akron, the neighborhood is defined more by outdoor amenities and commercial buildings than its homes. Even though most of the city’s entertainment is housed within the community, single-family homes with driveways and over 1,000 square feet are the main housing option — not condos or townhouses. “The housing market is pretty robust. It seems like the whole world found out it’s very affordable here,” says Barbara Snyder of Snyder & Snyder Real Estate, a Realtor with 40 years of experience in the Akron market. “Akron grew from the center outward, and we had a rubber boom between 1910 and 1920, so it’s older housing stock downtown.” Most properties center around off-campus housing for the University of Akron, but some folks live in Downtown Akron full-time and embrace its convenience. Surrounded by main thoroughfares and interstates, locals can efficiently venture north to Cleveland or southwest to Columbus.
Residential areas of Downtown Akron are not far from the main city center.
Owners take great pride in maintaining their homes in Downtown Akron.
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Local businesses and a limited nightlife scene
While there are vacant office buildings throughout Downtown Akron, there are shops and restaurants along Main Street and Exchange Street, and the amenities available will likely expand with time. “There’s a lot of development going to try to make downtown a lively place,” Snyder says. Locally owned stores like The District Boutique and Full Grip Games make up most of the retail downtown, though an Aldi is only blocks away from the university campus for grocery needs. When looking to dine out, Spaghetti Warehouse serves Italian food near the Towpath Trail, and Crave offers American cuisine in a cozy setting steps from Lock 3. Nightlife is limited, but Interbelt Nite Club is an old theater turned dancing hot spot in the neighborhood, and Jilly’s Music Room is a live music spot hosting anything from local tribute bands to jazz music.
Akron is home to several locally owned restaurants.
The entrance and home of "The Black Keys" in Downtown Akron.
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Colonial homes from the 1900s close to Main Street
Mature trees shade front lawns and residential streets. Sidewalks link homes to Exchange Street and Main Street, but the community maintains a quiet atmosphere. Colonial-style homes from the 1900s are most prominent, and most properties have a multi-car driveway. Because the University of Akron is the heart of the neighborhood, nearly 90% of homes are rented; however, there are a few homes for first-time buyers and those looking to stick close to the city’s entertainment hubs. “For a decent starter home, $150,000 is probably a good starting price, but investors are buying cheaper,” Snyder says. Most properties that cost closer to $200,000 have five or more bedrooms and operate as off-campus student housing.
Residents of Downtown Akron enjoy a quiet neighborhood.
Two-story homes stand out in Downtown Akron.
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RubberDucks games right in the neighborhood
While Akron doesn’t have any major league sports, it does have the RubberDucks — and Downtown Akron is home to Canal Park. The stadium is known for having not a bad seat in the house, as the facility only seats about 7,600 fans at a time.
The crowd cheers on the Rubber Duck straight through the 7th inning stretch.
In excitement, fans cheer on the Rubber Ducks in Downtown Akron.
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Life along the Towpath Trail
With the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail running down the neighborhood’s center, locals can explore up to 90 miles from Cleveland to New Philadelphia. “You see a few more bicycles when it gets nice out,” Snyder says. “We have the Towpath Trail, and a lot of people flock to that area to go cycling.” Lock 3 is also a popular green space in Downtown Akron that hosts a summer concert series. For indoor activities, Downtown Akron has several art and event spaces. “We have a nice, old atmospheric theater. It’s one of the only ones left in the whole country, and it looks like you’re outside when you’re inside,” Snyder says. The Akron Civic Theater holds musical performances and concerts throughout the year, but it’s not the only event space in the neighborhood. Akron Art Museum and Summit Artspace also draw crowds for exhibits and the Akron ArtWalk.
The Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Downtown Akron is a great place to enjoy fresh air.
Downtown Akron embraces arts through a variety of portraits and paintings.
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Easy access to Cleveland via the interstate
While buses serve Downtown Akron, many homeowners choose to drive because of the city's parking-friendly nature. Even during peak travel times, rush hour traffic doesn’t cause too much delay for residents. Ramps to Interstate 76 and Interstate 77 are along the neighborhood’s southeastern edge, and Martin Luther King Boulevard borders Downtown Akron to the west. Locals can reach Cleveland in 40 miles, expanding job opportunities to two cities, and the Akron-Canton Airport is about 15 miles southeast.
Access to Akron Public Schools and higher education
Students can attend Akron Public Schools, starting with Leggett Community Learning Center, which receives a C grade from Niche. From here, students can transition to Jennings Community Learning Center, a C-minus-graded school, and graduate from North High School, which gets a C-plus grade. At North High, graduation rates hover around 79%, and over 60% of teachers hold at least a master’s degree. The University of Akron is also downtown, allowing students to walk to top programs, including those at the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering.
Kids are challenged to excel at Leggett Community Learning Center.
North High School is a quality school located in Chapel Hill.
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Crime rates above the national average
According to the CAP Index, Downtown Akron receives a crime score of 8, which is higher than the national average of 4. To combat crime, the police department wants to connect to the community with programs and events, like Christmas with a Cop and National Night Out.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Downtown Akron neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Akron
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Akron Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Akron, Akron sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Akron, Akron over the last 12 months is $89,950, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Welcome home to this stunning, fully remodeled condo located just minutes from the heart of downtown Akron. All you have to do is move right in and enjoy the perfect blend of modern updates and functional design.As you enter through the front door, you’ll immediately fall in love with the thoughtful layout and beautiful finishes. Kick off your shoes in the inviting entryway and take in the
Classy brick condo with 1st floor living in downtown Akron’s premier Townhomes at Canal Park association! Featuring a two-story living room & dining area w/ wall of windows allowing for abundant natural light, living room with gas fp & door to private paver patio, cozy kitchen w/ granite counters, gas range & breakfast bar, master suite w/ WIC & full bath, additional guest bedroom and full bath,
The 401 Lofts is a world-renowned, recently constructed, luxury affordable living for professionals located in downtown Akron, OH. The 401 Lofts is a premier urban community placed directly in the heart of the entertainment district and surrounded by breathtaking tree-lined walkways and distinguished landscaping. You will experience exquisite professionalism, and timely services with great
Welcome to this large 4 bed, 1 bath home conveniently located right across from the University of Akron. If you're looking to be close to the university, highways, restaurants, and downtown this place is perfect for you. Additionally, we provide a Resident Benefits Package (RBP) that will provide renters' insurance, provide identify protection, provide credit-building with positive rental
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At 159 Main, we've created a special living experience that honors the timeless architecture of the building's design while featuring luxury finishes and an extensive array of amenities and services. The newly restored and renovated building is located in downtown Akron in a vibrant urban center surrounded by restaurants, shops, and community parks. With easy access to local attractions,
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