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.
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On average, homes in Downtown Akron, Akron sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Akron, Akron over the last 12 months is $86,575, down 13% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Excellent Investment Opportunity! Well-maintained 4-unit quadplex featuring four 2-bedroom, 1-bath units. Three units are tenant-occupied generating $1,000/month each, with one vacant unit ready for a new tenant or owner-occupant. Tenants pay all utilities, and each unit is separately metered. Strong cash flow and turnkey condition make this a perfect addition to any portfolio. This property will
Welcome to 1148 Marcy Street, a smart investment opportunity in the heart of Akron. This charming colonial-style home offers 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and 1,188 square feet of living space. The property is currently leased to reliable, long-term tenants, making it a turnkey addition to any investor’s rental portfolio.Located in a convenient Akron neighborhood, the home provides easy access
Turnkey Investment Opportunity Near University of Akron!Looking for guaranteed cash flow and a stress-free addition to your rental portfolio? This updated property is already generating $1,244.00 /month through Section 8 housing (AMHA), with a reliable tenant who would love to stay. The current owner covers water, sewer, and trash making this a seamless transition for investors seeking
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
Brick apt building only a few years old directly across the street from grocery, restaurants and UA Football field. Central ac, 2 beds, 1 bath. Plenty of space. 3 story building. Exterior entrances. Plenty of parking. $50 app fee per adult. 1 year lease. Must see only a couple left! New management! 1st floor units $1125. 2nd floor units $1200. 3rd floor / story units $1275.
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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