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
6
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Downtown Akron Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Akron, Akron sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Akron, Akron over the last 12 months is $95,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Excellent investment or owner-occupant opportunity at this updated Akron duplex, where major capital expenditures have already been addressed, including a brand-new roof installed in 2025. The first-floor unit features a spacious two-bedroom layout, while the upstairs unit provides a comfortable one-bedroom space, with each unit benefiting from its own full bathroom. The property features
Welcome home to 931 Trimble Dr., a well-maintained 2-bed, 1.5-bath end-unit condominium, located in the quiet Canal Park neighborhood just beside the Ohio & Erie Canal Park and Towpath Trail and only mere minutes from all of the amenities, restaurants, and entertainment downtown Akron has to offer. The first floor houses an eat-in kitchen with all of the appliances one would need and with access
This property offers an exceptional blend of recent major upgrades and future growth potential. The home features a brand-new roof (2025) and a new furnace (2025), providing immediate efficiency and significantly reducing long-term maintenance concerns. Further enhancing the property’s value are the updated infrastructure and appliances, including a new water line from the street (2023), a
This 6-bedroom, 2-bath Colonial located just two blocks from the University of Akron campus offers an excellent investment opportunity with strong rental potential. The spacious layout is ideal for renting by the room to university students, maximizing income potential. The kitchen and bathrooms have been remodeled, and major mechanical systems have been updated for added peace of mind.
HIGH DEMAND LOCATION! Just steps from the University of Akron. This fully occupied, turnkey, two-unit home collects $1100/mo per unit and all utilities. Each unit has 3 bedrooms, 1 bath and has its own in unit laundry. All mechanicals have been redone. Water heater and carpeting replaced in 2023. First floor unit has added luxury vinyl in the kitchen and bath in 2023. Large parking area behind
Located in a prime rental area near the University of Akron, this spacious and fully leased investment property in downtown Akron is a turnkey opportunity you won’t want to miss. Inside, the home features five generously sized bedrooms and two full bathrooms—both recently updated for modern appeal. The layout offers flexibility and functionality, with one bedroom conveniently located on the first
Great opportunity close to Akron University. The house is roughly 1800 square feet and 1.5 bath. Currently rented for $900. Please do not walk the property unless you have a scheduled appointment. Hot water tank is three years old. Stove, washer & dryer only a few years old as well! Great location to many amendities and highway access. This could be the right opportunity for you! Call/text to
City Lots for sale in close proximity to the University of Akron. Five parcels are being offered as a package deal. Property is zoned U-2 Apartment House. Great opportunity to build a multi-family unit with lots of parking. Please reach out to listing realtor with any questions. Buyer to do all due diligence.
**The ENTIRE home has been repainted, top to bottom, INCLUDING basement! Painting was completed 5/28, AFTER listing photos were taken.** What an incredible investment opportunity! This true 4 bed, 2 full bathroom, 2 story home has so much opportunity and space for a new owner to make it their own, or use it as a rental or investment property as this home sits just 4 blocks from the University of
Jeffrey CarducciMcDowell Homes Real Estate Services
1004 Bellows St is a residence with a functional layout and modern finishes throughout. Clean flooring and updated exterior finishes create a well-maintained aesthetic from the outside in. This residence combines practical design with comfortable living spaces, delivering functional amenities throughout every room.. Included 100-Day Home Warranty with buyer activation
Add to your investment portfolio with this package opportunity (duplex + two houses), and generate $3800-4000 gross rental income per month. Located near the Univ. of Akron and Leggett Elementary. Serious inquiries only. Selling in as-is condition. Please do not disturb the tenants.
564 Carroll St, Akron, OH 44304 is a three-story colonial home in Central Akron, conveniently located on the Bus Route. Offering incredible value at just $1,200 per month plus utilities, this spacious property boasts 4 to 6 bedrooms, off-street parking, and ample versatility for various living arrangements. Ideal for a large family, group of co-workers, nurses, or students looking to house
The 401 Lofts offers modern apartment living in a well-maintained community in the heart of Downtown Akron. Situated in the city’s entertainment district, residents enjoy walkable access to dining, nightlife, and local attractions, while coming home to thoughtfully designed, stylish apartment homes.Resort-style amenities include gated premium parking, a heated pool with sundeck and
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,
Welcome to University Commons Apartments in Akron, OH! Our newly renovated units feature stainless steel appliances as well as new flooring and counter tops. Our community offers convenient amenities such as on-site laundry facilities, on-site parking for residents, security cameras for added peace of mind, and an easy-to-use online payment portal. Located in a prime location, our apartments
Experience the convenience and prestige of high-rise living at The Towers!Nestled in a prime location, The Towers offers easy access to downtown Akron, the University of Akron campus, and Akron City Hospital, all within walking distance. Come explore our newly renovated apartment homes, which include spacious studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites. Each apartment features generous
Immaculately designed to ensure comfort, convenience and enjoyment, The Goodrich apartments feature neutral decor, eat in kitchen with island, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, in-suite washer + dryer, expansive windows, and ample living space. Walkable to nearly every downtown attraction including restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, nightlife, shopping, companies + businesses!
Welcome to Standard on Main, your new home in the heart of Akron, OH. This apartment complex offers a range of amenities designed to enhance your living experience. Stay active with our state-of-the-art fitness center and yoga studio, perfect for all levels of fitness enthusiasts. For those who work from home or need a professional space, our business center and conference room provide the
The Depot Apartments near the University of Akron in the heart of downtown Akron is your new home away from home. We offer a unique alternative to the standard on-campus living all while providing you with the best value! Our 1, 2, 3, and 4-bedroom fully furnished apartments offer independence, luxury, proximity to campus, and much more. With private bedrooms and bathrooms, a 42” smart TV in the
Discover your new home at the Bowery District located at 156 S. Main Street in Akron! This community has so much to offer its residents. The professional leasing staff is available to help you find your new home. Select from Studio to 3-bedroom apartments. To schedule a tour or for more information, please call us at 618-3469.
EASY LIVING with on-site maintenance, walking distance to all the downtown attractions overlooking Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and walking distance to the Rubber Ducks Stadium and Lock 3 Entertainment, restaurants and hike/bike trails. Canal Square Apartments, a gorgeous 1930 art deco building, stands majestically in central downtown Akron. BRAND new Fitness room and Resident Lounge! Come
Let the energy and excitement of the city surround you at Spicer Village. This close-knit community setting, featuring twenty-five beautiful and contemporary townhomes, offers unique architectural styling and generous green-space. Our environmentally friendly homes are energy efficient and provide plenty of natural green areas, as well as rooftop garden patios for your own personal retreat. With
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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