Kenmore is a vibrant residential neighborhood in Ohio with a bustling boulevard.
A neighborhood with heart
Back when Akron thrived as the “Rubber Capitol of the World,” Kenmore was among the most economically thriving neighborhoods in the city. Theatres, fancy restaurants, trolleys and prime real estate filled every corner of the community. However, when Akron’s countless rubber manufacturers began to vacate, the city and Kenmore experienced a rapid decline. “Kenmore has been economically depressed for decades since then,” says Nicole Farrell, owner of Whiskers Cat Lounge. At this venue, patrons can spend an afternoon with local rescue cats and have the option to adopt. Farrell was born and raised in Akron and is working to improve local animal conditions. Her business and many others have popped up in recent years as part of a local initiative to revitalize the community. “I’m really happy I can be a part of that change.” While the neighborhood’s future looks bright, its community spirit has never been low, between community-wide events and welcoming disposition. “I’ve seen people rush to car accidents to help their neighbors and pull people out of the rubble,” says Ferrell, “It’s tight-knit but also so welcoming to new people.”
Shops along Kenmore Boulevard
Hobby shops, music venues, theaters, a local library and restaurants line Kenmore Boulevard, with mainstays like Lay’s Guitar Shop and the Rialto Theater anchoring the vibrant local music scene. For dining, Old 97 is a bar not many have heard of but is quickly getting the recognition it deserves. “It started as a venue on one of the old trolley network’s biggest stations,” Says Tiffany Casanova, venue manager for the high-end bar and speakeasy. Previously drifting from owner to owner throughout the decades, Realtors Natasia and Mark Metz bought the establishment in 2021 and are working to spread the name of the classic pub. The local Acme Fresh Market on East Avenue is the grocery store of choice for many Kenmore residents. For mall shopping, many travel the 8 miles north to Summit Mall in Fairlawn, one of the only traditional malls around. For local produce, many travel to Graf’s Garden Shop and Farm Market, five miles west in West Akron.
Kenmore locals and visitors alike can enjoy live music at the Rialto Theater in town.
Lay's Guitar in Kenmore makes custom guitars for many of their customers.
Music lovers in Kenmore can listen to live music at the Live Music bar in the area.
When in Kenmore stop in to Ethicrace clothing.
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A white gazebo provides shade in Shadyside Park in the Kenmore neighborhood of Akron.
Ring the cowbell at the 7K
Residents get to participate in multiple neighborhood-wide events, such as Kenmore Boulevard’s First Friday Block Parties or Shadyside Park’s Summer Concert Series. Kenmore’s Cowbell 7K, scheduled for June 2024, is steeped in local lore and community appreciation. “The race is named in honor of Ellen “Grandma Benn” Benn,” says Farrel. “She was one of Kenmore’s oldest locals and she had a tradition of ringing cowbells at local sporting events.” Dubbed by many as Kenmore High School’s Biggest Cheerleader, many adult locals recall Grandma Benn as a staple of their childhood. The race will start at Rialto Theatre, running along the newly built Summit Lake Trail. The winner will receive a medal along with a functioning cowbell.
Four Square style homes with large porches for sitting can be found throughout Kenmore.
Four squares everywhere
Kenmore’s range of housing stock includes everything from fixer-upper project homes from the 1920s to marvels of modern architecture built just before 1960. House hunters will likely come across classic American foursquare houses with colonial accents and big front porches set in lots small enough to mow in five minutes. Other common finds include cape cods, bungalows and ranches. All these occupy the more affordable end of the local price range, with fixer-upper properties costing between $10,000 and $50,000. Houses in better conditions tend to cost between $60,000 and $120,000. At the other end of the local range, one will find modern architecture and even a few Tudor houses from 1890 shuffled in with earlier-mentioned styles costing between $130,000 and $350,000.
Relax on the steps of the amphitheater in Chestnut Park.
Chestnut Ridge Park has an amphitheater
Kenmore locals can pick from seven parks, including the 14-acre Prentiss Park and the 5-acre Chestnut Ridge Park. Prentiss Park is one of the most popular locations thanks to its baseball fields, tennis courts, and football field, which local youth sports leagues frequently use. Chestnut Ridge Park features a pavilion, playground and a historic stone amphitheater built in 1936. apart from these domestic options, the nearby Towpath Trail, Summit Lake Nature Center and Portage Lakes on the neighborhood’s east side offer ample outdoor recreation for those seeking hiking, biking, fishing or boating.
Garfield Community Learning Center is home to the Rams.
Garfield CLC has a women's wrestling team
Many Kenmore children start their education at Akron Public Schools’ Pfeiffer Community Learning Center on Polk Avenue, which Niche grades C. After that, students go to the other side of the neighborhood where Innes Community Learning Center sits along East Avenue. Niche rates the school a C-minus. Lastly, they’ll likely move to Garfield CLC, three miles east in South Akron. With a C Niche grade, two members of the school’s women’s wrestling team placed third in the Northwest High School Wrestling Tournament.
The interchange of 277 and 76 borders the Kenmore neighborhood.
I-76 and I-277 run through this neighborhood
While the neighborhood is somewhat walkable with its pedestrian infrastructure, most locals drive or use the Akron Metro buses running through Kenmore Boulevard, East Avenue, Battles Avenue and 13th Street Southwest. Most drivers use Kenmore Boulevard to get around the neighborhood, as all other major local roads and the two nearby highways connect to it. Bisected by Interstate 277 and Highway 224, commuters use the ramps to reach downtown Akron or neighboring cities such as Cleveland or Canton.
Bisected by Interstate 277 and Highway 224, Kenmore is conveniently accessible via the highway.
Noise from the highway
While Kenmore may be idyllic in all other regards, the neighborhood’s access to two interstates might pose a noise issue. The Ohio Department of Transportation announced a $125 million plan to construct a sound wall in February 2024 to curtail the noise.
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 Kenmore neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Kenmore
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Kenmore Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Kenmore, Akron sell after 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Kenmore, Akron over the last 12 months is $111,025, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Warm oak floors, classic archways and central air, this lovely colonial offers comfortable living on a quiet street. Freshly painted throughout, the home's spacious living and dining areas feature oak floors and charming built-in bookshelves. The bright and roomy updated galley kitchen is equipped with a newer gas stove and refrigerator, and offers counter space at both ends to please anyone who
Fantastic Duplex in Akron’s Firestone Park Area – Investment or House Hack Opportunity!Welcome to 1107 W Wilbeth Rd, a well-maintained 2-unit corner lot property offering versatility for investors or owner-occupants alike. This duplex features a 3-bedroom, 1-bath upper unit and a 1-bedroom, 1-bath main floor unit, each with separate gas and electric. The upstairs unit is currently rented at
Welcome to 940 Lakewood Blvd! This spacious 2 bedroom Colonial has many updates with a large eat in kitchen. Dinning room with a sliding glass door to a large deck. Spacious living room with all natural woodwork throughout home,bricked fireplace and ceiling fan. Upstairs has 2 bedroom and a spacious full bathroom. Full basement with updated furnace and hot water tank. Home has new roof and has
Our community offers waking up to lakeside views, hidden pleasing woods or enjoying the very popular , Ohio & Erie Canal. If you enjoy an outer venture, fishing, long walks, canoeing or and night cap, we are a lively community with much to offer, this is your future home! We are a quaint hidden community about 10 mins away from Downtown Akron and neighboring Coventry. We will be
Nestled in Kenmore neighborhood this ranch style, 3 bed, 1 bath home is perfect for those looking to have a 1 story home. Convenient with a 2 car detached garage, updated laundry room, and large kitchen this is perfect for entertaining during the holiday season. Additionally, we provide a Resident Benefits Package (RBP) that will provide renters' insurance, provide identify protection, provide
Dathan Williams1st Cavalry Homes Real Estate & Property Mgmt.
Now leasing: this professionally renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath home on 16th St SW in the Kenmore Realty Companies Allot subdivision of Akron. We are pet-friendly! Your dogs and cats are welcome at 2074 16th Street Southwest.This home boasts recent upgrades, creating a modern and welcoming feel. You'll find essential amenities like a refrigerator, washer/dryer hookups, and a
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
