Thriving local park and quick access to downtown Akron
The Summit Lake community started when the local lake became part of the Ohio Canal in the 1800s. The neighborhood then became an amusement park called Summit Beach. After the park closed in the 1950s, many thought the city of Akron abandoned the community. "The neighborhood was severely underserved for a long time," says Akron's Planning and Urban Development director, Kyle Julien. "It went through a downward spiral as the city developed." In 2018, Akron's city government created a planning program called Our Summit Lake to coordinate efforts to improve the community. With this program, the city turned the once-contaminated Summit Lake into a thriving local park. The program is also looking to revamp local housing with federal aid and collaborations with local organizations. Until these new developments reach the building phase, residents rely on the neighborhood's easy access to downtown Akron in the north, two ramps to the interstate, and one of the city's newest metro parks.
Residents of Summit Lake have easy access to major highways.
These children in Summit Lake explore the Summit Lake Nature Center.
1/2
Summit Lake Nature Center popular with residents
At the center of the community is its namesake lake. From the early 1900s until just a few years ago, the water was considered too contaminated for recreation, but a 2018 ecological survey deemed it safe. With the lake now clean, a group called Our Summit Lake partnered with other programs, such as the Akron Civic Commons, to establish a park on the shore. Afterward, Summit County Metroparks built the Summit Lake Nature Center. "We initially had a temporary center to draw attention to the lake," says Stephanie Walton, chief of marketing and communications for Summit Metro Parks. "The locals loved the center so much that we eventually put in a permanent version." Operating out of the lake's old pump house, the nature center offers educational resources. Visitors come to the park to fish, kayak and hike the 20-mile Towpath Trail. Other green spaces around the lake include the Penn Soccer Field and the George Sisler Baseball Field.
The Summit Lake Nature Center is located in this former pump house buiding.
Play a game of baseball at Summit Lake Park.
1/2
Summit Lake Choice Neighborhoods Plan to create new housing
Duplexes and single-family houses fill the neighborhood's gridded residential blocks. These duplexes can have anywhere between five and eight bedrooms and cost between $70,000 and $235,000. The single-family homes tend to have between three and four bedrooms, with prices ranging from $30,000 to $125,000. Both housing types mainly consist of Colonial Revivals built in the early 1900s on yards smaller than 5,000 square feet. Our Summit Lake coordinates the affordable housing development program, The Summit Lake Choice Neighborhoods Plan. "The program is still in its planning stage, but we're collaborating with multiple organizations to create new housing, refurbish older homes and give vacant land to developers," says Julien. Collaborators include the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority and the Summit Land Bank. Julien stresses a desire to ensure developments operate ethically. "Feedback from residents revealed a lot of concern about being priced out, so we're taking that into consideration as we make policy," says Julien.
Duplex homes make up some of the new housing available in Summit Lake.
New Colonial Style homes can be found in the neighborhood at Summit Lake.
Colonial style homes stand out in Summit Lake.
Many older homes in Summit Lake are opportunities for redevelopment.
1/4
Three miles from downtown Akron
The neighborhood has three main thoroughfares: Kenmore Boulevard, Lake Shore Boulevard and Lake Shore Road. All three roads connect the community's residential areas and lead to the city's essential roadways, such as South Main Street, for a 3-mile drive to downtown. Interstate 76 runs along the north side and has two ramps in the community, providing highway access to Youngtown in the east. Akron METRO offers public transportation, with bus route eight running through Lakeshore Boulevard and part of Kenmore Boulevard.
A view of Summit Lake and downtown Akron from Kenmore.
A resident of Summit Lake takes advantage of public transportation.
Summit Lake residents have easy access to I-77 and nearby downtown Akron.
1/3
Groceries at Little Mike's Market, Aldi or Save A Lot
Summit Lake has several shopping options, but many visit neighboring communities to dine out. The local grocery stores are Save A Lot and an Aldi on the east side. Other local stores include the Great Start Thriftstore and the Little Mike's Market convenience store, most of which are in the neighborhood's center. There's also the Peter Maurin Center, a local soup kitchen next to the Save A Lot. The nearest restaurant is the Friendly Tavern between Summit Lake and Kenmore. The bar has pool tables and an outdoor space with picnic seating. Other dining options include a few fast-food chains and bars in neighboring communities. The nearest Farmer's Market is Lemley's Farm Market, a 4-mile drive east. Summit Mall is 10 miles away in Fairlawn, but it's still the closest mall.
Residents of Summit Lake shop at the Save A-Lot food store.
Visit the local Aldi's for your grocery needs in Summit Lake.
1/2
High schoolers in new building at Garfield Community Learning Center
The nearest public schools are in neighboring communities. McEbright Community Learning Center, the closest elementary school, is less than 2 miles east in South Akron. The nearest middle school is Innes Community Learning Center in Kenmore, less than a 3-mile drive west. In South Akron, Garfield Community Learning Center is less than 3 miles away. Once known as Garfield High School, the school reopened in a new building in 2022 with its new name. McEbright and Garfield score a C with Niche, while Innes gets a C-minus.
Students excel at the new Kenmore Garfield CLC.
McEbright Elementary School offers a dynamic learning environment.
Students are challenged to excel at Innes Community Learning Center.
1/3
Summit Lake Community Center hosts local concert series
The Summit Lake Community Center is next to the nature center and serves as the neighborhood event space. Residents can schedule everything from classes to meetings to performances year-round. One of the center's most significant events is the Summer Concert Series, where local bands perform at the start of the month from June till September. 2023's performers included jazz musician Erin Nicole Neal and the Red Light Roxy jazz band.
The Summit Lake Community Center In Summit Lake offers a variety of programs for residents.
Summit Lake Community Center features an indoor basketball court and community spaces.
1/2
Akron Police protect and serve the citizens of Summit Lake.
Local housing authority addressing crime through equity programs
Summit Lake's overall crime score on the CAP index is seven out of 10. The score is above the national average of four and the city average of six. Violent crime is responsible for this high score. Organizations, including the AMHA, are implementing equity programs such as educational and financial aid to reduce violent crime in the area.
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 Summit Lake neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Summit Lake
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Summit Lake Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Summit Lake, Akron sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Summit Lake, Akron over the last 12 months is $92,700, up 52% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Online Only Estate Auction. Two-Story Investment Home. Akron, OH.All sells to settle the James Savage Estate, Summit County Probate case #2025 ES 01044.ONLINE BIDDING STARTS: TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2026, 1:30 PM and ENDS: THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026, 1:30 PM.The property will be open for viewing on Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 12:00 PM-1:00 PM.Great investment opportunity. Family-owned for
Step into this beautifully updated 4-6 bedroom home close to downtown. With nearly 1,500 sq ft of living space, this home combines charm and modern updates. Enjoy peace of mind with brand new paint, flooring, updated kitchen and bath. The location couldn't be better-minutes from the highway. This home is truly a move in ready and waiting for you.
This charming 2-bedroom, 2-bath home offers space, updates, and flexibility—perfect for an owner-occupant or a savvy investor. With thoughtful improvements throughout, including updated carpet, vinyl flooring, fresh paint, newer appliances, and newer windows, this property is move-in ready. The functional layout provides comfortable living spaces, while the convenient first-floor laundry adds
Turnkey and ready to perform—this fully renovated 3-bedroom (with the option of a 4th), 1-bath single-family home in Akron offers a strong opportunity for investors seeking a clean, low-maintenance asset. The property has been updated throughout with fresh paint, durable flooring, updated windows, a remodeled kitchen with newer cabinets and countertops, a refreshed bathroom, and a brand-new roof,
Akron investors!! This beaut at 781 Amherst St. is primed and ready for its glow-up! This REO gem is newer than most homes in the neighborhood and still bursting with life left, fully prepped as a true project home. The perfect opportunity for the savvy rental investor who wants to create serious cash flow, or the handy buyer who wants to pour in their vision and build long-term equity. After a
This large single-family home with 3-bedrooms (possibly 4), 2- full baths, and 2 kitchens has served as a 2-unit in the past. It also features an attached 2-car garage, fenced back yard, enclosed front porch, fireplace, custom woodwork, and finished attic. Being sold in as-is condition.
Charming home overlooking Summit Lake—ideal for first-time buyers or investors. Features 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath, and a recently updated kitchen with new cabinets, granite countertops, and fresh LVT flooring and carpet (July 2024). Additional updates include a new electrical panel, plus a newer furnace and roof (2021). Located just steps from the Summit Lake walking trail and ongoing park
Located on a quiet dead-end street, this well-maintained 2 bedroom home offers comfort, simplicity, and great potential! The house features both a front and back porch, an eat-in kitchen, newer carpeting throughout, and a newer (2023) furnace. Whether you're looking for a comfortable place to call home or a solid investment opportunity, this property is a great option with it's low-maintenance
Welcome to 261 Russell Avenue! This well maintained colonial features a spacious and inviting front porch, a perfect spot to sit and unwind. Inside, you’ll find a generously sized living room filled with natural light and new flooring throughout. The main level bedroom adds convenience and accessibility. Spacious kitchen equipped with appliances (refrigerator and stove). Upstairs, you’ll find two
Welcome to this vacant charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath home nestled in a quiet, well-established neighborhood. Conveniently located just minutes from the freeway and local shops, this property offers both comfort and accessibility. Whether you’re looking to add to your investment portfolio or purchase your first rental, this home presents a great opportunity for steady cash flow. With its desirable
Ryan SackmanKeller Williams Greater Cleveland Northeast
Welcome to 839 Kenyon Street in Akron! This spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers character, charm, and great potential. Step inside to find high ceilings and beautifully painted natural woodwork throughout the main level. The oversized Living Room and Dining Room provide plenty of space for entertaining or relaxing. A convenient full bath is located just off the Dining Room. Upstairs, you’ll
Calling all investors. The low price makes this diamond in the rough a no-brainer investment. Very little needed to make this home a money maker. Put in a little sweat equity and start collecting the rent. Call now on this rare opportunity and add this home to your portfolio. Roof 2013, furnace aged, Hot water tank 2016.
Newly renovated Akron apartment featuring three bedrooms and one bathroom with spacious rooms and a finished attic that can be used for flexible living or extra storage. The unit includes a fridge and stove, washer/dryer hookups, and access to a shared basement. Private off-street parking is available. Located in Akron, this updated apartment combines modern finishes with practical features for
Discover spacious living at Russell Ave, located at 175 Russell Ave, Akron, OH. This charming single-family home offers 1,644 sq ft of comfortable space with 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, perfect for families or those needing extra room. Enjoy modern conveniences including a garage, refrigerator, heat, washer/dryer hookup, large closets, additional storage, linen closet, hard surface countertops,
5 minutes from Akron University. Bright and light 2 bedrooms Upper unit. Separate entrance off your deck. Newly remodeled extra large rooms and large bay window in living room. Refrigerator and gas stove included. Water, sewer and trash covered. Move in fees include full first month's rent, Security Deposit and one time $275 admin fee. All County Generations Property Management residents are
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.
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.
