Firstly why Akron, Ohio?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Akron
• State: Ohio
• Population: 197,597 people
• Akron’s quick summary would be Known for its significant contributions to the rubber and tire industry and as the home of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 15,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 12,000 annually
• Net Migration: 3000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 300
• Number of Homeless people: 1,200

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its rubber industry and a growing job market attracting workers

Perk #1: Akron Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 31%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 58%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Black
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly Hispanic
• The median income is (and growing)  $49,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Akron is $55,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $6000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Akron’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 100 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,613
• Property Tax %: 2.24%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,100
• Rent for an average house: $1,550
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Bath
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Akron, Cuyahoga-Falls, Barberton, Tallmadge, and probably could include Bath
• Avg. Age of Homes in Akron: 74 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.3%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Akron’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Akron are  Manufacturing, Education, and Healthcare
• Akron Job Scene: moderate job market focusing on manufacturing and healthcare
• The General Tech Scene: growing tech community with focus on polymer and manufacturing technologies , ,
• Akron Resident’s pay $1,100 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Akron: 7.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 200 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 29

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Akron

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $100 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-76 and I-77 run through Akron facilitating transportation
• Commute Time: 26 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: heavy evening traffic on Route 8
• Transportation Score: 37 out of 100 described as Some Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Akron: 73,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.4
• No. of Car Washes: 7 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Akron: bmv.ohio.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 61 of 100
• Local Airport: Akron-Canton

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Akron’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Akron is best described as features cold winters and warm summers with moderate rainfall
• Winter Weather in Akron i’d describe as cold with occasional snow
• Spring Weather in Akron can be described as mild with rain expected
• Summer’s in Akron are mostly warm and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Akron is usually cool with sunny spells
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 80 days in summer
• Days in a row in Akron below Freezing: 21
• Average Annual Rainfall: 37 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually moderate air quality influenced by local industry
• Akron Winter Air average air quality influenced by industry and traffic

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Akron Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Akron 11
• While the number of trade schools inside Akrons’s city limits are 2
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Akron-Summit County Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Akron Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 9 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Akron only Doctors is about 130
• Local Hospitals here is  6
• Full-time Akron only Police Officers is about 340
• Crime Rate Index: 50/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Akron’s Monthly utility bill average is $100
• Akron’s Monthly Gym Membership: $42
• Akron’s Water Quality Score: 70

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Akron

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 6 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: urban area known for its rubber industry and community spirit
• You might enjoy concerts at the Akron Civic Theatre
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Akron  has a relaxed nightlife with a variety of bars and restaurants that provide a cozy atmosphere for evening enjoyment

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Akron

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Features a blend of local restaurants and chain dining options
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 40 scattered around Akron
• The Popular Sports Team is Akrons RubberDucks
• Top Level Political Climate in Akron can be described as politically mixed area facing socio-economic challenges
• Akron’s Longer standing religious establishment is First Congregational Church of Akron

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Akron Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Akron has 70 Parks?
• Lock 3 Park is Akron’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Akron Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-12pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, biking, and events

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Akron Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Akron can be described as steady urban pace with a focus on industry and history
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Akron exploring parks visiting local attractions picnicking
• The Cities people commute to from Akron are Perrysburg 14 miles away Oregon 5 miles away Sylvania 10 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Akron or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: heavy evening traffic on Route 8. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Akron’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Bath is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Akron are Perrysburg 14 miles away Oregon 5 miles away Sylvania 10 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 50 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Akron has 21 days in a row below freezing and 80 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Akron people have an average (positive or negative) $6000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   1,200 homeless people living in Akron. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general politically mixed area facing socio-economic challenges could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Akron.

Retiree & Senior Life in Akron

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may qualify for property tax exemptions enhancing financial wellness
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Cedar Creek
• Akron Senior Center features meals educational programs and recreational activities for seniors

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Akron, Ohio?

If Akron, Ohio ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Akron, Ohio, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!