Pros and Cons of Living in Akron, OH

Considering moving to Akron, Ohio? Akron is the fifth-largest city in Ohio, sitting 40 miles south of downtown Cleveland. In the Akron metropolitan area as a whole, the population sits just above 700,000, and there are plenty of reasons why so many people choose to call this area home.

 

Pros of Moving to Akron, OH

This city, lovingly named the Rubber Capital of the World due to its history with the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, has many excellent traits to discover. If you’re interested in learning more about Akron before you take the leap to move here, no worries! We’ve got you covered with our list of pros and cons of living in Akron. Keep reading, and find out more about if Akron is right for you!

 

Low Cost of Living

One of the biggest standout perks of Akron is its low cost of living. Unfortunately, most of us are aware of the difficult reality that inflation has made the cost of living skyrocket throughout the United States, stretching people’s wallets thin.

If you’re able to find a place to live where the prices aren’t completely out of control, that is a major win. Incredibly, the overall cost of living in this city is about 14% below the national average.

Housing and utilities are the main categories where this lower price tag is felt. When compared to both the United States and Ohio, these categories have lower costs in the city of Akron. This is an incredible advantage for those with a tighter budget or anyone looking to save some money while still living in a great place. 

 

Plenty to Do

If you choose to settle down in Akron, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll be bored. This Midwest city provides plenty of fun and entertainment for its residents, no matter their age or interest.

In the downtown area alone, there are enough options to keep you thoroughly entertained and enjoying life in Akron. One of the most known places to visit here is the Akron Zoo, which offers endless entertainment and education for the entire family.

If you’re looking to enjoy the arts instead, you’re in luck because there are plenty of places to go. Spend an evening at the Akron Civic Theatre to listen to live music, or visit Summit Artspace for a relaxing day with beautiful art.

More into the great outdoors? Discover Towpath Trail or one of Akron’s many parks where you can spend time in nature. No matter what you’re looking to do, Akron has what you’re seeking!

 

Strong Job Market

If you’re looking for a job, Akron might just be the perfect place to relocate to. This city offers a strong economy bolstered by a job market that encompasses various industries. Akron provides many jobs in the manufacturing, healthcare, retail, education, and construction industries, among others.

Especially in healthcare and education, there has been major recent growth, and experts project that this will be a continued trend throughout 2023. Additionally, manufacturing is a historically strong industry in Akron, meaning there is plenty of room for growth if you’re looking to advance in this field. 

 

Wide Variety of Neighborhoods

No matter what vibe you’re searching for when it comes to your neighborhood of choice, Akron has a lot of variety to choose from. From Highland Square to Wallhaven, North Hill to Merriman Valley, you’ll be greeted by endless excellent options when you look for a place to live in Akron.

Highland Square is known for having a more artistic vibe, while Goodyear Heights and Firestone Park are seen as perfect suburban areas for families. Meanwhile, the N. Revere Rd./Woodsmill Rd. area neighborhood feels perfect for retirees. Whatever you’re looking for, Akron can provide the perfect place for you.

 

Cons of Moving to Akron, OH

As is the case with any area, there are going to be some drawbacks to living in Akron, OH. From taxes to weather, everybody can have different concerns. Keep reading for things to keep in mind when looking to move to Akron.

 

High Property Taxes

Despite the low cost of living in Akron, one area where the costs aren’t so great are property taxes. Although you’re able to save money in other areas, residents of Akron do end up paying more in this category.

In this area, the average property tax rate is 1.767 percent per $100,000 home value, totaling to around  $1,767 per year. Depending on your budget and how much you’re looking to pay, this could be an issue when it comes to living here that would need to be considered in your final decision.

 

Cold, Snowy Winters

Depending on the type of weather you’re used to and what climate you’d like to live in, Akron’s temperatures might not be ideal for you, especially in the wintertime. Akron sits in what is called the Rust Belt, which is known for its frigid, snowy winters (and rainy springs).

This city averages 42 inches of snowfall per year, much more than the United States average of 28 inches. However, you can expect to experience four distinct seasons in this region, so you won’t have to deal with the unpleasant winters for too long.

 

Moderate Safety

Akron sits around average when it comes to statistics regarding general safety, however, as is the case with most metropolitan areas, certain parts of the city see higher crime rates than others.

As a whole, though, Akron is safer than only 4% of U.S. cities, meaning that depending on where you go, it’s best to be cautious and make an effort to stay as safe as possible. Especially for people with children, this can be difficult, as you need to be sure to find a neighborhood that can provide reliable safety for your family. Many of these higher numbers come from increased rates of property crime, but there is still some violent crime to be mindful of as well.

 

Disparity Between Neighborhoods

Finally, it’s important to be mindful of safety, as mentioned previously, when you choose a place to live in Akron. Because some areas of the city aren’t as safe, there are definitely some places that you might want to avoid as you search for a home here.

Additionally, many areas are more on the expensive side especially when compared to many of the affordable options in the city. Being careful about selecting where you want to live in Akron will allow you to make the best choice for you.

 

Ready to Take on a Relocation with Your Akron Movers?

With these pros and cons in mind, you’re ready to choose whether or not Akron is the right place for you. However, with so many wonderful aspects of this city, what are you waiting for?

A move to Akron can (and should!) be in your future. Need a reliable moving company to help you get here? Count on RLD Relocation & Logistics to make your Akron move a breeze.

We’ve served the local community since 1998, and we have the knowledge and experience to transform your moving experience to make it as convenient and simple as possible. Request a free quote online today, and find out just how easy and affordable a relocation to Akron can be with the help of RLD!