Hey all. I may be moving down to Akron for a new job, and I'm past my lease in Lakewood so just going month to month on that, which gives me a while to evaluate my options as long as I can put up with a commute that's only somewhat arduous.

 

Are there any areas in Akron reminiscent of Lakewood or Cleveland Heights? Or what about a Tremont-like neighorhood?

Hey all. I may be moving down to Akron for a new job, and I'm past my lease in Lakewood so just going month to month on that, which gives me a while to evaluate my options as long as I can put up with a commute that's only somewhat arduous.

 

Are there any areas in Akron reminiscent of Lakewood or Cleveland Heights? Or what about a Tremont-like neighorhood?

 

I'd definitely say somewhere in the west side of Akron or even the valley. Highland square is the artsy/hipster area in Akron (at least it used to be when I went to college down there). It's been a while since I've been over that way, but it might be an area to look at. Hopefully someone who's more familiar can give you a yay or nay on my options.

Highland Square for sure, especially after a new Mustard Seed Market (organic grocery) opens but another area to check out is about a mile further west on Market St. called Wallhaven, or sometimes called 5 Points. There are a number of new shops and restaurants that recently opened, the West Point Market (one of the best specialty groceries in NE Ohio) is close and the neighborhood is very walkable.

Highland Square is about as close as you'll get to a neighborhood with a genuine bohemian/artsy/hipster/progressive vibe in Akron proper anything like what you would find in one of the trendy Cleveland neighborhoods you mentioned. It has a handful/mix of local and chain shops and restaurants, a library and a theater. It's principal commercial/entertainment district is quite small, however, and it's not really a "square" at all. In fact, depending upon the direction and road you take, it's entirely possible to pass right through Highland Square and not even realize you were there. It's probably Akron's most walkable neighborhood though, and it is quite possible to live there and get around without a car. I wouldn't put it in the same class as Tremont, Coventry/Cle Hts. or Lakewood, but it would have to be the Akron approximation of them.

 

Wallhaven is significantly larger and kinda reminds me of an upscale Kamms Corners in form. Lots of restaurants and stores--some unique, coffee shops and some business offices. The area tends to be geared toward established white collar professionals as well as those on the move. Also quite walkable and you can find virtually everything you need nearby, or on a short trip further west down Market into Fairlawn. It's also home to the well-stocked Acme flagship grocery store and HQ.

 

The Merriman Valley is sort of a cross between both districts in a sense. Lots of University of Akron students and young professionals just starting off, and a number of local restaurants, bars and shops. Lots of affordable apartments too. The Valley is quite walkable, and it is home to Sand Run Metro Park. The downside, of course, would be the steep hills you need to climb to get out of the valley, which really sucks in the winter, let me tell you, heavy wear and tear on your brakes on incurred on the way back down those same hills, and in general the community's somewhat remote and isolated location in relation to the rest of the city.

 

In general, I'd recommend Highland Square if culture matters most to you in the community where you choose to live. You'd be very hard pressed to find anything better in or around Akron as it stands right now.