Affordable Akron Storage Units

Moving and storage go hand in hand. Whether traveling across town or the country, moving is an exciting and fresh start. While Storage Rentals of America is here to help you with all your storage needs, we also want to help you get familiar with the area. That's why we put together this resource guide for Akron.

About Akron, OH.

Home to around 198,000 people, Akron is the county seat of Summit County and the fifth-largest city in Ohio. In many ways, Akron is a typical city in the region known as the Rust Belt. A long-time hub for manufacturing in Northeast Ohio, Akron has undergone a Renaissance in recent years, emerging as a city that is as much an arts and culture capital as a working-class town.

What to do in Akron, OH

There's always something exciting to see and do in Akron. From shopping and dining in the city's revitalized Downtown District to visiting parks, museums, and art galleries, Akron has become a city rich in art and culture. Some of the top attractions in Akron, OH, include:

• Akron Zoo: Spanning over 35 acres and home to 1,000 animals of more than 100 different species, the Akron Zoo is one of Akron's top attractions, receiving over 400,000 visitors annually.
• Festivals and Events: Keep your eye on the calendar for upcoming festivities in Akron. The city hosts several notable festivals throughout the year, including the Bath Art Festival, the Props & Pistons Aviation Festival, and Summit StageFest.
• Cuyahoha Valley Scenic Railroad: The romance of the rails is alive and well in Akron. Board the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad to ride from Akron northward along the scenic river to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The rails run alongside the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, where hikers and cyclists can flag down the train and climb aboard at any of the eight boarding stations.
• Akron Art Museum: With a vast permanent collection and an ever-changing lineup of new exhibits, the Akron Art Museum is a great place to experience art and culture. First opened in 1922, the museum recently celebrated its 100th anniversary.

Working in Akron, OH

Akron's economy has long been centered around manufacturing, particularly the tire industry. In the early 20th century, Goodrich, Firestone, and General Tire were all headquartered here, earning Akron the title "Rubber Capital of the World." Although declines in manufacturing have affected Akron over the years, a diversified economy has helped Akron avoid the fate of harder-hit Rust Belt cities.

Today, the leading occupations in Akron are related to health care and social assistance. Manufacturing comes second, followed by retail trade, accommodation, and food services. The three largest employers in Akron—Summa Health, Cleveland Clinic-Akron General, and Akron Children's Hospital—are all in the healthcare field.

Among private employers, Goodyear Tires remains a major player, employing around 3,000 people in the Akron area. The electric utility company FirstEnergy Corp also has its headquarters in Akron.

Akron, OH Neighborhoods

Encompassing just over 62 square miles, Akron spans a large land area that includes dozens of distinct neighborhoods. Many are unique and historic areas, while others are more modern and have seen significant urban renewal in recent years. Some of the best neighborhoods in Akron include:

• Firestone Park: A largely residential neighborhood that has a reputation for being one of the safest in the city, Firestone Park is located south of Downtown Akron. Most residential real estate consists of owner-occupied single-family homes built before 1940. The median real estate price is about $115,000.
• Highland Square: Centered around Market Street, northwest of Downtown, Highland Square has an average real estate cost of $140,000 and is occupied by a mixture of owners and renters. With a growing area of quirky shops and locally owned eateries, cafes, and bars, Highland Square has become one of Akron's hippest neighborhoods and is especially popular among young people.
• Goodyear Heights: With its suburban atmosphere, Goodyear Heights is popular among families and working professionals. A short commute from Downtown, Goodyear Heights has affordable homes with a median value of around $90,000. It includes a historic district with many homes dating to the 19th century.

Akron, OH School District

The largest school district in Akron is Akron Public Schools. This district includes 49 schools across the city that serve approximately 21,000 students in grades K-12. Some of the most highly rated school districts in the Akron area are located farther from the city center, in Akron's suburbs. These include Copley-Fairlawn City Schools and Revere Local Schools.

The University of Akron, a STEM-focused public research university, is one of several colleges in the city. Another option is the Akron Campus of Herzing University, which is primarily known for its nursing program. Kent State University, one of Ohio's leading public universities, is just a short drive away.

Moving to Akron, OH Resource Guide

We can all use a little help when it comes to moving to a new place. Luckily, there are some great resources available to new residents of the Akron area. Check out this guide to visiting and living in Akron from the Greater Akron Chamber, and be sure to visit Akron Recreation & Parks to learn more about local parks and events.

Water and sewer utilities are provided by the Akron Water Supply Bureau, while power is supplied by Ohio Edison, a division of FirstEnergy Corp. The Akron Fire Department and Department of Public Safety are also excellent resources.

Akron, OH Housing

Akron, OH, has a very low cost of living, 30.5% lower than the U.S. average. Housing is particularly affordable. The median home cost in Akron is just $76,900, less than one-third the U.S. average. Rental rates are affordable as well, ranging from $573 for a one-bedroom apartment to $984 for a four-bedroom apartment.