Longtime lurker here, I'm single, late 40s, and Crime rate is something to consider — Akron sits at 900.5 per 100K. The median home value here is around $111,200, which is actually reasonable. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
30 upvotes
25 Replies
Aubrey M.
underrated comment
40 upvotes
Justin M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from New York about 4 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are stable, gas is improving.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. No regrets on my end..
40 upvotes
Charlotte
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 15 years here, that's my honest assessment.
39 upvotes
Maverick Hernandez
spot on
38 upvotes
Aurora Garcia
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value traffic, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely challenging and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Pine Hills) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
33 upvotes
Arianna Rivera
Moved here from Minneapolis about 15 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to walkability but Good luck with whatever you decide..
26 upvotes
Santiago Mitchell
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 3 years. Moved from Dallas for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is improving - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Summers can be brutally hot. Can feel isolated. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
24 upvotes
Chloe Rogers
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 15 years. Moved from New York for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are better than expected. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Property taxes are high. Bugs and humidity in summer. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
22 upvotes
houstonkid2022
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say I love the pace of life here. The nightlife is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
21 upvotes
Alexa Kim
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Raleigh it's underrated.
20 upvotes
Joseph Taylor
spot on
19 upvotes
Brielle Price
We moved here with our family and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Schools in Uptown area are underrated. Kids love it here.
18 upvotes
Emma Foster
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 49, moved here 5 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The food scene situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. decent vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Portland, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
18 upvotes
Riley
I've lived in North for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Close to major attractions
- Diverse dining options
- The pet-friendliness scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Anthony M.
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
17 upvotes
Natalie
great question, following
17 upvotes
Luke Bennett
Moved here from Dallas about 15 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to cost of living but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
16 upvotes
Piper Price
Came here for weather and stayed because I'm still on the fence after all this time. The school system is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
12 upvotes
Jack G.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
10 upvotes
Cora M.
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great craft beer places. the quality of life is solid.
8 upvotes
Julia Lewis
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is tough in most areas.
8 upvotes
Olivia Thompson
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Worth doing your research before committing.
2 upvotes
Cora R.
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 14 years here, that's my honest assessment.
1 upvotes
Asher Jackson
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is public transit. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
1 upvotes
Lucy Jones
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 11 years ago from Miami and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Riverside. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is affordable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like Vietnamese.
All Countries
