With a population of 190K, Akron is a mid-size city. Crime rate is something to consider — Akron sits at 900.5 per 100K. The weather takes some getting used to. Anyone in a similar situation? People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
53 upvotes
4 Replies
Vivian Turner
thanks for sharing
27 upvotes
Olivia M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 49, moved here 5 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Pine Hills, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Lots of new development happening
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Property taxes are high
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for families. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Pine Hills: 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 Minneapolis, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $60K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
16 upvotes
Xavier Campbell
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 8 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Cedar Grove side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Sadie Carter
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are tough, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.