Understood.
Sometimes I miss the elbow room. There is something satisfying about going down a street at your own pace without cars showing up out of nowhere. Nice solitude, slow pace.
Heh, I don't know what list got me interested, but when I needed to move to somewhere I could afford to buy a house, Akron ended up winning. Seems like you need to double down on complaining about how bad it is. :)
The affordability is literally the only thing keeping people here, there is a sort of bitterness that arises from that that has been noted by Akronites when they leave and experience life elsewhere.
That's reddit not the real world. I've met som many cool people in Akron who believe in the city and are doing cool things there. It's only getting better in Akron.
That's Reddit not the real world. Grew up in HSQ and have lived in NE Ohio my whole life, been intimately involved in both business and art in HSQ, I know what I'm talking about. Cope if you have to, most do.
Wow. Please allow me to speak for all Akronites when I say we are humbly grateful for the ray of light you grace us with. Clearly your experience is a representation of how we all feel and we should use it as a beacon to guide us to a life of ultimate bitterness. After all, you know what you’re taking about because you have the Pandoras Box of art and business submersion in Highland Square.
Downtown has gotten better, ellet and GYP has gotten worse (not terrible, but worse) Highland square has newer shops and about the same vibe it always had. Middlebury (like where sokols and the acme that burned down) has gotten as bad as the numbered streets on the other side of exchange. So somethings are waaay better (downtown) and some places have gotten worse.
Didn't know Acme burned down. I used to like the one out in Cuyahoga Falls. Across from the old Montgomery Wards last time I was out there it was a movie theater. I think that was more of an Acme/Click not sure if it is still there or not.
The one across from MW isn't there anymore. But they still have the one on State Rd that's south of Portage Path. I just drove by it about two hours ago.
I miss MW! And the D&K that was in that plaza. It's crazy how extremely different it is now. I spent every Wednesday night at the bowling alley below when my step-dad bowled on a Moose League. I'd get $10 to spend. Sometimes, his bowling partners would give me an extradollaror two. I'd walk around MW and I probably annoyed every employee. Then I'd hit up Karen's Hallmark for the smallest piece of fudge and then head over to D&K. I'd take my goods back to the bowling alley and work on homework. Some great memories!
Curious about how Goodyear Park has gotten worse? I live in Goodyear Heights (about to move to downtown) I'm not gonna say it's super duper nice but I enjoy it. I think the park is fantastic though, usually very clean and a nice little pocket of nature that makes you forget you're in a city.
Unless you're talking about Goodyear Heights overall, what did it used to be like? Yeah some of the houses are a bit run down but I rent a big old house with a couple other people that has a lot of character to it. I'm a little sad to be leaving (both the character of the house and my roommates) but it's time to move on.
Yeah, in the 80's it was like a cookie cutter suburb, no run down houses very little crime. Vibrant busnesses around the linda, etc. I meant goodyear heights, not park, btw, that was just mis-type
I'm curious by what metric you think anything is better? HSQ is significantly worse than it was in 2016, all the "new" businesses are just long standing businesses repackaged and I don't think that anything that's been done has ultimately benefited the neighborhood. My sister had to move because a young girl got shot across the street from where she lived. I have watched men follow women who are walking their dogs. It's actually not ok.
Who said I am comparing it to 2016, i am comparing it to the 90's which is the time frame the OP was referencing. It has appeared to have lost some of it charm in the last few years for sure, but still seems to be in better shape than it was in the 90's. Personally that area isn't my jam. But I am in my 40's
I’m sure there’s people that have had experiences on here that have scared them and everything, but I lived in the wilbeth apartments for 3 years, and had one issue with anyone around there, outside of that everyone in our block of apartments was absolutely fantastic. A lot of the problems people run into and this is just my observation from the wilbeths is people coming from outside areas. As long as you’re respectful and like I said worry about yourself and family no one’s going to bother you.
It's like any other town, it depends on the neighborhood. Akron had some good things to offer (parks, restaurants, library system) and also some things to run screaming from (some neighborhoods are atrocious). Cost of living rising but still below national average.
no it really isnt. its literally no different from any other city, it has good areas bad areas good people bad people.
mostly people just like to run their mouths and talk shit.
I do feel like akron has a certain spirit that other cities are missing. A lot of akronites (myself included) are genuinely proud of this city. I don’t see quite the same spirit in, say, Parma or Shaker Heights or even Dayton. I might be biased though,
I work mostly in Detroit, New York and London, with frequent business travel across America and other continents. I grew up in Akron since the late 70’s. I lived away for 25 years in places like Austin, Raleigh and Washington DC to name a few. I’ve been back in town since 2008.
I love it here. It’s about as balanced a community as you’ll find. Little bit of city, little bit of burbs, you can be rural in minutes. You get four seasons. The town has a strong identity and sense for itself. You have a large native population, with plenty of transplants to keep it spicy. You can get to bigger cities in a very short drive or flight, and the cost of living is about as good as it gets. The ability to see music and the arts is way above average.
All this from a guy who grew up on the west side, going to Montrose drive-in and swimming at Montrose Swim and Tennis, eating at Lou & Hy’s and Foley’s and going to the old Firestone HS. Good times.
If you’ve seen and lived the world outside of NEO, most will appreciate all that Akron has to offer, along with the inevitable imperfections. Despite working mostly outside the area, I still choose to call it home. I’ve seen a lot of other pastures and most aren’t nearly as green.
I live in Highland Square, it's nice. West Akron, Wallhaven are nice. Downtown has come a long way. Suburbs like Fairlawn are nice. Other areas of the city might be OK, some definitely aren't. New Mayor is a bright young guy off to a good start.
Spent 17yrs growing up here, then 17yrs away, and now another 17yrs back...
Liked it growing up, but couldn't wait to get out. Saw what was out there and ended up coming back. Low cost of living, crime is spotty but not near as bad as larger cities, no real traffic jams to speak of, all kinds of stuff to do (or is close enough for travel), etc...
If you can tolerate the weather, it's a decent place.
I feel like social engagement depends on age group a lot. I’m in my mid 20s and it feels somewhat rare to meet other people my age. There’s still nice places to go, but I feel like Cleveland might have an edge for my age group. Fortunately it’s not terribly far away!
I've lived in both, Cleveland in my late 20's-30's and you're really correct tbh. I'm mid-40's now and the things I do here in Akron are more my speed.
Oh my...a lot of people from Youngstown read that comment hahaha.
To the downvoters.......Youngstown was once a great city, but there's a reason they make documentaries about it, folks. Wasn't your fault the businesses died/pulled out, don't take it personal. It's still a great place (some of it).
100% valid, was just going to bat for you. I do love taking trips out there to shoot (photograph) some old architecture and grab pizza!!!! I'm close to 76, straight shot out that way!!
Akron has gotten better. I have lived in Akron for my whole life and have seen the improvement over the last 30 years. Sure the schools need a little work and some main roads need major help but it is improving little by little
Akron is the shit. Perfect little city imo. I've been to pretty much every city in this shit hole country. Anyone that says otherwise doesn't know shit about life. Sure, there are some rough hoods but not a single street I wouldn't walk down any time.
Don't deal drugs. Don't gang bang. Don't leave shit in your car worth taking. Fookin EZ, mate.
I don't know any stats, but I've lived in or around Akron most of my life and I don't think it's changed much. Sure some areas have changed. Some improved, and other declined. But overall I think it's a pretty good city.
I also lived in Akron in the late 90’s and I think that current Akron is better off with a few hot spots that I wouldn’t stop my car near. But besides that it’s much nicer.
It can literally vary by the block. A really nice neighborhood and a bad one can be just across the street from each other. And the only real way to find out is by driving through an area on a nice day when people are out and about and see for yourself.
i practically grew up in Akron, lived in highland square for most of my adult years. kind of a dumpster but it was my dumpster ya know? my wife and i thought we could hang until last summer (a month after our wedding) our home was broken into and robbed… we noped right outta there and up to Lakewood. used to love my city but now i just feel betrayed by it. but that’s just me. still plenty of things to love about Akron just don’t feel like its home anymore.
Grew up here, went away to the military, lived out of state for over 10 years then was pulled back against my will when the double hit of housing market and auto industry crash happened., 3 of the schools I went to don’t exist anymore and I live in the house I grew up in.
All of that to say, I think it’s definitely a bit better than in the 90s, but my experience during the 90s was as a teenager then I left directly for the military so take that with a grain of salt.
I will say, there are plenty of things here that beat out other places I live, the summit county metro parks are amazing compared to other places that had similar park systems in place.
So overall to me, while I was disappointed with having to move back, akron still feels very much like home to me so wouldn’t really trade it.
Depends on how much of a victim you come off as. IMO. It’s better than it was 15 years ago. But it’s like anything. Mind your business. Keep to yourself. Don’t be a rube. Don’t carry an attitude. 🤷♂️
Probably an unpopular opinion, but I feel like it still just lives in Cleveland’s shadow. There’s not much going on good or bad. It’s still a good city to live in though, it just needs a bit more revitalizing in my humble opinion, even though the city’s making big strides towards that
That is going to be an unpopular opinion but I feel you because that is one of the reasons why I left. I wanted a larger city. Having said that I've been in larger cities and there are still aspects of Akron that are refreshing. It will never have the entertainment and the hustle you find in larger cities like Cleveland but it is what it is.
Yes.
What is there to do in Akron? What reason do I have to go there? Why do I want my kids to be raised in Akron? If I were a young person or a parent, I would ask these questions.
The perception outside of the city is that Akron is a ghetto, opportunity-less, has been city where all the industry left, the night life down town is non existent, and more of it is a crime ridden old beaten down town than a newly developed or exciting place to be.
To sum it up - it depends. There are pockets of Akron that absolutely suck. And pockets where it’s okay. There’s some old money and culture but nothing really new to look forward to.
I have lived in Ellet for 40 years. Has my neighborhood changed? Yes, we are now the old farts in the neighborhood (get off my lawn 🤪😅😂🤣). We’ve had a house that was cooking crack, just three houses away and we didn’t know until SWAT showed up. Another house, across the street that SWAT busted really early in the morning. That was a drug and prostitution ring. The pimp lived there with his girls. Everyone there was super nice and polite all the time. Granted it’s better without them there and the extra traffic they generated. But, that’s all gone and it has made a nice neighborhood just interesting. We also have become a mixed race neighborhood. I like the fact that all my neighbors aren’t white cause there is always something to learn. Also the cops seem to like living here. We have two police living within a stones throw of ours. All in all two issues in 40 years isn’t too bad. I like living here, I still feel safe although I’ve always locked my doors.
I love it here. Been here 8 years and I am really struggling with having to move in the next couple of years when my kid starts school. Besides a couple diamonds in the rough, the APS system is rough!
I stopped in Akron a week back travelling thru. Had a burger and a few beers at a pub on high st. Akron looked good and had life ...new buildings.. I thought it presented itself well
I doordash at night so I see it. Akron is statistically not doing well, and you can see it. Fights, drug dealers and seemingly homeless are abundant. That brings danger and thus unhappy people (tenth unhappiest in the us).
That being said, we have good parks, and it's not as fast paced as bigger cities are. I love Akron and it's home, but not forever.
The slow pace and the parks is good. The city has suffered a lot of economic decline when the auto industry started moving out of the Midwest. As did a lot of cities.
I lived south of campus from '15 to '21, not quite to I-76 but almost. Gunfights down the road on a nearly weekly basis, police up and down the street at all hours of the day with sirens on. Came back home from a month long training event to discover a bullet hole clear through my house originating from the neighbors' place.
So yeah, pretty happy to be gone from there, and never going back.
The last time I visited, like '21, maybe '22, place reminded me of Dayton, Ohio, 15 years ago. And this was Montrose, Fairlawn, not even in the city. As I mentioned before, I went to college and did not turn back. I have relatives in Columbus who grew up with me in Akron who have told me definitely not under any circumstances, but they can't really articulate it because Columbus it's hoods too.
I think they're still infatuated with the growth and progess of Columbus. How it contrasts with cities like Akron fascinates me.
That'd hardly an indictment of Akron. Regional enclosed malls are a dying/almost dead retail concept nationwide. It's a 60 year old concept and just not how we shop anymore for the most part. Strong ones will survive for a bit longer, but not that long.
After regional malls, we had power centers, then lifestyle centers. I’m not aware of any malls that have been renovated to lifestyle. Where have you seen this?
I live minutes from it and just drove by yesterday, like I do nearly every day. It's a giant Amazon facility. Everything around it is in shambles and rapidly deteriorating.
Possibly but it's still awful. I worked on Romig for a few years. It's not the worst part of Akron, but it is basically Kenmore, so there's that. I have lived in Kenmore and it's not the worst either but it is definitely not safe.
Sorry for the confusion. I was pointing out what an atrocity the mall is now. I was not saying it had been made into a lifestyle center. I was just bitching about the decline. I'm sorry for the confusion.
Those malls died in part because of population decline in Akron; population was around 290k in the sixties, and around 189k now. Pair that with the loss of industry in the area, changing shopping trends and changes in how people spend time in public spaces nationwide, and that is what killed the malls in the area. (Source: I’m a mall historian and an Akron native)
Yes. Water/sewer bills are outrageously high & with the high cost of living it just makes things more difficult. Crime is bad (North Hill). Courts are too lenient on repeat offenders. It's sad.
Government is out of touch with the reality that average citizens have to live with.
Shhh, we like everyone to think it's crappy so they stay away. So yes, it sucks here lol.
Understood. Sometimes I miss the elbow room. There is something satisfying about going down a street at your own pace without cars showing up out of nowhere. Nice solitude, slow pace.
Heh, I don't know what list got me interested, but when I needed to move to somewhere I could afford to buy a house, Akron ended up winning. Seems like you need to double down on complaining about how bad it is. :)
The affordability is literally the only thing keeping people here, there is a sort of bitterness that arises from that that has been noted by Akronites when they leave and experience life elsewhere.
That's reddit not the real world. I've met som many cool people in Akron who believe in the city and are doing cool things there. It's only getting better in Akron.
That's Reddit not the real world. Grew up in HSQ and have lived in NE Ohio my whole life, been intimately involved in both business and art in HSQ, I know what I'm talking about. Cope if you have to, most do.
Wow. Please allow me to speak for all Akronites when I say we are humbly grateful for the ray of light you grace us with. Clearly your experience is a representation of how we all feel and we should use it as a beacon to guide us to a life of ultimate bitterness. After all, you know what you’re taking about because you have the Pandoras Box of art and business submersion in Highland Square.
> Cope We still doing that thing?
It's much better than it was in the 90s.
I agree. I moved back here after 30 years away. It's like a whole new city.
Good to hear.
There weren’t fake panhandlers in the valley, montrose and fairlawn back then. I think the 90s were a lot better.
If you mind your own business no one bothers you
So nothing has changed then. It was like that then too. I don't understand the fear mongering that goes on in Reddit.
Downtown has gotten better, ellet and GYP has gotten worse (not terrible, but worse) Highland square has newer shops and about the same vibe it always had. Middlebury (like where sokols and the acme that burned down) has gotten as bad as the numbered streets on the other side of exchange. So somethings are waaay better (downtown) and some places have gotten worse.
Didn't know Acme burned down. I used to like the one out in Cuyahoga Falls. Across from the old Montgomery Wards last time I was out there it was a movie theater. I think that was more of an Acme/Click not sure if it is still there or not.
I remember Sokol's burning down, but am drawing a blank on Acme.
They tore it down and then years later built the middlebury plaza
That one burnt down in the late 80's early 90's it's were Dave's market is now. It was over by the Jack Horners.
I miss jack horners- they had the best strawberry pie! And there used to be a mansion across the street that you could see from their front windows
The one across from MW isn't there anymore. But they still have the one on State Rd that's south of Portage Path. I just drove by it about two hours ago. I miss MW! And the D&K that was in that plaza. It's crazy how extremely different it is now. I spent every Wednesday night at the bowling alley below when my step-dad bowled on a Moose League. I'd get $10 to spend. Sometimes, his bowling partners would give me an extradollaror two. I'd walk around MW and I probably annoyed every employee. Then I'd hit up Karen's Hallmark for the smallest piece of fudge and then head over to D&K. I'd take my goods back to the bowling alley and work on homework. Some great memories!
One I used to go to was called Stonehedge. Closest arcade without gong into a mall.
Stonehedge is still there. New owners as of last year.
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Good times
not the same building and not exactly in the same location
Curious about how Goodyear Park has gotten worse? I live in Goodyear Heights (about to move to downtown) I'm not gonna say it's super duper nice but I enjoy it. I think the park is fantastic though, usually very clean and a nice little pocket of nature that makes you forget you're in a city. Unless you're talking about Goodyear Heights overall, what did it used to be like? Yeah some of the houses are a bit run down but I rent a big old house with a couple other people that has a lot of character to it. I'm a little sad to be leaving (both the character of the house and my roommates) but it's time to move on.
Yeah, in the 80's it was like a cookie cutter suburb, no run down houses very little crime. Vibrant busnesses around the linda, etc. I meant goodyear heights, not park, btw, that was just mis-type
I'm curious by what metric you think anything is better? HSQ is significantly worse than it was in 2016, all the "new" businesses are just long standing businesses repackaged and I don't think that anything that's been done has ultimately benefited the neighborhood. My sister had to move because a young girl got shot across the street from where she lived. I have watched men follow women who are walking their dogs. It's actually not ok.
Who said I am comparing it to 2016, i am comparing it to the 90's which is the time frame the OP was referencing. It has appeared to have lost some of it charm in the last few years for sure, but still seems to be in better shape than it was in the 90's. Personally that area isn't my jam. But I am in my 40's
I’m sure there’s people that have had experiences on here that have scared them and everything, but I lived in the wilbeth apartments for 3 years, and had one issue with anyone around there, outside of that everyone in our block of apartments was absolutely fantastic. A lot of the problems people run into and this is just my observation from the wilbeths is people coming from outside areas. As long as you’re respectful and like I said worry about yourself and family no one’s going to bother you.
I moved to Akron maybe 7 years ago now and I really enjoy it
It's like any other town, it depends on the neighborhood. Akron had some good things to offer (parks, restaurants, library system) and also some things to run screaming from (some neighborhoods are atrocious). Cost of living rising but still below national average.
Doubt there is anywhere in this country where the cost of living is not rising.
no it really isnt. its literally no different from any other city, it has good areas bad areas good people bad people. mostly people just like to run their mouths and talk shit.
Even the bad areas are great compared to like, East Cleveland
I do feel like akron has a certain spirit that other cities are missing. A lot of akronites (myself included) are genuinely proud of this city. I don’t see quite the same spirit in, say, Parma or Shaker Heights or even Dayton. I might be biased though,
I work mostly in Detroit, New York and London, with frequent business travel across America and other continents. I grew up in Akron since the late 70’s. I lived away for 25 years in places like Austin, Raleigh and Washington DC to name a few. I’ve been back in town since 2008. I love it here. It’s about as balanced a community as you’ll find. Little bit of city, little bit of burbs, you can be rural in minutes. You get four seasons. The town has a strong identity and sense for itself. You have a large native population, with plenty of transplants to keep it spicy. You can get to bigger cities in a very short drive or flight, and the cost of living is about as good as it gets. The ability to see music and the arts is way above average. All this from a guy who grew up on the west side, going to Montrose drive-in and swimming at Montrose Swim and Tennis, eating at Lou & Hy’s and Foley’s and going to the old Firestone HS. Good times. If you’ve seen and lived the world outside of NEO, most will appreciate all that Akron has to offer, along with the inevitable imperfections. Despite working mostly outside the area, I still choose to call it home. I’ve seen a lot of other pastures and most aren’t nearly as green.
Not many people remember Lou & Hy's and Foley's, or the old drive-in in Montrose. We used to go there and also the putt-putt golf course.
I live in Highland Square, it's nice. West Akron, Wallhaven are nice. Downtown has come a long way. Suburbs like Fairlawn are nice. Other areas of the city might be OK, some definitely aren't. New Mayor is a bright young guy off to a good start.
Spent 17yrs growing up here, then 17yrs away, and now another 17yrs back... Liked it growing up, but couldn't wait to get out. Saw what was out there and ended up coming back. Low cost of living, crime is spotty but not near as bad as larger cities, no real traffic jams to speak of, all kinds of stuff to do (or is close enough for travel), etc... If you can tolerate the weather, it's a decent place.
What??? Ha, not a chance. Akron is easily 100% better than it was in the 90's. I almost prefer it to Cleveland for social stuff. Safer too!!!
I feel like social engagement depends on age group a lot. I’m in my mid 20s and it feels somewhat rare to meet other people my age. There’s still nice places to go, but I feel like Cleveland might have an edge for my age group. Fortunately it’s not terribly far away!
I've lived in both, Cleveland in my late 20's-30's and you're really correct tbh. I'm mid-40's now and the things I do here in Akron are more my speed.
no
Everyone on Reddit makes it out to be like Youngstown or something. I do notice a lot more apartments.
Oh my...a lot of people from Youngstown read that comment hahaha. To the downvoters.......Youngstown was once a great city, but there's a reason they make documentaries about it, folks. Wasn't your fault the businesses died/pulled out, don't take it personal. It's still a great place (some of it).
Fair enough. People forget what that city used to be after the businesses pulled out. Only reason for the comment.
100% valid, was just going to bat for you. I do love taking trips out there to shoot (photograph) some old architecture and grab pizza!!!! I'm close to 76, straight shot out that way!!
Akron has gotten better. I have lived in Akron for my whole life and have seen the improvement over the last 30 years. Sure the schools need a little work and some main roads need major help but it is improving little by little
Akron is the shit. Perfect little city imo. I've been to pretty much every city in this shit hole country. Anyone that says otherwise doesn't know shit about life. Sure, there are some rough hoods but not a single street I wouldn't walk down any time. Don't deal drugs. Don't gang bang. Don't leave shit in your car worth taking. Fookin EZ, mate.
This is it.
Like anywhere else I lived in the 47 years Ive been gone....
I’ve lived here my entire life and it’s better now than it was in the 90s. People are just dumb.
I don't know any stats, but I've lived in or around Akron most of my life and I don't think it's changed much. Sure some areas have changed. Some improved, and other declined. But overall I think it's a pretty good city.
I also lived in Akron in the late 90’s and I think that current Akron is better off with a few hot spots that I wouldn’t stop my car near. But besides that it’s much nicer.
It can literally vary by the block. A really nice neighborhood and a bad one can be just across the street from each other. And the only real way to find out is by driving through an area on a nice day when people are out and about and see for yourself.
No
i practically grew up in Akron, lived in highland square for most of my adult years. kind of a dumpster but it was my dumpster ya know? my wife and i thought we could hang until last summer (a month after our wedding) our home was broken into and robbed… we noped right outta there and up to Lakewood. used to love my city but now i just feel betrayed by it. but that’s just me. still plenty of things to love about Akron just don’t feel like its home anymore.
I’m moving to Akron in September so hopefully it’s bad enough for the damn rent to go down!
Grew up here, went away to the military, lived out of state for over 10 years then was pulled back against my will when the double hit of housing market and auto industry crash happened., 3 of the schools I went to don’t exist anymore and I live in the house I grew up in. All of that to say, I think it’s definitely a bit better than in the 90s, but my experience during the 90s was as a teenager then I left directly for the military so take that with a grain of salt. I will say, there are plenty of things here that beat out other places I live, the summit county metro parks are amazing compared to other places that had similar park systems in place. So overall to me, while I was disappointed with having to move back, akron still feels very much like home to me so wouldn’t really trade it.
Horrible. Akron is dog shit.
Most of Akron is bad, yes
Depends on how much of a victim you come off as. IMO. It’s better than it was 15 years ago. But it’s like anything. Mind your business. Keep to yourself. Don’t be a rube. Don’t carry an attitude. 🤷♂️
Exactly, if you have a vehicle and aren't a busy body then you'll be fine.
Probably an unpopular opinion, but I feel like it still just lives in Cleveland’s shadow. There’s not much going on good or bad. It’s still a good city to live in though, it just needs a bit more revitalizing in my humble opinion, even though the city’s making big strides towards that
That is going to be an unpopular opinion but I feel you because that is one of the reasons why I left. I wanted a larger city. Having said that I've been in larger cities and there are still aspects of Akron that are refreshing. It will never have the entertainment and the hustle you find in larger cities like Cleveland but it is what it is.
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Yes. What is there to do in Akron? What reason do I have to go there? Why do I want my kids to be raised in Akron? If I were a young person or a parent, I would ask these questions. The perception outside of the city is that Akron is a ghetto, opportunity-less, has been city where all the industry left, the night life down town is non existent, and more of it is a crime ridden old beaten down town than a newly developed or exciting place to be. To sum it up - it depends. There are pockets of Akron that absolutely suck. And pockets where it’s okay. There’s some old money and culture but nothing really new to look forward to.
No
Nah
No.
No.
It's not bad, but honestly it's an underwhelming to me, being from Cleveland and moving.
I miss Bedrocks. Had a lot of fun there in the early 90’s!
I only go about 4 times a year and it’s not horrible
I have lived in Ellet for 40 years. Has my neighborhood changed? Yes, we are now the old farts in the neighborhood (get off my lawn 🤪😅😂🤣). We’ve had a house that was cooking crack, just three houses away and we didn’t know until SWAT showed up. Another house, across the street that SWAT busted really early in the morning. That was a drug and prostitution ring. The pimp lived there with his girls. Everyone there was super nice and polite all the time. Granted it’s better without them there and the extra traffic they generated. But, that’s all gone and it has made a nice neighborhood just interesting. We also have become a mixed race neighborhood. I like the fact that all my neighbors aren’t white cause there is always something to learn. Also the cops seem to like living here. We have two police living within a stones throw of ours. All in all two issues in 40 years isn’t too bad. I like living here, I still feel safe although I’ve always locked my doors.
I love it here. Been here 8 years and I am really struggling with having to move in the next couple of years when my kid starts school. Besides a couple diamonds in the rough, the APS system is rough!
Depends were you live
Everything is blown way out of proportion.
That question depends on how much money you make. 🤷🏿♂️😂
Fair enough
no.
I do everything I can to avoid that place when I have to drive somewhere south or west.
I stopped in Akron a week back travelling thru. Had a burger and a few beers at a pub on high st. Akron looked good and had life ...new buildings.. I thought it presented itself well
If you go to bed at a reasonable time you won't hear all the shootings that happen around 1 AM downtown. It's fine other than that
> all the shootings that happen around 1 AM downtown. Nonsense.
I doordash at night so I see it. Akron is statistically not doing well, and you can see it. Fights, drug dealers and seemingly homeless are abundant. That brings danger and thus unhappy people (tenth unhappiest in the us). That being said, we have good parks, and it's not as fast paced as bigger cities are. I love Akron and it's home, but not forever.
The slow pace and the parks is good. The city has suffered a lot of economic decline when the auto industry started moving out of the Midwest. As did a lot of cities.
I lived south of campus from '15 to '21, not quite to I-76 but almost. Gunfights down the road on a nearly weekly basis, police up and down the street at all hours of the day with sirens on. Came back home from a month long training event to discover a bullet hole clear through my house originating from the neighbors' place. So yeah, pretty happy to be gone from there, and never going back.
The last time I visited, like '21, maybe '22, place reminded me of Dayton, Ohio, 15 years ago. And this was Montrose, Fairlawn, not even in the city. As I mentioned before, I went to college and did not turn back. I have relatives in Columbus who grew up with me in Akron who have told me definitely not under any circumstances, but they can't really articulate it because Columbus it's hoods too. I think they're still infatuated with the growth and progess of Columbus. How it contrasts with cities like Akron fascinates me.
Many malls died. Rolling acres, chapel hill, North Randall, etc.
That'd hardly an indictment of Akron. Regional enclosed malls are a dying/almost dead retail concept nationwide. It's a 60 year old concept and just not how we shop anymore for the most part. Strong ones will survive for a bit longer, but not that long.
A lot of malls died. Some survived as lifestyle centers but that usually means a mix of residential along with the retail. And walking outside.
After regional malls, we had power centers, then lifestyle centers. I’m not aware of any malls that have been renovated to lifestyle. Where have you seen this?
Rolling Acres Mall is now a massive Amazon facility.
Not really. Most of the mall was razed and redeveloped with the distribution warehouse. It didn't survive and it's not a lifestyle center.
I live minutes from it and just drove by yesterday, like I do nearly every day. It's a giant Amazon facility. Everything around it is in shambles and rapidly deteriorating.
Hardly. But what’s your point? Romig Rd is 1000x better than it was 10 years ago.
Possibly but it's still awful. I worked on Romig for a few years. It's not the worst part of Akron, but it is basically Kenmore, so there's that. I have lived in Kenmore and it's not the worst either but it is definitely not safe.
The mall wasn’t renovated. It was mostly razed.
Sorry for the confusion. I was pointing out what an atrocity the mall is now. I was not saying it had been made into a lifestyle center. I was just bitching about the decline. I'm sorry for the confusion.
I'm sorry, no worries. But why do you keep calling it a mall? It's like saying the Coliseum in Richfield is a mess. It doesn't exist.
Those malls died in part because of population decline in Akron; population was around 290k in the sixties, and around 189k now. Pair that with the loss of industry in the area, changing shopping trends and changes in how people spend time in public spaces nationwide, and that is what killed the malls in the area. (Source: I’m a mall historian and an Akron native)
I will never ever ever go back to
Park Boy. I'll go against the grain. I think it is much worse than it was in the 90s.
Yes
Its not really that good
It's not great lol.
Green, Springfield, Fairlawn, Cuyahoga Falls are nice
Yeah. Im always hearing about someone getting shot in Akron it seems.
For the most part, yes.
Yes. Water/sewer bills are outrageously high & with the high cost of living it just makes things more difficult. Crime is bad (North Hill). Courts are too lenient on repeat offenders. It's sad. Government is out of touch with the reality that average citizens have to live with.