A Local Expert’s Guide To 10 Budget-Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent in Akron, OH

I'm Catrina, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Akron, and I'm here to talk to you about this city that is a bustling part of Northeastern Ohio. Along Interstate 76 and 77, Akron is extremely easy to get to (and get out of) from anywhere in the state, making it a cool destination for those who want to be connected and live in a smaller city.

What I love about Akron is that you can enjoy lots of rural, suburban areas like Chapel Hill or Summit Lake but also get the opportunity to visit downtown areas (IE: Downtown Akron) where all the action is within just a few minutes' drive. Akron also has its own transportation system, the Akron Metro RTA, which can get you anywhere in the city fairly quickly. For people attending university at the University of Akron or those working in the Downtown area, Akron is a great place to call home. It's also home to one of my favorite zoos, Akron Zoo, which houses over 1,000 animals and has bar-free enclosures that let you get closer through glass.

To give you a little more insight into the neighborhoods in Akron and where you might want to call home, here are 10 of the most affordable neighborhoods and what you'll find there.

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is one of the first places I think of when I think about Akron. It is the home to Gorge Metro Park, a 155-acre park that has places to fish, ice skate, have picnics, and walk your dog. The neighborhood itself feels safe and has plenty of single-family homes. There are also apartments with affordable rental rates.

Coventry

Coventry is another part of Akron, but it's one of the coolest to visit if you love boating or being at a beach. There, you're going to find Portage Lakes State Park. In this whole area of the state, you'll see lots of nature, which is great if you want to have that rural feel while still being close to urban areas. Housing in this area varies in price, but it's fair and affordable.

Cottage Grove

Cottage Grove borders the eastern side of Portage Lakes, and it is right along Interstate 77. It has excellent connections to Green and Firestone Park, both local areas with lots to do and see. You'll appreciate the neighborhood's residential vibe; like Coventry, it is suburban and surrounded by green areas.

South Akron

South Akron is an affordable part of Akron that is bordered by Interstate 77 and Interstate 66. It is primarily residential in nature, with affordable single-family houses throughout. I've visited the Bawse Galleria, which is one point of interest in South Akron; it's great if you like to shop. McEbright Elementary School serves South Akron.

Firestone Park

Firestone Park is located just south of South Akron and has Interstate 77 run right through it. It also has W. Wilbeth Road running through the center, and it is bordered on the south side by West Waterloo Road and Interstate 277. Firestone Park is well known for housing students who attend the University of Akron or Kent State University. It is also close to Summit Lake.

East Akron

East Akron is bordered by Interstate 76 to the north and Interstate 77 to the west. To the southeast, you'll find the Akron Fulton Airport, which is not to be confused with the Akron-Canton Airport to the south. This community is one of mixed use, and you'll find places to eat, like Tim Hortons or Strickland's Frozen Custard, in the neighborhood next to residential areas. Akron State Park is also contained within this neighborhood.

Outer Central South Akron

Outer Central South Akron is within South Akron and is home to McEbright Elementary School. The Bawse Galleria is located to the north. A couple of places to visit while you're in this area include Difeo & Sons Poultry, a great place to pick up meat for a barbecue, and Morgan Park, where you can enjoy some green space.

Summit Lake

Summit Lake is to the west of Outer Central South Akron. This area is very cool if you like to fish or go out on the lake. You'll find the Summit Lake Nature Center there, which is a pleasant place to go if you want to enjoy the outdoors. For hiking, you can take the Summit Lake Trail, too. The neighborhood here is suburban, and it mostly has single-family homes. You will see some apartments and duplexes, as well.

Downtown Akron

Downtown Akron is a pretty spread-out neighborhood that actually extends down into South Akron. It includes some busy roadways including Opportunity Parkway and Wolf Ledge Parkway, and it's bordered by Route 59, Route 261, Interstate 76, Interstate 77, and Route 8. Essentially, if you need to go anywhere in Ohio, you can get on your correct route from the downtown area. There are plenty of cool places to visit in Downtown Akron. Some of my personal favorites are the Akron Civil Theatre and Akron Art Museum. Expect to find historic housing, duplexes, single-family homes, and apartments in this area.

Kenmore

Kenmore is to the west of South Akron and has Summit Lake and Summit Lake Nature Center bordering its eastern side. A couple significant thoroughfares in this area include Interstate 76 and 277, which cross into the lower half of the neighborhood. The thing I like about Kenmore is that it is near the Akron Children's Museum. It is also relatively close to the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, which are really beautiful. They often have events and the gift shop is top notch. The neighborhoods in Kenmore are nice, and you'll find apartments and homes for rent at decent rates. Kenmore Place is here as well, providing 40 units specifically for seniors.

Every neighborhood in Akron has its charm. Some cater to those who love to be in the outdoors, while others are busy and full of city life. Summit Lake and Chapel Hill are great for being in nature, but Downtown Akron always has a lot to do. All of these areas have a mixture of homes, too, letting you choose between apartments, houses, or duplexes.