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Akron, OH

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Akron, OH

Akron is a city in and the county seat of Summit County, Ohio, United States. At the 2020 census, the city proper had a total population of 190,469, making it the fifth-most populous city in Ohio and 136th-most populous city in the United States. The Akron metropolitan area, covering Summit and Portage counties, had a population of 702,219. It is located on the western edge of the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau in Northeast Ohio about 40 miles (64 km) south of downtown Cleveland.

After being first settled by Miner Spicer in 1810, the city was founded by Simon Perkins and Paul Williams in 1825 along the Little Cuyahoga River at the summit of the developing Ohio and Erie Canal. The name is derived from the Greek word ἄκρον (ákron), signifying a summit or high point. It was briefly renamed South Akron after Eliakim Crosby founded nearby North Akron in 1833 until both merged into an incorporated village in 1836. In the 1910s, Akron doubled in population, making it the nation's fastest-growing city.

A long history of rubber and tire manufacturing, carried on today by the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, gave Akron the nickname "Rubber Capital of the World". It was once known as a center of airship development. Today, its economy includes manufacturing, education, healthcare, and biomedical research; leading corporations include Gojo Industries, FirstEnergy, Huntington Bank, and Charter Spectrum.

Notable historic events in Akron include the passage of the Akron School Law of 1847, which created the K–-12 system; the popularization of the church's architectural Akron Plan, the foundation of Alcoholics Anonymous, the Akron Experiment into preventing goiters with iodized salt, the 1983 Supreme Court case City of Akron v. Akron Center for Reproductive Health; and portions of the 2014 Gay Games. A racially diverse city, it has seen noted racial relations speeches by Sojourner Truth in 1851 (the Ain't I A Woman? speech), W. E. B. Du Bois in 1920, and President Bill Clinton in 1997. In 1914, Marcus Garvey founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association in Akron. Episodes of major civil unrest in Akron have included the riot of 1900, the rubber strike of 1936, the Wooster Avenue riots of 1968, and the 2022 protests surrounding the killing of Jayland Walker.

Akron is located in the Great Lakes region about 39 miles (63 km) south of Lake Erie, on the Glaciated Allegheny Plateau. It is bordered by Cuyahoga Falls in the north and Barberton in the southwest. It is the center of the Akron metropolitan area which covers Summit and Portage Counties, and a principal city of the larger Cleveland–Akron–Canton Combined Statistical Area. Located on the western end of the plateau, the topography of Akron includes rolling hills and varied terrain. The Ohio and Erie Canal passes through the city, separating the east from west. Akron has the only biogas facility in the United States that produces methane through the decomposition process of sludge to create electricity. According to the 2010 census, the city has a total area of 62.37 square miles (161.5 km²), of which 62.03 square miles (160.7 km²) (or 99.45%) is land and 0.34 square miles (0.88 km²) (or 0.55%) is water.

In the realm of health and wellness, Akron prioritizes the well-being of its residents. The city boasts a robust healthcare system, with institutions such as the Cleveland Clinic Akron General providing comprehensive medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Akron Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Springside Athletic Club, Summer Ready Fitness and Get Fit 24. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Akron, such as the Adam Run Trail and Deer Run Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

The top sites in Akron, OH are Akron Zoo, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, and Akron Art Museum.

Population: 189,664 (2024). ZIP codes: 44301-44321, 44325-44326, 44328, 44333-44334, 44372, 44396, 44398. Area codes: 234, 330. Elevation: 1,004 ft (306 m). Area: 62.27 sq mi (161.29 km²).

FAQs

What is Akron, OH famous for?

Between 1910 and 1920 the city's population tripled to more than 200,000. Akron became known as the “rubber capital of the world” and the international or American headquarters of the far-flung giants of the rubber industry—Firestone, General Tire, Goodrich, and Goodyear; by the late 20th century, however, only Goodyear remained. The city’s manufacturers are now well diversified and, apart from a wide variety of polymer and plastic products, include farm machinery, automotive parts, toys, power-generating equipment, and chemicals.

Is Akron, OH a good place to live?

Living in Akron offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Akron, there are a lot of bars, coffee shops, and parks. Many families and young professionals live in Akron and residents tend to lean liberal.

Is Akron, OH expensive to live in?

The cost of living in Akron, OH is 2% lower than the state average and 10% lower than the national average. Akron, OH housing is 36% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 18% less pricey. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 2% less in Akron, OH than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 2% less.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Akron

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 

Akron Parks and Recreation Department 

Springside Athletic Club

Summer Ready Fitness 

Get Fit 24

Adam Run Trail 

Deer Run Trail

Akron Zoo

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Akron Art Museum

Britannica

Niche

RentCafe

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.