Akron, OH Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Akron, OH: What You Need to Know

Akron, located in northern Ohio, was the leading rubber producer in the U.S. in the late 19th century. To this day, it’s known as the Rubber Capital of the World.

Job Opportunities

During Akron’s heyday as a rubber producer, there were over 130 manufacturing companies in the area. In 1950, they produced more than one-third of the tires in the United States, but the rubber industry in Ohio declined in the late 20th century. Goodyear, which has been in Akron since 1898, still maintains its headquarters in the city and remains one of its biggest companies with 3,000 employees. Other top employers are Summa (health care, 5,956 employees), Cleveland Clinic-Akron General (3,840 employees), and Akron Children’s Hospital (3,719 employees). The city boasts of the largest concentration of plastics and rubber manufacturing plants and machines in North America. 

Cost of Living

Akron (population 197,597) is more budget-friendly than its neighbor Cleveland. Akron’s cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 8.5%, 25%, and 21.5% lower than the national average, respectively. The median gross rent in the city is $735. Ohio’s income tax rate ranges from 0% to 4.797%, which is considered low. However, municipalities charge up to 3% in additional income taxes. Ohio levies 5.75% in sales tax.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Downtown’s vibrant residential community offers the best of urban living with the view of the Ohio-Erie Canal in the backdrop and easy access to wonderful restaurants and entertainment venues. In the suburbs, Hudson and Fairlawn are attracting people who work in Akron and Cleveland both. They are known for their excellent schools, safety, and family-friendly environment. 

Schools and Higher Education

The University of Akron is the largest of four higher-education institutions within the city. It was founded by the Ohio Universalist Convention in 1870 as Buchtel College with the support of industrialist John R. Buchtel. In 1913, the college transferred the institution to the city of Akron. Today it has 18,731 students and offers more than 100 academic programs. There are 58 other universities within 50 miles of the city. The Akron City School District operates 46 public schools serving 20,846 students. Akron STEM High School and Miller South School are among the city’s highly ranked schools.

Getting Around Town

Akron provides a cost-effective alternative to driving through the METRO Regional Transit Authority system, which serves Summit County. METRO operates a fleet of 231 vehicles, including 92 paratransit buses. METRO’s 36 fixed routes serve about 4.6 million passengers annually. It provides a transit center where people traveling from Summit County to other counties can transfer to other regional buses.