Akron, Ohio is the county seat and largest metropolitan area of Summit County. The community of 217,000+ residents offers a high quality of life with endless entertainment options, affordable housing, convenient access to major highways, quality higher education at the University of Akron, and 6,600 acres of scenic park areas.

History:

The word “Akron” means “high” in Greek, and Akron is the highest point in Summit County, along the banks of the Ohio Erie Canal.

Akron was founded by Simon Perkins in 1825 and had its beginnings as a canal town.

As the popularity of cars grew, Akron become known as the “Rubber Capitol of the World”. Akron's Rubber Industry includes B.F. Goodrich Tire, Firestone Tire, General Tire, and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company.

Demographics:

According to the 2000 census, Akron has 217,074 residents, 67% of whom are white, 28% African-American, and 1% Asian. In addition, 37% of Akron residents are married. The median age is 36 and the median household income is $31,835.

Restaurants:

There are many downtown Akron dining establishments for business meetings, a quick lunch, or dining out on the town.

• Akron City Club Bistro & Bar
• Appeteasers Waterside Deli
• Barley House
• Brubaker's Pub
• Crave
• Einstein Bros. Bagels
• House of Hunan II
• Serpico's Italian Eatery
• Spaghetti Warehouse
• Street Treats Grill
• Susan's Coffee & Tea

Shopping:

Shopping downtown is limited to a few establishments such as: C.L. Davis Jewelers, Mustill Store and House at Cascade Locks, and Infield Outfitters at Canal Park Stadium.

Nearby Highland Square offers unique shops of vintage clothing and antiques. There are three malls in the Akron area including, Summit Park Mall, Rolling Acres Mall, and Chapel Hill Mall.

Education:

The Akron Public Schools has a current enrollment of 26,385 students. The Ohio Department of Education has given the rating of Continuous Improvement to Akron Public Schools, this is a great improvement over their recent Academic Emergency rating. Facilities include a 36 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, 8 auxiliary schools, and 7 senior high schools.

Parks:

Lock 3 Park offers year-round entertainment, festivals, and green space in the middle of downtown Akron. The Ohio-Erie Canalway runs along the north side of Lock 3 Park. Cascade Locks Park is an urban park that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Akron is just minutes from Summit County Metroparks with 9,000 acres of parks, conservation areas, and 120 miles of trails.

Events:

There is always something exciting happening in Akron, Ohio. In the Summer, enjoy Tuba Summer, Fireworks Displays, the Road Runner Marathon, the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational Golf Tournament, an Akron Aeros Game, and Summer Concerts. In the Winter, enjoy First Night Akron, Holiday Concerts, and Ice Skating at Lock 3 Park. Year long, enjoy events at the many attractions including the Akron Civic Theatre, the Akron Art Museum, the John S. Knight Center, Canal Park Stadium, the Akron Zoo, E.J. Thomas Hall, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, and the National Inventors Hall of Fame.

Famous Akron Residents:

Famous Akron residents, past and present, include Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, John Lithgow ("Third Rock from the Sun" actor), Hugh Downs (ABC journalist), Judy Resnik (Challenger Astronaut), Philip Shawn (actor), and James Ingram (singer).

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