Ellet - Akron, OH

In 1929, the Ellet neighborhood petitioned for annexation from Akron, Ohio. In the 1990s, Ellet began experiencing significant growth, and today Ellet’s population reaches nearly 19,000 compared to Akron’s almost 200,000. Attractive to families, the neighborhood’s borders extend south to Springfield and Mogadore to the east.

A large choice of museums and art galleries can be found close to Ellet, with downtown Akron only ten minutes away. Some options include Akron Airship Historical Center, Akron Art Museum, Hower House at the University of Akron, Gallery 15 and Don Drumm Studios & Gallery. Visit Ellet during annual events, including the Ellet Craft Show held around November at Ellet High School. The free event provides free parking, crafts and food, with proceeds going to the high school’s marching band.

Canton Road makes up one of Ellet's busier areas and provides diners with various eating options, including both chains and locally-owned restaurants. Pizza and burger lovers find a number of choices that satisfy their taste buds.

Stop by Hamburger Station, a quirky restaurant providing sit-down and take-out customers with traditional American staples. If you don't go for classic burger and fries, try a chicken, fish or sausage sandwich, and order it with carnival-style chips and a refreshing glass of lemonade.

Take a detour along Albrecht Avenue and stop in at Fiesta Pizza and Chicken. A family-owned restaurant since 1963, this spot provides diners with a homey environment and large-sized chicken portions. Try a tasty pizza, and add your desired toppings such as sausage, fresh green peppers and olives. Choose a thin crust if you prefer.

If you're on the hunt for evening entertainment, choose from a number of sports bars and pubs scattered around the neighborhood. Johnny J's Pub and Grille features theme nights such as Fish Fry Friday and bike nights. Check out the Jenga games at the bar while you sip your beer on tap.

Beer lovers need to visit hidden gem Hoppin' Frog Brewery and Tasting Room on East Waterloo Road. The small, hands-on brewery produces high quality, unique beers paired with equally tasty and innovative dishes. Customers also enjoy a great vibe and helpful staff, as well as the opportunity to sample the brewery's diverse beers until 10 p.m. For a later night, head just outside the neighborhood to Bill White's Akron Lanes, a 64-lane bowling alley with pool tables, an arcade, karaoke on weekends and a sports bar open from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m.

One of the main roads cutting through Ellet, U.S. Route 224 takes drivers heading east through various Ohio neighborhoods, before culminating at New Castle, southeast of Youngstown. Going west, U.S. 224 becomes Interstate 76 and joins with Interstate 71, which in turn leads travelers to just south of Cleveland. Uber services the Akron area and surroundings, but does not operate as far north as Cleveland.

Akron’s METRO buses provides Ellet residents with public transport to Lakemore, Mogadore, downtown Akron and Akron Fulton International Airport, via Routes 5 and 6. From downtown Akron, passengers can transfer to an express service to get to Cleveland.

Since many errands in Ellet require the use of a car, most residents are car-dependent. However, a primarily residential rather than commercial area, Ellet caters to families with a recognized school system and safe, clean streets and surroundings, in comparison to the average Akron neighborhood. Ellet, therefore, suits other methods of getting around. In addition, the local government in Akron shows interest in developing infrastructure for residents and sets up public initiatives such as the Safe Routes to School travel plan, which aims to improve conditions for the many school children who walk and bike to school.

Ellet residents enjoy a few options of parks, including Airport Park, Hyre Park, Davenport Park and Ellet Park. Davenport Park on Mogadore Road boasts wide open spaces, a number of play structures, a fenced-in playground structure for toddlers to five-year-olds and large shady trees, making it an excellent destination for families. The park also features basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball fields, picnic tables, benches, a pavilion, a drinking fountain and restrooms. Hyre Park shares its location with Ellet Community Center, where residents enjoy various programs and events throughout the year including summer camps, community group meetings and exercises such as Zumba and Pilates. The park itself attracts outdoor enthusiasts and tennis players, with eight lighted tennis courts. Dog owners can visit excellent outdoor destinations nearby, including BARC Akron Dog Park and Wingfoot Lake State Park, both within 10 to 15 minutes by car.

The cost of living in Akron runs 5.7 percent less than the Ohio average and 14 percent less than the national average; however, Akron residents spend 17 percent more than the national average for gas. Ellet residents pay an average rental rate of $516.87 for a one-bedroom residence. The cost of a general fare on a METRO bus comes to $1.25 per ride and $5 for a one-way ticket to Cleveland on an express bus. A bottle of beer at the local pub costs around $3.

Canton Street serves the community well, with various shops lining the street and side streets, such as local florist Bouquets and Branches. The store specializes in arrangements for weddings, birthdays and other special occasions and allows customers added creativity with chocolates, stuffed animals, and other sentimental touches. Your fancy flower gift may need a card, so head to Karen's Hallmark close by. The popular store sells a wide assortment of cards, gift wrap, ornaments, and seasonal items.

When it comes to fashion, whether discount offers or designer labels, explore surrounding areas, such as Chapel Hill Mall, north of Ellet. This mall offers a wide range of shops, including Bath & Body Works, Claire’s, Foot Locker, J.C. Penney, Sears, and Victoria’s Secret, and also provides shoppers with formal attire, jewelry and gifts. Get a coffee or sit down for a meal at the food court.

For grocery shopping in Ellet, choose from stores including Acme Fresh Market and Save-A-Lot, as well as Giant Eagle just south of the neighborhood.