North Hill - Akron, OH

North Hill’s population has fluctuated dramatically over recent years, mostly due to changes in local jobs and industry. After half the rubber workers left the Akron area in the mid-2000s, the polymer industries have taken the area over, with over 400 companies moving into the area. Residents looking for work at these companies or in Cleveland have led to a resurgence in the local economy.

Residents and visitors can enjoy local and contemporary art at The Akron Art Museum while sipping on wine or craft beers. Watch out for the artists during exhibitions — they've been known to make an appearance.

Like the rest of Akron, North Hill’s restaurants have a classic American feel. Gulp a brew with a grilled cheese sandwich while watching a vintage noir film at The Lockview. A mysterious joint with few signs on the outside, this burger and taco haven opens up into a friendly, leather-bound hangout where everybody knows your name. Ask for a side of Goldfish crackers with any sandwich -- they’re free.

Grab a power lunch at Crave, North Hill’s trendy, eccentric dining experience. Bond with co-workers over smoked Gouda fondue and duck confit tacos, or get adventurous with the BLT and lobster sandwich. Don’t go there with anything less than an empty stomach, though as the portions are enormous.

North Hill residents tend to relax close to home after a long week in local bars and music venues. Stay in a work mood without the work at the Office Bistro on North Main Street, which caters to professionals looking for a low-profile night on the town. Happy hour runs daily with $5 drinks. Head in for late-morning lobster omelets on those mornings when you had a little too much fun the night before.

For a place to grab a beer and watch the game head over to Dante's Gameday Grille on North Main Street. This local haunt complements their great beer selection with outstanding food and friendly service.

Residents get around the North Hill neighborhood by automobile, although bus lines run aplenty throughout Akron. A one-day pass for a bus ride on the Metro costs only $2.50. With over 30 bus lines in the area and buses departing for Cleveland every two hours, residents have little problem running errands or getting to work.

You may find hailing a taxi outside the city of Akron a bit difficult, but taxi services are available on-call 24/7. Uber covers rides over the greater Akron area, and Lyft runs all the way to Cleveland.

Park on the suburban streets of North Hill anytime for no charge, while downtown rates run as a little as $2 a day for metered parking. Parking is free for the first hour in any city-owned car lot, so don't worry about expensive rates while shopping downtown.

With Highways 8 and 77 running north to Cleveland and 76 running east to Youngstown, residents have plenty of choices for hopping on the interstate for a weekend getaway.

While North Hill’s streets aren't designed specifically for bikers, you'll be delighted by the number of trails and canal paths that line the local neighborhoods. In parts of North Hill, the hilly terrain may deter some walkers, but the natural settings make it well worth the hike.

Lush in natural hills, valleys and open spaces, North Hill makes it easy to fall back in love with the outdoors. Feed chickadees and spy on deer and raccoons at F A Seiberling Nature Realm, an addition to Sand Run Metro Park in Northwest Akron. Steal away with a date to the top of Smith Road Hill and holds hands on the dock on Echo Pond while watching the fish. Morning jogs on the dozen trails are popular, but leave your dogs at home — they aren’t allowed inside the nature realm.

Meet and greet other dog lovers at BARC Akron Dog Park, a nonprofit park where dogs can go off-leash and socialize. Complementary balls and Frisbees allow you to play fetch when your pups aren't distracted by their new buds. Catch up with your friends while your doggies roam and roll around in the wide open grassy setting.

The cost of living in North Hill averages slightly lower than in the city of Cleveland. One-bedroom apartments in North Hill cost about the same as Cleveland residences around the university, with a median rent of $400 to $500 per month. While The Northcoast Express bus from Akron to Cleveland costs only $5 each way and gas typically runs 10 to 20 percent below the national average. A pint of beer will set you back about $4, depending on the brew.

Although major shopping areas in North Hill run few and far between, you won’t find better quality malls outside the greater Akron area. Scale the Summit Mall on Market Street for the latest in commercial fashion at Macy’s and Dillard’s. Grab a salad and sandwich at the local Panera Bread before sampling the new makeup lines at Sephora and grabbing last-minute party supplies at Wal-Mart.

For vintage art or wardrobe items, slink into The Bomb Shelter, but be wary of the stuffed animals and creepy-looking mannequins who guard the building. A store dressed as an art space, this shops fulfills all your need for women's clothing, jewelry and other classic Americana for your next party or apartment remodel.

The artistically inclined can mosey on over to Don Drumm Studios & Gallery, a 5,000-square-foot warehouse filled with glass, pictures sculptures, ceramics and more from over 500 artists worldwide. Dress up your patio or garden with handmade sculptures by Akron native, Don Drumm, a lifelong artist who pioneered cast-aluminum crafting techniques.

Head to the Save-A-Lot on East Tallmadge Avenue for your weekly essentials. Stop by DeVitis Fine Italian Foods for fresh meat, produce and pasta sauces. This local favorite is the quintessential Italian shop where you can grab a sandwich while picking from their great selection of fresh pastas.

Fruit and veggie lovers can enjoy organic produce at Earth Fare in Fairlawn and at the Countryside Farmers’ Market, which opens every two weeks on Ira Road.