Northwest Akron - Akron, OH Area Guide

Northwest Akron makes up part of the city of Akron in northern Ohio. The area of Akron became known as such in 1825 at the same time of its first canal was constructed. Following this, Akron grew from canal town into a major municipality, and today, it stands as a highly rated neighborhood with a population of over 11,000 people, compared to Akron’s nearly 200,000. View how the wealthy lived over a century ago by visiting Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, where you can discover 70 acres of historic buildings and gardens as well as original collections and furnishings. Also, visit a few art galleries in the area, such as the Harris-Stanton Gallery and others on West Market Street. If you're in Northwest Akron around February and March, join the festivities at the Akron Arts Expo, which takes place in Hardesty Park.

Primarily a residential area, Northwest Akron consists mostly of homes and green public spaces, however if you explore its boundaries, specifically Riverview Road, Market Street and just beyond, you'll discover a wide array of dining options, from classic American burgers and fries to authentic Japanese sushi.

Start the day well with a full breakfast or brunch at Eye Opener in Westgate Shopping Center. Although the service might not be fast, the food is worth the wait and provides hungry visitors with a varied menu, from American breakfast classics, like the hot eggs Benedict or a cold granola, yogurt and fruit parfait, to more unique items. Get creative by building your own croissant, and mix up this popular brunch item by adding a range of items such as blue cheese, cappicola or crabmeat.

When the hunger bug strikes again, head to El Rancho on West Exchange Street for fresh, homemade Mexican fare. Boasting quick and friendly service, generous portions and reasonable prices, the restaurant makes the dining experience a satisfying one on all counts. Locals love the vegetarian options, chimichanga and chips as well as tasty sides, such as queso dip and salsa. Whatever you have, order it with guacamole and wash it down with a margarita. Later in the evening, relax at South Point Tavern on West Market Street, with professional bartenders, a good selection of craft brews and a friendly atmosphere. A popular favorite in the neighborhood, independently owned wine bar 750ml Wines features good prices and excellent service and atmosphere. For a louder, more energetic atmosphere, head to Johnny J’s Pub & Grille on Weathervane Lane just north of the neighborhood. The extensive drink menu and drink specials as well as games, such as darts and pool, make it a popular late-night spot. For live music and entertainment, Annabell’s, southeast of the neighborhood on West Market Street, offers good prices and a selection of drinks.

With West Market Street as its southern boundary, Northwest Akron residents enjoy easy access to major highways. Follow the street in a northwest direction to get on Interstate 77, which takes you to Cleveland in the north, or get on the I-77 earlier by taking South Frank Boulevard, also off West Market Street. As for downtown Akron, follow West Market Street in a southeast direction. Those driving around Akron can use parking meters between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays, but need not use them on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays. Parking meters suit short-term turn-over parking, while off-street parking lots exist for longer durations. If you’d rather someone else do the driving, Uber operates throughout Akron and further afield, but not as far north as Cleveland.

You can also use public transport to get around. Akron’s METRO system services Northwest Akron. Residents connect to a number of routes, including 1, 26 and 28, all of which head in the direction of downtown Akron. Other routes going from West Market Street include route 4, also ending in downtown Akron, and route x61, one of METRO’s two routes to Cleveland. Although most errands in Northwest Akron require the use of a car and the majority of residents choose driving over other forms of transport, the neighborhood does cater to walkers, with a fifth of amenities such as restaurants, bars and cafés just a 5-minute walk away. Sidewalks exist in the neighborhood, and Akron government show concern about developing appropriate infrastructure for walkers and bikers, with public initiatives such as the Safe Routes to School travel plan established to improve conditions for residents, including the many school children who walk and bike to school. Sidewalks can be affected by icy weather conditions in colder months, however commercial areas, such as downtown Akron, have shown commitment to keeping streets and sidewalks safe from ice and snow.

The Greater Akron region provides bikers with many trails and 24 miles of bike lanes. In certain areas, signs found along certain routes display mileage and information to guide cyclists and pedestrians to attractions and sites around the city. One such route is the blue route, which covers 10.7 miles from the southern city limit on Canton Road to the western city limit on West Market Street.

North of the neighborhood, the 995-acre Sand Run Metro Park surrounds visitors with shady ravines, tributary streams, diverse plant life and towering forest. The dog-friendly park features hiking and jogging trails, a soccer field and areas for cross-country skiing, ice skating and sledding.

In the neighborhood, the 18-acre Hardesty Park provides the community with sports and play areas, an amphitheatre, gardens and open spaces. In February and March each year, the Akron Arts Expo takes place here, which also hosts the Taste of Akron, providing visitors with food samples from local restaurants as well as wine tasting and a silent auction. You can park for free on the grounds.

Tennis players go to Northwest Park, another public park in the community featuring two tennis courts.

Living in Northwest Akron costs 14 percent more than living in Akron in general, with the average rental rate for a one-bedroom residence at $620 and the price of gas 17% higher than the national average. A general fare on a METRO bus costs $1.25 per ride and an express fare to Cleveland costs $5 one way. A bottle of beer at the pub costs around $3.

West Market Street again proves highly useful when it comes to shopping. Most retail destinations close by consist of small and individually owned shops, although bigger malls lie in both east and west directions.

Just south of West Market Street located in West Market Place Shopping Center, scrapbooking lovers and organised individuals enjoy Pat Catan’s. Find arts and crafts supplies suitable for all kinds of home projects in abundance, including those for jewelry making and themed décor.

Arty types also enjoy visiting Memorable Miniatures on Braewick Circle off West Market Street. Customers provide the company with an image they want painted, and talented artists produce high-quality, detailed watercolor reproductions from scratch. Customers then choose how they want the print customised and framed.

For designer labels and a huge range of brand choices, head to bigger shopping malls close by. Drive a short distance northwest on West Market Street for Fairlawn Plaza Shopping Center, which houses a range of retail options, including clothing, shoes, jewelry, toys, antiques and speciality stores. Go a little further for the very popular Summit Mall, where shoppers enjoy access to high-end stores and big brands, including Macy’s, Dillards, J. Crew, Sephora, Banana Republic, Gap, Hollister and Hot Topic.

Bigger chain grocery stores also exist in these areas, however a few convenience and grocery stores service Northwest Akron, including Acme Fresh Market. Locals love West Point Market, a lifestyle store that provides customers with a wonderful cheese and drinks selection as well as baked goods, fresh meat and seafood, chocolate, gift baskets, flowers and more.