Jerri Furniss Blog

Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.




rss logo RSS Feed
Explore Ohio | 95 Posts
LoLo Gifts | 33 Posts
Northeast Ohio | 135 Posts
Real Estate | 103 Posts
Uncategorized | 1 Posts
Cutler Real Estate Home Maintenance Home Safety Homeownership Cutler Real Estate Agents Cutler Realtor Decor Northeast Ohio Ohio Real Estate Real Estate Trends Realtor Cutler Real Estate News Ohio Association of Realtors Home Selling Tips House Hunting Real Estate Sell a Home Selling Your Home with a Realtor Staging Local Attractions Things to Do Relocation First-time homebuyer tips Columbus OH Buy a home Community Holiday Home Selling Tips Holidays Find a Home Cincinnati OH Things to do in Cincinnati Restaurants Akron OH Canton OH Cleveland OH Things to do in Northeast Ohio Akron Business Cincinnati Real Estate Columbus Real Estate Cleveland Real Estate Columbus Columbus Restaurants Thanksgiving Akron Real Estate Canton Real Estate Best of Cincinnati Best of Cleveland Traveling Stark County Columbus Events Best of Ohio Cincinnati Events Cuyahoga Valley National Park Akron Events Canton Events Things to do in Columbus Dublin OH Best of Columbus Cleveland Events Canton Cincinnati Family-Friendly Activities Brunch Homes for Sale Apple Orchards Corn Mazes Fall Fall Events Pumpkin Patches Events Columbus Bars Ohio State Sports Sports Bars Halloween Local Events Local Bloggers Ohio Bloggers Recipes Dining Gluten-Free Home Decor Home Inspiration Ohio Downtown Canton Bars and Restaurants Cuyahoga Falls Kent OH Mantua OH Silver Lake OH Stow OH Tallmadge OH Photography Christmas Holiday Chanukah Holiday Events Santa Boutique Shop Local Shopping Holiday Shopping A Christmas Story House New Year's Eve Fitness Healthy New Year Paleo Vegan Winter Lunch Record Shops Fireplaces Bookstores Farmers Markets Coffee Coffee Shops Valentine's Day Bars Beer Breweries Cincinnati Bars & Restaurants Newport Downtown Cleveland Neighborhood Guide St. Patrick's Day Copley OH Irish Massillon OH Medina OH Findlay Market Architecture Spring Easter Pets North Canton OH Charities Giving Back Karma Keg Strongsville Cocktails Happy Hours Eco-Friendly Sustainability Festivals Summer Roadtrips Moving Tips Memorial Day Cabins Camping Glamping Summer Events Kids Gardening Home Improvement Landscaping Fourth of July Fishing Hiking Outdoors Skiing Food Trucks Nonprofits Small Businesses Lake Erie Put-in-Bay Affordable Homes Over-the-Rhine OH Luxury Hyde Park OH Alliance OH Hartville OH Instagram Instagrammers Podcasts Wooster OH Specialty Foods Museums Virtual Tours Online Resources Libraries Wineries Dessert German Village OH Downtown Columbus OH Short North OH Independence OH Rocky River OH Garrettsville OH Jackson Township OH Green OH Hudson OH Bexley OH Delaware OH Galena OH Lewis Center OH Ostrander OH Powell OH Sunbury OH Florence KY Union KY Walton KY Westerville OH Lancaster OH Fayette County OH Blacklick OH Canal Winchester OH Clintonville OH Gahanna OH Grandview Heights OH Grove City OH Groveport OH Hilliard OH Granville OH Johnstown OH Louisville OH Worthington OH London OH Marysville OH New Albany OH Obetz OH Reynoldsburg OH Upper Arlington OH Whitehall OH Pataskala OH Mount Sterling OH West Jefferson OH Pickaway County OH Carrollton OH Beachwood OH Bedford OH Brecksville OH Avon OH Amherst OH Brunswick OH Aurora OH Canal Fulton OH Barberton OH Bolivar OH Burlington KY Western Hills OH West Chester OH Seven Hills OH Tremont OH Westlake OH Wadsworth OH Streetsboro OH Ravenna OH Perry Township OH Sandyville OH Uniontown OH Waynesburg OH Malvern OH Lake Mohawk OH Mayfield Heights OH Middleburg Heights OH Ohio City OH Pepper Pike OH Magnolia OH Navarre OH Plain Township OH Munroe Falls OH New Philadelphia OH Delaware County OH Elyria OH East Sparta OH Cuyahoga Falls OH Fairlawn OH Dover OH Union County OH Carroll County OH Fairfield County OH Franklin County OH Hamilton County OH Licking County OH Lorain County OH Madison County OH Portage County OH Summit County OH Tuscarawas County OH Wayne County OH Augusta, KY Wedding Venues Local Businesses Parks Farms Theater Boone County Chillicothe New Construction Homes for Sale Ohio
September
6

Akron is one of Ohio's largest cities and industrial centers, resting at the highest point of the Ohio and Erie Canal just 40 miles south of Cleveland. The town is nicknamed the "Rubber Capital of the World," but there is much more to this gorgeous city than high-quality tires. It's a wonderful place to live, work and go to school, featuring an abundance of restaurant patios, farmers markets and brunch destinations. Plus, the cost of living is very affordable and there are so many free ways to stay entertained within the city limits. Perhaps that's why nearly 200,000 people choose to call it home! There is really no wrong choice when considering where to live in Akron, but here are nine of the best local neighborhoods and suburbs — each showcasing different personalities, cultural attractions and recreational opportunities. Welcome home!  

Cuyahoga Falls

Cuyahoga Falls is located just a few miles north of Akron — and with a population of nearly 50,000, it has a vibrant community of its own! The name stems from its position along the Cuyahoga River, as well as its proximity to Ohio's magnificent Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The town has a diverse selection of housing options, gorgeous green spaces, a charming downtown area and friendly people — plus easy access to the outdoors! Residents of Cuyahoga Falls have plenty to do in town. On any given day, they have the chance to catch a show at Blossom Music Center, peruse the shops in historic downtown, or grab a bit at the iconic Blue Door Cafe and Bakery. Search homes for sale in Cuyahoga Falls.  

Stow

Just a bit further up the road from Cuyahoga Falls lies Stow, a smaller suburb with beautiful homes and ample park areas. This charming community is primarily residential, but locals have easy access to the larger city attractions of Akron to the south or Cleveland to the north. People who choose to live here enjoy a friendly community atmosphere, picturesque roads, more than 410 acres of community park land, and access to the paved Summit County Metro Parks Bike and Hike Trail (which runs directly through town). Additionally, golf enthusiasts will find solace at Fox Den Golf Course and Roses Run Country Club, each boasting award-winning 18-hole courses. Search homes for sale in Stow.  

Goodyear Heights

If the name Goodyear sounds familiar, it might be because you are familiar with Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, which earned Akron the title of "Rubber Capital of the World." The company is headquartered in the area and is actually responsible for the creation of the neighborhood. In the early 1900s, the company's founder Frank A. Seiberling noticed a huge housing shortage in the area and wanted to provide an easier commute for his employees. He chose a large, rural plot of land just northeast of Goodyear's main plant and hired his personal landscape architect to spearhead the project of creating a new neighborhood — which still stands! Today, Goodyear Heights is a charming, primarily residential community with mostly single-family homes. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Goodyear Heights Metro Park provides a recreational oasis for residents. Search homes for sale in Goodyear Heights.  

Portage Lakes

Situated just south of Akron, Portage Lakes is a popular (and incredibly beautiful) place to call home. The suburb surrounds Portage Lakes State Park, a 411-acre haven offering a wide variety of outdoor recreational experiences, including boating, swimming and fishing. There's no better place to be during the summer, but the town is wonderful year-round, boasting a small population of less than 10,000 and a fantastic sense of community. Some say it's the best kept secret in Northeast Ohio! Search homes for sale in Portage Lakes.  

Highland Square

Highland Square has a reputation of being one of Akron's most eclectic neighborhoods, but in the best way possible! The neighborhood houses a library, The Mustard Seed Market and Café, the Highland Square Theatre, an abundance of delicious restaurants, and even some local nightclubs and bars. There is something for everyone here, which is why people from all walks of life (artists, musicians, young professionals, families and retirees) choose to call it home! The Highland Square Neighborhood Association strives to maintain the diverse character of the neighborhood, to keep the parks and residential streets looking pristine, and to promote the annual PorchRokr Music and Arts Festival, which is definitely worth marking on your calendar. Search homes for sale in Highland Square.  

Merriman Valley

Merriman Valley (which contains Merriman Woods and Merriman Heights) is known as one of Akron's wealthiest neighborhoods, situated near several country clubs and showcasing gorgeous homes built between 1911 and the present. If you want a prime example of the area's stunning architecture, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is a good place to start.  This castle-like residence served as the home for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company's founder Frank A. Seiberling and still stands as a popular landmark and tourist attraction today. Though the area definitely pays homage to its history, it is still just as pristine as the day the first home was built! Other attributes of Merriman Valley include its proximity to Cuyahoga Valley National Park and its top-notch public schools. Search homes for sale in Merriman Valley.  

Fairlawn Heights

Fairlawn Heights boasts an impressive variety of 20th century architecture — gorgeous and ornate homes with well-kept wooded lots nestled along a hillside. The real estate alone makes it a picturesque place to live, but it also showcases the area's natural beauty with ancient oak trees, beeches, elms, rocky ledges, valleys, sloping lawns and gently winding roadways to enjoy it all. We don't think you'll ever get sick of the views! Search homes for sale in Fairlawn Heights.  

Wallhaven

Wallhaven is a wonderful place to live if you enjoy being in the thick of it all! It's home to some of Akron's most popular gathering spots, including the original location for Swensons Drive-In (one of Cleveland's best burger joints), Nervous Dog Coffee Bar (an iconic morning destination),and Ken Stewart's Grille, where locals come for an upscale dining experience. The neighborhood surrounds the intersections of Market Street, Exchange Street and Hawkins Avenue, and truly has a little bit of everything. Residents are able to walk to local businesses and there are tons of different types of housing, including several historic castle-like homes and a few "hobbit houses," which make their street look like it was pulled straight from The Shire. You can read more about those here! Search homes for sale in Wallhaven.  

Bath Township

You might recognize the name of Bath Township because of the fame of one of its residents, LeBron James! The basketball legend calls this town home, and visitors and locals alike try to catch glimpses of his gorgeous home whenever they can. Even if you're not a LeBron James fan (or you're feeling betrayed over his decision to sign with The Lakers), there are plenty of reasons to fall in love with Bath Township. Residents can get a dose of history at Hale Farm and Village, enjoy outdoor recreation opportunities in the Bath Nature Preserve, enjoy a delicious treat at The Bake Shop in Ghent, or enjoy a nice meal at Lanning's. Search homes for sale in Bath Township.  

Did one of these neighborhoods catch your eye?

If you're looking for a home in the Akron area, we are more than happy to help! Contact us or use our advanced search tool to find the perfect property today.

Login to My Homefinder

Pixel