Moving to Akron, OH with a small kid - 3 yr old. ?

Question

I have an option to move to either Akron, OH or kansas city. I live in Cleveland currently. I have visited KC and have a fair idea about it. Pls help me understand akron a little more. All views and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Working location would be Summa Health System. Suggestions for good houses( 4,5 bedrooms), school district(best schools - public, private, montessori, ect), Life style ( night life, life for kids, parks, recreational), whats the community like - what to expect?

Pls help.

Answer 1

Akron is just like Cleveland in a sense.

Theirs good parts and theres bad parts

But Akron is better than Cleveland,Youngstown,Canton,or Toledo

Akron city school are fairly better than Cleveland I know nothing about KC so I cant compare them,sorry.

The nightlife is just like any city. But Akron has TONS of college students at they're clubs. Lots of fights. I think your son/daughter would grow up very well in Akron!!!

PS: Summa is a awesome place to work

Congrats!! I work at Rainbows baby and Children Hospital

Answer 2

I work in Akron but live in Cleveland, and I think it's such a community-centered place.  The homes/schools in Cuyahoga Falls are supposed to be pretty darned good, plus the downtown of CF is really cute.  Don't know too much about the quality of the schools.  You'll definitely like it there, especially if you're already acquainted with the Cleveland area.  

Answer 3

I am 25 and I have been a resident of akron my whole life. I think that Akron is a nice middle sized city that is a good place to move to. The cost of living is pretty good! I mean its so expensive out here that every little bit helps. Its no New York or LA as far as excitment..but its not the boonies either.

There is little crime, most issues ppl have are due to situations that they place themselves in..you mind your own and no one bothers you. You deal with trouble, trouble will come to you..not a lot of "random" crimes.

Working for Summa is really really good. My grandma was there for 20 plus, as well as my great aunt. One of the top hospitals in the nation is what the sign says..lol.

Housing..like many places..good and bad..I would suggest the West Akron area, It cost a little more, but I feel its the best part of town. I live in the Ellet area..thats a nice, quiet area as well. It takes 20-25 mins at most to get from one side of town to the other. Thats by street or e-way. Housing suggestions are easier for me to say yea or nah..if I know what side of town and what street. I would say no doubt stay away from the downtown (central Akron) area..lots of homeless and college kids and south Akron is a huge no no in my book.

The school system is okay..I mean some schools are better than others, just as any school system..but I did well in public school. Kids now arent like they use to be..I may not be that old..but I notice the difference! So that plays a roll also. There are so many suburbs around and private schools in the area that I am sure you could find something that would fit your standards. There are many daycares around the area till your child is of school age.

We have 3 malls, 1 has nothing in it..so I'll say 2! Many plazas, resturants..lots of bars and clubs..I dont know what type of scene you like as far as bars..but we have them..from trashy to nice. You arent very far from cleveland ..30 mins to and hour at most and 20 mins form Canton which has some resturants that we dont and a few more bars/clubs.

I think it would be a good move, because we are a good city! Its not to far from Cleveland making it easy for you to stay close to friends and family you may have there. We have activites, things for your child to get involved in and you as well!

Good luck..ne questions fill free to contact me.