Akron is located about 40 miles south of downtown Cleveland and is the 125th largest city in the United States. The city proper has a population of 197,203 while the Akron Metropolitan Area covers Summit and Portage counties and has an estimated population of 702,219.

The city has a long history of rubber and tire manufacturing. Today, Akron is the center of Polymer Valley and is known as a research and development center for polymers with over 400 polymer-related companies in the area. Its economy includes manufacturing, education, healthcare, and biomedical research.

Akron consists of 21 neighborhoods, with an additional three that are unincorporated but recognized within the city. Downtown Akron is a one of these unique, urban neighborhoods and the hub of the Greater Akron area.

Downtown Akron has countless amenities and activities for both Akronites and visitors to enjoy. There are several engaging public spaces. And many of the office buildings in the hub of Downtown Akron are connected by a system of skywalks that make it convenient to travel around Downtown Akron in any weather condition.

Adults can easily join social sports leagues through Summit Sports & Social, which has sand volleyball courts in the heart of Downtown Akron. Adults and youths can take advantage of the recreational offerings at the Akron Area YMCA.

Akron is home to three performances halls. E.J. Thomas Performing Ars Hall at The University of Akron is home to the Akron Symphony Orchestra, Tuesday Musical, and Children’s Concert Society. It also hosts Broadway musicals, ballets, comedies, lectures, and entertainers and attracts 400,000 visitors annually. The Akron Civic Theatre (home of the Ballet Theatre of Ohio) and the Lock 3 park amphitheater also host a variety of concerts and events.

The Akron Art Museum, the Akron Children’s Museum, the Akron Police Museum, the American Toy Marble Museum, the Don Drumm Studios & Gallery, the Akron Zoo, the Northside Marketplace, and the Akron RubberDucks (a Cleveland AA minor league baseball team) also call Downtown Akron home.

The students of Downtown Akron are served by Akron Public Schools and numerous private and parochial schools in the surrounding areas. The Downtown Akron community is served by the Main Library of the Akron-Summit County Library system.

Downtown Akron is conveniently located to all the Greater Akron area garden and park offerings. Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is a must-see attraction for both locals and out-of-town visitors. The Summit Metro Parks system seamlessly transitions into the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, providing miles of nature trails and bike paths. Located within Sand Run Metro Park, the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm features a visitor center, hiking trails, ponds, gardens, and special programming. And the BARC Akron Dog Park is a great place to let your pet exercise and play off leash.

Several beautiful suburbs are near Downtown Akron, including Barberton, Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, Green, Hudson, Mogadore, Montrose-Ghent, Munroe Falls, Norton, Silver Lake, Stow, and Tallmadge. Akron has also formed Joint Economic Development Districts with Springfield, Coventry, Copley, and Bath townships.