About Akron and the surrounding area
Situated in northeastern Ohio, the city boasts a rich history and distinctive story. Having retooled itself, the area is a magnet for jobs, technology and investment. Akron’s top industries include health care, education, manufacturing, bioscience, and polymers.
The greater Akron area is also the home of LeBron James and offers easy access to quality-of-life attractions including sporting events (Pro Football Hall of Fame, PGA events, as well as professional baseball, basketball, and football), outdoor recreation (hiking, biking, golf, skiing, sailing, and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park), and music.
Where is Akron, Ohio?
Convenient to major U.S. cities: The University is located midway between Chicago and New York City. You can reach either city within two hours by air.
We are 20km (12.5 mi) from Akron-Canton Regional Airport (CAK) and 64km (40 mi) from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE).
Bus service is available to New York, Chicago and most major cities.
Akron is:
- Urban - Fourth largest city in Ohio with nearly 200,000 residents
- Affordable - Cost of living among the lowest in the United States
- Thriving - 10 Fortune 500 companies within an hour's drive
- Green - Dozens of parks plus 201km (125 mi) of biking/hiking trails
- Fun - Thousands of local events each year
Akron is... Welcoming! Read about steps the city is taking to become "welcoming community" for immigrants
Michael and Jess, two University of Akron students, reveal their 10 favorite things to do in downtown Akron. Have you done all 10 yet? [Video by Downtown Akron Partnership]
Advantages of city living
Entertainment
- Grab a bite at a restaurant downtown. Attend a minor league baseball game. See a show at our E.J. Thomas Hall. Shop local at the Northside Marketplace - featuring the UA Press. There's always something to do within a short walk from campus.
Internships and co-ops opportunities
- The university has strong ties with businesses far and wide, allowing opportunities for internships and co-ops.
Networking
- From the Greater Akron Chamber to the Young Professionals group, there are many opportunities to meet business leaders.
Part-time jobs
- The university and the city of Akron work together to provide employment opportunities on and off campus.
Weekend trips
Whether you prefer exploring a forest via zip line, canoeing and fishing in the lake or skiing down a snow trail, there are numerous getaway locations within a few hours of Akron.
- Boston Mills Brandywine Ski Resort – 20 minutes
- Downtown Cleveland – 45 minutes
- Geneva on the Lake – 1 hour and 20 minutes
- Cedar Point & surrounding waterparks – 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Hocking Hills – 3 hours
- Niagara Falls - 4 hours
- Washington, D.C. - 5.5 hours
Sports
The city of Akron is home to Zips athletics as well as professional and minor league teams. Students of Akron have the best of both worlds; the community involvement in a Division I Athletics program, along with access to multiple major-league teams within 45 minutes of campus.
- University of Akron athletics
- Akron Racers – National Pro Fastpitch
- Akron RubberDucks – Cleveland Guardians AA Affiliate
- Cleveland Charge – Cleveland Cavaliers' D-League team
- Cleveland professional teams: Cavs, Browns and Guardians
Arts and culture
Get lost in the abundance of art and culture located in Downtown Akron. No matter your interests, there’s something to suit your creative flare.
Theaters/Plays
- Akron Civic Theater - Entertainment and live performances ranging from musicals to comedy
- E.J. Thomas Hall - Offering speakers and more, right on campus
- Weathervane Community Playhouse produces live theater with volunteer artists, designers, and technicians under professional direction
Art
- Akron Art Museum
- Summit Artspace - a variety of art-related programming for area individuals, families and groups, classes and schools, businesses and nonprofit organizations, including workshops, lectures, demonstrations, artist as an entrepreneur institute.
Music
Get active
Get up and get moving! Staying active in between classes and studying couldn’t be easier in Akron. With endless possibilities around the area, you’ll have a hard time choosing which one you want to do first.
- Akron Marathon – The popular fall marathon now has two warm-up events in the summer, offering 1-mile to half-marathon options.
- Akron Zoo - More than 700 animals from around the world located 10 minutes west of campus.
- Metro parks - Metro offers 14 parks, conservation areas and 125 miles of trails for all sorts of outdoor fun
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park - More than 100 miles of trails for bike ride, walking or running, along with the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
- Portage Lakes - Rent outdoor equipment from the UA Rec & Wellness Center and head to the Portage Lakes, 8 lakes expanding over 2,000 acres, offering a variety of outdoor adventures just 10 minutes away
- Road Races - Whether you’re a running veteran or attempting your first 5k, Akron and surrounding areas have road races for you
- Towpath Trail on the Ohio & Erie Canal – A 101-mile trail from Lake Erie to Zoar, Ohio
Live music
Who doesn’t love a live band or concert? Grab your friends and enjoy the talents of local, national, and tribute artists at multiple locations all as unique as the performers themselves.
- Blossom Music Center - This famous music venue features national artists and also doubles as a haunted horror attraction in October
- Lock 3 - Downtown Akron’s outdoor venue offering affordable, family entertainment
- Nightlife - No time for sleeping when Akron’s vivacious nightlife is within walking distance from campus
Annual events and festivals
Akron hosts thousands of events each year from live concerts to monthly art walks and historic festivals to holiday celebrations. Join other students and citizens of Akron in learning and loving your community.
Museums
The rich history of Akron has been archived in the city’s many museums. Students can take advantage of Free Thursdays at the Akron Art Museum, student discounts at the Hower House and so much more.
MORE ABOUT DOWNTOWN AKRON
Visit the Downtown Akron Partnership.