What do you LIKE about living in Akron-Canton? (Cleveland, Massillon: crime, houses)

[sheena12]

What makes it special? What are your favorite things to do there?

(not looking for negativity)

[bjimmy24]

I don't live in Akron or Canton, but I do have family in both. I really like the old school vibe in Canton. It's a place that my mom still recognizes from her youth. Akron seems like such a well kept secret, even in Ohio. I strolled all over Highland Square, Northwest Akron and Wallhaven a couple weeks ago. It is just a lovely area, and then I was at the CVNP in like 10 minutes. Downtown Akron also has a lot going on. Looking forward to going back soon for the Christmas Market.

[JR_C]

I haven't answered before, because I grew up in the Canton/Massillon area, but haven't lived there for almost 20 years. So, not only am I out of touch with the area, but what I do remember is remembered with the sepia tones of nostalgia.


For example, I'd consider retiring to the village of Navarre, because I have family going back generations there. I spent many holidays there as a kid. (and still visit for most holidays, actually) I'd love to live in either of the houses seen in this street view, even though they're somewhat older than the old houses I usually prefer.

https://www.google.com/maps/@40.7207...7i13312!8i6656
But, for someone who doesn't drive, it's actually a little isolated. While the town itself is pedestrian friendly, there's a limited number of things to walk to. It's a 10 minute drive to Massillon, 15 minutes to Canton, 20 minutes to Belden Village (shopping), 40 minutes to Akron, and a little over an hour to Cleveland.

[Artificial]

I wouldn't be caught in either city after dark without my firearm on my person, and quite a few areas during the day in both.

But, the Valley and the Summit Metroparks in northern Summit County are the real gem of the greater Akron area. The paths are beautiful to walk and the mountain bike trails are a blast.

[jimdc58]

The University of Akron.
The Akron Civic Theatre.
Canal Park.
Highland Square.
The abundance of organic groceries.(Seriously....check out how many most cities the size of Akron have.)

I'm hoping the time and money being spent on downtown turns out to be well spent. There were articles years ago about Akron's officials visiting Greenville SC to see how they had turned their downtown around. Up to now, Akron hasn't appeared to have learned much. Many of he storefronts are still empty and many of the buildings are on the verge of falling down.

That said, there isn't an area of Akron that I'd be afraid to visit during the day. Those who are posting otherwise obviously haven't lived in a city that does have such areas. Akron is a relatively safe city, even if it is a bit run down.

[PenelopeRox]

I have lived in Massillon for 3 years now and I hate it. People are rude, every one of my neighbors is either addicted to coke, meth or are pill heads. I have tried dating men from here and they are just gross. Everyone cheats on each other and act like it's normal behavior. I am actually on this site because I am looking for a better place to live. If you don't want negativity about Canton area, don't ask for people's opinions about it. It is a horrible place to live.

[WRnative]

I would think that one great advantage of Akron and Canton is the proximity to Cleveland's great amenities (especially cultural and pro sports), Lake Erie, Ohio Amish Country in Holmes County and the Mohican region (see discussion in link below), in addition to Summit County's and the region's great metroparks and Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g...Day.Trips.html

Akron itself has good regional amenities such as its zoo and art museum, and Stan Hywet Hall is one of the nation's better historic homes and wonderful during the holiday season. Blossom Music Center is one of the nation's top summer music venues, arguably the best for classical music. The Ohio Light Opera in Wooster is one of the best in the U.S.

[eddie1261]

Originally Posted by jimdc58

The University of Akron.

That said, there isn't an area of Akron that I'd be afraid to visit during the day.

During the day.

How about at night? Any areas you wouldn't be afraid to visit at 11pm?

How about walking to your car parked on a side street off Highland Square? Or maybe down along East Exchange by the college?

Even during the day I am armed. Crime and criminals don't care what time it is, because the street scum knows that if they rob a pizza shop or a gas station the liberal judge will give them probation, and if they'd break the law by robbing in the first place, do you think it matters to them that they are on probation? The city can try to bring in all the yuppies they want to, but those yuppies will WORK in Akron and live in Green or Uniontown. Possibly Fairlawn, Bath, Richfield..... Anyplace that their night activities won't bring them into Akron.

[Cruzincat]

There is a FB page called "Canton was a great place to grow up". I would post a link, but that would probably get deleted, so you'll have to search for it.

[jimdc58]

Originally Posted by eddie1261

During the day.

How about at night? Any areas you wouldn't be afraid to visit at 11pm?

How about walking to your car parked on a side street off Highland Square? Or maybe down along East Exchange by the college?

Even during the day I am armed. Crime and criminals don't care what time it is, because the street scum knows that if they rob a pizza shop or a gas station the liberal judge will give them probation, and if they'd break the law by robbing in the first place, do you think it matters to them that they are on probation? The city can try to bring in all the yuppies they want to, but those yuppies will WORK in Akron and live in Green or Uniontown. Possibly Fairlawn, Bath, Richfield..... Anyplace that their night activities won't bring them into Akron.

You sound quite paranoid. I've quite often parked on a side street in Highland Square and walked along Exchange near Akron U....and done both at night.

I certainly don't find a need to carry a gun around. You scare me with that statement as much as anyone I see on the streets. There is something very disturbing about someone who finds it necessary to grab a gun every time he leaves his house.

If you think Akron is so crime-ridden, I can't imagine your paranoia when visiting a real city.

As for your "liberal judge" statement, it speaks for itself.