About Akron
Akron, located in Northeast Ohio, South of Cleveland and North of Canton is the fifth largest city in the state and also serves as the county seat of Summit County. Just 39 miles South of Lake Erie, Akron is situated along the Little Cuyahoga River. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 199,110 while the Akron Metro Area which encompasses Summit and Portage counties had a population of 703,200.
Akron is also considered part of the larger Cleveland-Akron-Elyria Area, which in 2010 had a population of 2,780,440.
History
Akron was settled in 1825 as a strategic point at the summit of the developing Ohio and Erie Canal. Settlers originated from Connecticut to survey the Western Reserve back in 1807. The area attracted a significant amount of European immigrants looking for work in the canals, factories and fields.
Present Day
The area known as the “Rubber City” and “Tire City” was once home to all the major tire and rubber manufacturers. A few companies have sustained operations in the area since that time. With a history mainly of canals and rubber manufacturing, Akron has done well in evolving into a technological advanced city.
The area has resurrected itself with information technology, research and polymer technology. Akron was recently named as 5th on a list of high-tech havens by Newsweek. The city was also named one of the most livable cities in the world by the National Civic League.
The University of Akron which has both the Goodyear Polymer Center and the National Polymer Innovation Center on campus, is the center of the Polymer Valley which is a leader in polymer research and production.
Nearby Cities & Towns
Kent, Stow, Tallmadge, Hudson, Cuyahoga Falls, Barberton, Norton, Fairlawn, Montrose, Mogadore, Silver Lake, Ravenna, Streetsboro, Bath, Medina, Greene
University of Akron
Akron Zips
All American Soapbox Derby (Pictured)
Firestone Golf Tournament (PGA)
