Moving to a new city is a big deal. You’re not just hauling furniture and forwarding mail. You’re starting over somewhere new, figuring out which roads to take, and trying to figure out if it’s going to feel like home. If Akron is where you’re headed, we’re glad you’re here, and we want to help you hit the ground running.
Cardinal Moving and Storage is a family-owned company founded by brothers who grew up in this industry. We’ve helped families, individuals, and professionals move across Northeast Ohio, and we know Akron well. This guide covers what you need to know before and after the truck pulls away.
Getting to Know the Neighborhoods
Akron isn’t one-size-fits-all. The city has distinct pockets, each with its own feel, and finding the right fit makes a big difference in how quickly you settle in.
Highland Square
If you like live music, independent shops, and a neighborhood that has a little personality, Highland Square is worth a serious look. It draws young professionals and creative types, and there’s almost always something happening on the weekends. The Highland Square Neighborhood Association is a good place to start learning more.
Merriman Valley
Tucked near Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Merriman Valley is quieter and greener. If you’d rather spend your evenings on a trail than at a bar, this neighborhood tends to be the right fit. The park itself offers hiking, cycling, and access to spots like Brandywine Falls.
Firestone Park
Firestone Park is one of Akron’s more family-oriented areas. The housing is accessible, the parks are well-used, and neighbors tend to know each other. It has that close-knit suburban feel without being far from the city.
Downtown Akron
For people who want to be in the middle of things, Downtown Akron puts restaurants, entertainment, and cultural venues within walking distance. The Downtown Akron Partnership is a useful resource for finding events and understanding what’s available in the area.
Housing in Akron
One thing that stands out about Akron compared to larger metros is how far your housing dollar goes. Whether you’re renting a downtown loft or buying a house with a yard, there are options at a wide range of price points. Historic homes are common, and the suburban neighborhoods offer solid inventory for families looking to buy.
Things to Do Once You Arrive
History and Culture
Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is worth a visit early on. It’s a well-preserved estate with guided tours and seasonal events. The Akron Art Museum is another good one, with a modern building and a mix of contemporary and classic work inside.
Live Entertainment and Sports
The Akron Civic Theatre has been a local staple for concerts, plays, and performances for decades. For something more casual, a RubberDucks minor league baseball game at Canal Park is one of the best family outings in the city.
Getting Outside
Cuyahoga Valley National Park is just a short drive from most Akron neighborhoods. The Towpath Trail is popular with cyclists and walkers, and Brandywine Falls is one of the most photographed spots in the state.
Food and Drink
Luigi’s Restaurant has been a go-to for Italian food in Akron for a long time. If craft beer is your thing, Hoppin’ Frog Brewery and Lock 15 Brewing Co. are both local favorites worth trying.
Schools and Education
Public Schools
Akron Public Schools serves the city with a range of programs at every level. Akron Early College High School allows students to earn college credits before graduating, and APS has built relationships with local businesses and universities to give students real-world experience.
Private and Charter Options
St. Vincent-St. Mary High School and Our Lady of the Elms are well-regarded private options. Charter schools and independent programs also give families more choices if a traditional public school isn’t the right fit.
Higher Education
The University of Akron is a significant part of the city’s identity. Known especially for its engineering, polymer science, and business programs, it attracts students from across the country and adds significantly to the city’s cultural life.
The Job Market
Akron has moved well beyond its roots in rubber and tire manufacturing, though Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and Bridgestone Americas still operate here. Healthcare has grown into one of the dominant sectors, with Summa Health and the Cleveland Clinic Akron General among the largest employers in the region. The University of Akron supports jobs in education, research, and administration.
Small businesses and startups are also a real part of the picture. The Bounce Innovation Hub is a local resource for entrepreneurs, and the overall environment tends to be supportive of people building something new.
Getting Around
Public Transit
The METRO Regional Transit Authority runs bus routes throughout Summit County, including local Akron service and commuter routes to Cleveland. The Transit app is useful for real-time updates and trip planning.
Driving
Interstate 77, Interstate 76, and State Route 8 are the main highways. The OHGO website offers real-time traffic and road condition information if you’re commuting or navigating during construction season.
Biking and Walking
Akron has been steadily building out bike lanes and trails. If you prefer getting around without a car, the infrastructure is improving and the trail network is already solid.
Setting Up Utilities and Services
When you first move in, getting the basics squared away quickly makes everything else easier.
- Electricity: FirstEnergy is the primary provider and allows you to set up or transfer service online.
- Natural gas: Most residents use Dominion Energy, which has an online portal for new service.
- Water and sewer: Managed by the City of Akron directly.
- Internet: Spectrum and AT&T both serve the area with high-speed options.
- Healthcare: Summa Health and Cleveland Clinic Akron General are the main systems in the area.
- DMV: Update your driver’s license and vehicle registration with the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Scheduling an appointment ahead of time saves a lot of waiting.
Community Life
Akron has a genuine community spirit that’s easy to tap into. The Rib, White and Blue Festival and the Lock 3 Summer Concert Series bring people together throughout the year. The Akron Community Foundation is a good resource for finding volunteer opportunities or connecting with local nonprofits.
RubberDucks games at Canal Park are worth mentioning again here. They’re one of the best low-key ways to spend a summer evening in the city.
A Few Moving Tips Before You Arrive
- Plan for Ohio weather. If you’re moving in winter, prepare for snow, ice, and cold. Summer moves can be hot and humid, so hydrate and pace yourself.
- Label everything clearly. Box by room, with a quick list of contents. You’ll thank yourself on day two.
- Pack an essentials bag. Toiletries, chargers, a change of clothes, and a few snacks for your first night. Keep it with you, not on the truck.
- Confirm utilities in advance. Make sure your electricity and water are active before move-in day, not after.
- Give yourself a buffer. Moves rarely go exactly on schedule. Build in extra time so a delay doesn’t derail your whole day.
We’ll Handle the Heavy Lifting
Akron is a great place to land. Good people, real neighborhoods, and a lot more going on than most people expect before they arrive.
When you’re ready to make the move, Cardinal Moving and Storage is here to help. Our team is licensed, insured, and treats every home like it’s our own because that’s how Garrison, James, and everyone on our crew were raised to do this work.
Call us at (330) 777-0240 or visit cardinalmovingcompany.com to get started.
Let our family take the stress from yours.
