Many think of Akron as the “Rubber Capital of the World” – and indeed, it is a bustling center of manufacturing and opportunity. Beyond that, however, Akron is also home to a thriving music scene, a historic arts district, plenty of festivals, beautiful scenery and outdoor recreation opportunities a diverse, multicultural population, and a growing and thriving LGBTQ community that is welcoming to all.
A Look at Akron’s History
The city of Akron was initially planned in 1825, and by 1841, it was named as the county seat of Summit County, Ohio. Many of Akron’s earliest residents were Irish migrants who were hired to help build the nearby Ohio and Erie canal. After the canal was completed, the town and its businesses continued to grow, being further encouraged by the arrival of railroads in the area during the second half of the 1800s. Many manufacturers had established headquarters and plants in Akron by the turn of the century, most famously The B.F. Goodrich Company and the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Akron remained an important hub of manufacturing throughout most of the 20th century, earning it the nickname “Rubber Capital of the World”. Today, Akron remains a manufacturing hub but is also home to a number of other businesses and industries. It is a city with an innovative and progressive spirit and a welcoming, inclusive vibe, and it would be a wonderful place to call home.
A Few Fun Facts About Akron
Read more fun facts about Akron here.
The LGBTQ Community in Akron
Akron is fortunate to have a growing and thriving LGBTQ community that is well-supported by a variety of resources. Some of those include:
Summa Health, one of Akron’s largest medical providers, recently opened its Pride Center in 2019, after nearly five years of development and planning. The Pride Clinic will provide health care services and resources to Akron’s LGBTQ community with the mission of closing the gap of disparities and inequities for those who need and want quality health care.
Plexus LGBTQ and Allied Chamber of Commerce
Plexus is an LGBTQ and Allied Chamber of Commerce serving Northeast Ohio. As the only LGBTQ business and professional organization in the area, it seeks not only to be a chamber of commerce, but also a supportive, influential, and unique network for the LGBTQ community in Northeast Ohio.
Akron Weather
Those who live in Akron can count on experiencing all four distinct seasons. Akron receives 38 inches of rain and 42 inches of snow, on average, per year. Summers are usually warm and partly cloudy, and winters can be cold and snowy. Spring and fall are typically Akron’s two most pleasant seasons, with spring bringing breezy days full of beautiful blooms, and fall bringing crisp air and changing leaves.
Can’t-Miss Akron Events
The Akron Pride Festival is Akron’s annual can’t-miss Pride celebration, celebrating and honoring all that the LGBTQ community adds to the city. Akron Pride seeks to affirm and unify Akron’s LGBTQ community, celebrate its diversity, and promote acceptance and equality. Each year, the celebration includes parades, marches, concerts, children’s events, networking opportunities, and more. You won’t want to miss your chance to join in the fun!
Every year, 20,000 people converge on Akron during a summer weekend festival featuring over 20 area restaurants who serve up more than 50 different styles of hamburgers. It’s one of Akron’s truly unique traditions!
The Best Neighborhoods in Akron
While Akron has several wonderful neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and personality, the Highland Square neighborhood is generally considered the most popular with the LGBTQ community. The neighborhood is a bohemian feel and is a center of Akron’s art and cultural scene, with several gay-owned businesses, and many gay-friendly shops, restaurants, cafes, and nightspots. Highland Square is a beautiful, walkable neighborhood with a variety of housing options available, depending upon personal preference and price range. The median sale price of homes in Highland Square is currently around $143,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Akron Art Museum is a great place to spend an afternoon feeling inspired and amazed by a stunning collection of masterpieces from around the globe. For over a century, the museum has been delighting visitors with its extensive collection of art dating from 1850 onward. An afternoon visit to this beautiful and inspiring place would be well worth your time.
The Akron Civic Theatre is one of only sixteen atmospheric theaters designed by famed architect John Eberson left in the United States. It is one of the great movie palaces of the 1920s, and an excellent place to take in a show. The theatre hosts all types of performances and events – truly, there is something to fit everyone’s tastes and interests!
Parks and Recreation
The 85-mile “towpath” is a beautiful paved trail that riders can take all the way to Cleveland if they choose. The path winds through some of the most beautiful parts of Ohio’s countryside, including the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which is the 11th most visited national park in the country.
The Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is a beautiful historic landmark that is a must-see when in Akron. The estate was built between 1912 and 1915 for the co-founder of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and his wife. The historic estate includes gardens, a greenhouse, a carriage house, and the mansion itself which is one of the largest houses in the United States. Regular tours are available and are always certain to be interesting, educational, and fun.
Akron Nightlife
Though not specifically an LGBTQ bar, Blu Jazz is quintessential Akron, and it’s a must-try nightspot in the city. Akron and specifically the cluster of several jazz clubs along Howard Street is known as the “jazz corridor” of the Midwest, due to the thriving music scene that developed in the 1940s and 50s when African-American musicians were being turned away from the larger clubs in nearby Cleveland. Blu and other jazz clubs on nearby Howard Street used to see the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and others play here. The club continues to draw local and national talent, and it’s a nightlife experience that you won’t want to miss.
The Interbelt Night Club is a popular LGBTQ spot in Akron, known for its lively dance floor, it’s loud music, and its vibrant color. Located in a converted 1940s movie theater, this unique Akron nightspot is a great place to dance the night away with old friends – or make new ones.
Contact an Akron Realtor Today
Akron is a wonderful city with so much to offer those who live there. If you’re ready to make Akron your next home, we’re here to help. An Akron realtor who knows and loves the community will be able to help you find the perfect place. Today’s a great day to start your search. Contact an Akron gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
