Akron, Ohio

If necessity is the mother of invention, Akron is the father.

Home to the National Inventor's Hall of Fame, the University of Akron, and numerous polymer research facilities, Akron is an enigma at the center of Ohio. Once known as the Rubber Capital of the World, Akron couldn't be any geographical further away from any form of natural rubber production. The city is, however, home to Goodyear Tire, B.F. Goodrich, Firestone, and a large manufacturing sector. With the rapid expansion of these industries, as well as the construction of several major cereal mills, Akron experienced brisk growth during the early part of the 20th century.

With a moderate climate and close proximity to many other metropolitan areas, just over 50% of America's population lives within a 500 mile (804 kilometer) radius of Akron today. Considering this density, it is interesting to note that this city still maintains over 6,600 acres (2,670 hectares) of metropolitan parkland, including a 32-mile (51-kilometer) hike-and-bike trail. Akron also hosts the Ohio Ballet, the Akron Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Indians AA minor league baseball team, and the Akron Aeros.

Affordable housing, excellent schools, shopping, and easy access to locations such as Cuyahoga Valley National Park and Berlin Lake make Akron an excellent place to live.

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