Retirement Communities Top Five Reasons to Retire in Akron, OH 7/2/2021 | By Rachel Marsh As the fifth biggest city in Ohio and an attractive residential destination, many seniors and retirees have found a variety of reasons to retire in Akron! Because of its balance between small town and big city, it’s easy to enjoy whatever kind of lifestyle you seek in Akron. 1. Great Location Within the State In addition to being an enjoyable area all on its own, one of the greatest reasons to retire in Akron is its proximity to other cities. Whether you have loved ones in nearby locations or just enjoy getting away every once in a while, this area offers many opportunities to do so. Just 45 minutes north lives Cleveland, featuring a variety of attractions and leisurely lake shores. And Columbus, the state capital and largest city in Ohio, is a quick two-hour drive – for a day trip or weekend getaway in a more active destination. Or cross state lines to Pittsburgh, less than two hours away to big city entertainment, professional sports, shopping, museums, and more. 2. Experience All Four Seasons From sunny summers to cozy winters, the northeast Ohio area leans in hard to every season. Summertime is warm and vibrant, with temperatures that rarely get above the 80s. Their winters are chilly, but ideal if you’re a snow lover – the city averages about 28 inches of snow per year! But as a snow town, Akron is equipped to handle it; so residents can enjoy the beauty without getting bogged down in inconvenience. And of course, the in-between seasons promise plenty of warm weather and flowers in the spring, and cool nights and crunchy leaves in the fall. 3. An Affordable Cost of Living The cost of living in Akron is very manageable, especially compared to other parts of the country. Ohio itself costs slightly below average, and Akron is even cheaper. In fact, it’s about 14% lower than the national average. In addition, as a benefit for retirees, there are no taxes on Social Security in the state of Ohio. Retirement Costs in Akron, OH 4. Akron Has a Great Outdoors Scene For those of you who can’t get enough nature, Akron offers plenty of opportunities to spend your days in the great outdoors. For starters, the city has the legendary Cuyahoga River running through part of it – an attractive feature for water lovers, kayakers, and birdwatchers. The area is also home to Cascade Valley Park, ideal for local hiking and other nature activities. Or for a more intensive park experience, Akron is just a quick trip away from Cuyahoga Valley National Park – an ideal destination for camping, hiking, biking, fishing, paddling, picnicking, and more! Whether you’re an environmental enthusiast or you just like to get a dose of fresh air once in a while, the area makes it easy to reconnect with Mother Nature – one of the best reasons to retire in Akron! 5. A Peaceful but Lively Environment The city of Akron and its surrounding counties offer a great balance between city living and quiet suburbs. Enjoy the city’s collection of museums, live music and orchestral concerts, public transportation, and quaint but dense downtown. Akron hosts events and festivals throughout the year, so there’s always enough to maintain a full calendar; plus, as a well-rounded and family-friendly area, it’s also easy to entice friends and family to come visit. But, because of its small size and population, the area also boasts a very tight-knit vibe. It’s quiet, safe, and community-oriented – ideal for retirees looking to kick back and relax. Read More Rachel Marsh Award-winning writer Rachel Marsh has written for many different sites and publications on a variety of topics. She is the multimedia editor for Seniors Guide and works hard to make sure seniors and their families have the best information possible. When she’s not writing for work, she can be found writing for fun. Really!