Is Akron and its suburbs a nice place to raise kids???

[kiwifruit2]

Originally Posted by jusek27

I know this topic was from several years ago, but anybody looking into Akron, watch out. The school systems should be avoided, especially any downtown. Plus, anyone living in Fairlawn is going to have a very positive experience with Akron. If you can't afford Fairlawn, or the nice parts of Silverlake / Tallmadge, or anywhere near the Byway, then you'll wind up in areas with high crime and libraries I wouldn't go anywhere near.

Akron is largely run-down, highly depressed, and, especially around Akron University or areas near 76, downright scary. Thoroughly research where you plan on living, and realize that with places like Akron, Youngstown, and East Cleveland, paying more money for location is so worth it.

I grew up in Maple Heights (Cleveland) and moved to Akron, until recently I moved to West Cleveland (MUCH safer).

Didn't realize it was an older post, lol. I agree with the poster above, though. That is the perfect way to describe it. If you can't afford the "high-end" areas, you'll probably end up where the crime is. Downtown is def. undesirable in my opinion. My bf was robbed in broad daylight at a gas station over by East Miller. You couldn't pay me to live over there. Very depressing. Springfield is surprisingly affordable compared with Fairlawn and Green, and is decent. Not the best, but livable.

[Stllaura]

Hi, We are moving to Akron from St. Louis this summer. My main concern is finding a school system which will accommodate my kids' needs: one is autistic, 2 have speech issues, 2 are in gifted programs at their current school. (elementary & middle school ages). My autistic son will be starting kindergarten next year & the school district we are currently in has a fairly detailed education plan for him next year which will need to be transfered. Any recommendations as to schools? We've looked at some of the areas mentioned in previous posts online but without visiting the area it's difficult to narrow it down. Thanks for your help!

[hairmetal4ever]

Originally Posted by kiwifruit2

Didn't realize it was an older post, lol. I agree with the poster above, though. That is the perfect way to describe it. If you can't afford the "high-end" areas, you'll probably end up where the crime is. Downtown is def. undesirable in my opinion. My bf was robbed in broad daylight at a gas station over by East Miller. You couldn't pay me to live over there. Very depressing. Springfield is surprisingly affordable compared with Fairlawn and Green, and is decent. Not the best, but livable.

Springfield isn't bad, but has a bit of a "white trash" feel to it...if that sort of thing bothers you.

[wanderbygrace]

Originally Posted by Stllaura

Hi, We are moving to Akron from St. Louis this summer. My main concern is finding a school system which will accommodate my kids' needs: one is autistic, 2 have speech issues, 2 are in gifted programs at their current school. (elementary & middle school ages). My autistic son will be starting kindergarten next year & the school district we are currently in has a fairly detailed education plan for him next year which will need to be transfered. Any recommendations as to schools? We've looked at some of the areas mentioned in previous posts online but without visiting the area it's difficult to narrow it down. Thanks for your help!

I don't know about full-blown autism, but Jackson Local Schools (specifically Strausser Elementary) is FABULOUS at dealing with both Asperger's and speech dyspraxia. We couldn't have asked for any better help for our son while he was at Strausser.

Jackson Local is also considered an exceptional school district for its gifted programs. The district is fairly well funded, so they are able to do more than many other districts can, although there are several other districts that are extremely good, too (e.g. North Canton City, Lake Local, Hudson City, Revere Local, etc.), but I just don't know enough about their programs for the opposite ends of the normal spectrum (gifted & disabled).