Lake-effect snow makes for gray winters in Akron, the Rubber City, once the tire capital of the world, where Goodyear and Firestone left their mark on its neighborhoods and its museums. About 190,000 people live here now, in a hilly Ohio city between Cleveland and Canton that is quieter and cheaper than either. The population has been flat for years.
The best reason to visit is the outdoors. Cuyahoga Valley National Park is right at the edge of town, with the Towpath Trail, Brandywine Falls and a scenic railroad that runs a popular holiday train. In the city, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is a grand old estate, the Akron Art Museum and Zoo are good, and Highland Square is the friendly neighborhood for coffee and dinner. Living costs are low, and homes here are some of the cheapest in the region. Violent crime is above the national average, especially in parts of South Akron and on some near west and east side blocks. Spring can bring severe storms.
