What Happened to Akron Ohio?

[@knitterscheidt]

I moved to Akron as a retirement town, the home prices are great, property taxes low, the town has many historical buildings and nearby towns settled in the early 1800s, parks, restaurants, the Cuyahoga is clean, rolling hills, the town has more mature trees than any I've visited and an easy trip by car or train to a National Park, even a ski resort and many outdoor activities are nearby. I've been here 5 years now and still love it. The neighbors?, well my first week here we had 18+ inches of snow, I moved from a southern state and not yet bought even a shovel, my neighbor came by and used his snow blower for the sidewalks and driveways at every house on my street!

[@christopher.96]

Yep, Akron and Northern Ohio isn’t for everyone; but there is a good quality of life here and we take being neighborly seriously. Welcome

[@georgeb9783]

You are probably in one of the few good neighborhoods left. In the last 10 years Akron has gone downhill fast, one of the most dangerous cities in Ohio. I moved out 6 years ago and I rent my house, now I'm scared to even go there and mow the lawn for the tenants

[@girthbrooks5078]

Your nuts. Taxes are outrageous there. Grew up there glad I left, enjoy that dump

[@tima4929]

@@girthbrooks5078 You are the one who is NUTS. Compared to most of the Nation taxes are low in Akron as well as the cost of living..

[@girthbrooks5078]

@@tima4929 I grew up there in Goodyear heights and Kenmore when my property tax went to $1400 a year for a city size lot I left. Now in north Carolina and I own 4.5 acres and a 2000 Sq. Ft. House and my property taxes are $600 a year. My family still lives there and cost of living there is way higher than here. So once again your nuts. Also you just keep enjoying that wonderful crime ridden area.

[@judeyovichin7326]

Living in Akron feels like living in a relic. It's like we all live in the aftermath of a great era and set up shop in its ruins. It has a mystical feel to it and every stone surely has a tale. If you've ever played Neversong, that's how it feels in Akron, except all the monsters of course. There's not much here but the ghost of what used to be, and it left behind a spirituality about the place. You'd have to be here to know. Besides, Highland Square is pretty cool.

[@really...8359]

That’s a great way to describe the majority of the rust belt.

[@pattym7316]

@@really...8359 facts

[@nathanseper8738]

That's pretty deep!

[@lemonscentedgames3641]

I buy my pot in highland square

[@Mysurreallifeworld]

💯💯💯

[@yourDumb4104]

I am a student at U of A. And this is kinda crazy watching this. The quaker oats silos where turned into student housing, and now they are just apartments. And you can quite litterally still see the history all around the city

[@forgottenplaces9780]

I went to UA as well.

[@seankilpatrick8592]

Me 3

[@kingkem_113]

I go to UA what’s Y’all majors ?

[@kingkem_113]

@@forgottenplaces9780 no wayyyyy when did you graduate ?

[@emojibeats4563]

yea and im just down the block u kno by the meth heads and blood bank i still love Akron tho

[@boosted2.4_sky]

There are lots of technical and research jobs available in Akron though... the manufacturing may have left but the equipment for research is still here and being utilized by smaller companies...

[@iMlGBobMarley]

There's still plenty of manufacturing jobs in Medina and north in Twinsburg

[@ChrisMezzolesta]

I came here in 82 to go to Akron U - met my wife & had our first child here - we then lived in Mentor for 18 years, then in the South (NC & TX) for 16. After that time in the South, we could not wait to get back here; Akron/Cleveland just feels like home even tho I'm not originally from here. The downtown area can only be described as improved since I got here, it has definitely been built up quite a lot, in addition to the modernization of the U & the surrounding streets...sure the weather can suck but at least there are 4 seasons. Only been back for about 3 months but all in all it's what one makes of it, and we're happy to be back.

[@Magroo42]

Moving back to Cle next year, glad to see there's some Primus heads around.

[@SteelOfLegend]

3 seasons. Cold Wet, Muddy and Road Construction. Although I guess downtown would be more like Cold wet, Cold and Road Construction.

[@davidneman6527]

@@SteelOfLegend Speaking of Akron road construction, why don't they sign I-76 west through town?

[@eileenarnold4144]

Welcome back.

[@eileenarnold4144]

I’ll never move away from fresh water

[@connerwilson142]

My grandma has lived in Akron since my grandpa started working as a vice president for goodyear. He died nearly 20 years ago, but she continues to recieve his pension and relax in the home they built together. I don't know anything about the town, but she has a nice house with some woods in her backyard, and seems totally content with life.

[@Cody-Bear]

I can't know what my grandpa did, but I think he also worked at Goodyear 😳 and he died in 93

[@SlashinatorZ]

Has she met Cyraxx?

[@RootDRThorne]

MUSIC BIZ MARTY FOR MAYOR OF AKRON

[@SlashinatorZ]

Hey man! Funny seeing you in the wild like this.

[@Xull41st]

Pretty much spot on. I've lived in Akron my entire life and I find myself wondering what all the old run down sections used to look like as I drive from one section to another. I work for the Akron public school system as a custodian and see the conditions of the schools we have is quite sad. Thanks for covering us

[@redacted_vombat5742]

Heard Akron has an infamous cryptic creature that screams all night long down on Lloyd 339 street that prey on kids and drink sludge.

[@cassidybb10]

I love my city. But...the crime has significantly been an issue for the last six years...

[@cassidybb10]

@Eragor the Kindhearted yes..?

[@cassidybb10]

I'm not moving. Ass hats aren't making me move.

[@wrenchpony9735]

To be fair crime has increased everywhere. Goodyear Heights is still OK.

[@girthbrooks5078]

I left in 2009 moved to NC best move ever. I hate visiting family up there. The roads alone suck so bad. I used to put new shocks and struts on my cars about every two or three years. Been in nc since 09 Still on original suspension. Most roads are like driving on a cloud. Also no city taxes come out of paychecks. They only do property taxes and they are low.

[@Libdiddy]

Yeah it's bad 👎

[@StuffthatsGone]

" I went back to Ohio, and my city was gone!"

[@jgrysiak6566]

I love that song , I play it when I'm crossing the border from PA to Youngstown! Youngstown is dismal but the suburbs are nice & lotsa shopping.

[@elwoodblues9613]

The song that began every hour of the Rush Limbaugh Show.

[@DreamOrchid78]

I moved to Ohio in 2015, we eventually purchased our forever home near downtown Akron. We love the city. I work in the old Goodrich building, that's leased out to several companies and also apartments going into it. I'm in walking distance of both Lock 3 and Market Street fairs and festivals. It's like Austin except cheaper and less hot. No more dying from heat stroke in August. I'll take snow over the extreme heat of the south. Our house (the size) and it's historical background would be almost 10X the cost in downtown Austin. The prices are great. I couldn't believe the purchase price. Tons of parks, it's like heaven here. Not to mention the live music. I do grumble that Main St. still is not finished and that countless times it's closed and Main and Market is annoying but other than that city construction project that seems to stretch (years), the city has been awesome. I enjoy actually seeing fall and don't have to worry about heat waves that plague my parents this year and the severe drought in Texas. I'm also happy the city and state is providing couples with an upgrade program for the housing. A lot of these homes are from late 1800s to early 1900s and need the electric redone so that was nice program to see.

[@russellhart3260]

I am glad to hear things are working out for you. Yes, it is nice for some of the old "Rust Belt" areas to be able to point that it is not as hot as the trendier "Sun Belt" areas, plus the water supply back up near the Great Lakes region is looking a lot more dependable for the long term, what with Climate Change closing in.

[@pattym7316]

Let's keep Akron Weird now!!!! ❤❤❤....we have our own blimps!!! Doesn't get better than that!!!

[@russellhart3260]

@@pattym7316 I agree. If you can't be a boom town, then be weird. Besides, it's more fun that way.

[@Hermetic_]

Do you work remotely or locally?

[@allyson186]

It's nice to hear good things about Ohio. Thanks for this

[@lysolboss]

I’m a Med student working at St. Thomas right now, which is slated for demolition after summa hospital system moves over to a new building for psychiatry. It’s kind of crazy seeing the view from the top floors of the hospital, seeing the history and the whole city

[@6idangle]

I was born in that same hospital, full circle

[@mrdoogie67]

Went to Paramedic school there in 1988. Love Akron. Best times of my life growing up in the park!

[@isaacclinton7934]

Honestly if it wasn't for the crime Akron would be a cool city. Cheap to live but some parts of Akron are legitimately dangerous after the sun goes down.

[@tima4929]

Every city has high crime areas. DONT live or go there!. West Akron is both beautiful and safe especially Fairlawn Hts.

[@dakaraiwilliams6503]

@@tima4929 😂

[@tjmasterbarber2664]

That's everywhere...lol

[@ImSarri]

Well yeah black people stay in ctiys

[@choerry_pies]

​@@ImSarrithis feels racist while u aint tryna be racist..

[@DailyDoseOfInternet]

good video

[@ianforester45]

Holy fuck its my daily dose of internet

[@forgottenplaces9780]

Thank You.

[@HeroT]

Yoo

[@zeeneloms3487]

Me and my brother was saying “You actin like we, the people of Akron, blew up and died” 😭 Good video, love how you highlighted major points. I would say however, with the Cuyahoga river around, we won’t disappear anytime soon

[@Thepapperman]

pretty much did the spiritis gone I'm sayingthis comingon around 2012 lol

[@1neAdam12]

Sheeeeeeeit, fer reel doe.

[@russellhart3260]

Yup - The one thing the old rust belt area has going for it is WATER - lots of water. And with climate change, that will be a huge asset in the years to come. Plus, far enough from oceans so that sea level rise will not be a problem, unlike many big coastal cities now.

[@1neAdam12]

@@russellhart3260 You got vaccinated, I can tell.

[@Remrie]

To be fair, a few people of Akron actually have....

[@deontaywildersheadexcusema3058]

A Goblin called Chance Wilkins moved there and started showing his infected junk to kids.

[@kingofthegrill]

My friend lives in Akron, he works there as a 43, work from home gig. He's actually a retired auto racing champion. Anyways, he's helping revitalize Akron using some of his earnings from rapping.

[@DarlEubeDaBlackMario23]

Who’s in here because of Cyrax? 😂

[@kileak6]

✋🏻

[@trxfrmr4191]

Who or what is a Cyrax?

[@Mysurreallifeworld]

​@@trxfrmr4191 a gay rapper

[@findingmo7049]

Population is declining because all the youth are moving to bigger cities for colleges and jobs… just like they do in most towns and cities in Ohio. But as far history, Akron is a easily a very cool city, not just in Ohio but in the nation.

[@jgrysiak6566]

Columbus, OH

[@pattym7316]

The population is shifting all over, and the pandemic helped that, older generations dying....there's a lot to what's going on in our nation. Akron is affordable....the "hot" cities are not affordable....people will come back again (that is my hope)....but with a balance!

[@jgrysiak6566]

@@pattym7316 , Columbus unaffordable now for the working poor!

[@findingmo7049]

@@jgrysiak6566 Absolutely. Columbus will continue to be a Corporate playground, and is slowly becoming out of reach for the middle class.

[@russellhart3260]

I grew up in Akron in the 1950s and 60s. There used to be a saying summarizing the main strengths of each of the major tire/rubber companies: Goodrich would invent it; Firestone would build it, but Goodyear would sell it. Oh my - Akron had its own unique aroma during the late 50s and early 60s - if you had been on a trip, you could tell you were getting close to home when you could start to sense the smell of hot rubber, probably from the Banbury mills at the big rubber companies. The argument management made in the late 60s/early 70s in moving production out was 'how can we compete with other plants that are all on one floor, as opposed to lifting things up and down elevators in the factories from one floor to another to do the next production step?' And of course they wanted to move to non-union labor locations. Which is what happened to my uncle and his family; he was told 'you've still got a job if you move to our new location in Union City, TN - if you don't, we'll let you go'. Know what happened then? The company stayed there for about 40 years in their new, one-floor, non-union labor locale. And, there were signs up on the fences there all around the plant touting with a good deal of pride what new product or award for the product that plant had achieved. Then, they decided to pull out of that location, too. Foreign labor was cheaper. Brother, when it comes to "late stage capitalism", count me out. There is no loyalty whatsoever except to $$$. Now the one nice thing I saw lately was that the old blimp hangar is actually coming back to life. Turns out that with people finally realizing fossil fuels are not infinite, more emphasis is starting to be put on developing aircraft that might be hybrids of fuel combined with lighter than air qualities so that cargo can be shipped at much reduced energy demand. Good! That's not quite "the Return of the Jedi', but it's close enough.

[@OUMagMan]

You are absolutely right Sir! When-I-wuz-a-kid we’d make the trip from Mansfield to Cuyahoga Falls to visit Uncle Lawrence and Aunt Patty. Usually asleep in the backseat of our jalopy, I’d awake to a kind of “stink” and knew we were getting close. As I rose to look out the window (no car seats back then!), sometimes I’d get a glimpse of the Goodyear hangar and wonder what went on in there (I still do - gotta visit there sometime!). I make a decent percentage of my $$ in the Akron area … and STILL can’t get over how they can have so much roadwork for over 3 decades!!

[@russellhart3260]

@@OUMagMan Thank you for your comments, Jim. The hangar has a long, and sometimes sad, story. I hear that back in the early 1930s the Navy wanted some way of surveying what was going on at sea, and two big airships, I think the "Macon" and the "Akron" got built. They each flew for a few years; unfortunately both airships were lost at sea during big storms in the mid 1930s. They just couldn't build them sturdy enough in those days to stand up to the powerful storms. The Goodyear blimps never were asked to fly around in such big storms so they made it OK. But with polymer work and improved techniques coming out of the Univ. of Akron, I hear the hangar is in use once again to partner with other companies around the world in making lighter airships that can convey cargo using much less fuel than modern jets. When you came up to the Falls, did you use the High Level bridge to cross from north Akron into the Falls? The bridge that was built of steel girders instead of concrete so the snow would fall through? I always thought that bridge was interesting; driving along on the steel your car would always make a "humming" sound as you drove.

[@jgrysiak6566]

If the employees would have bought the rubber companies there may would have been some hope!

[@russellhart3260]

@@jgrysiak6566 I'll go along with that thought for sure. Some companies do allow employees to have a stake in ownership. Some go even farther and let the employees have a say in business decisions and policy.

[@jgrysiak6566]

@@russellhart3260 , the employees bought Weirton, WV Steel, I don't know if it's still open. It looks dead when I drive by!

[@reneehenderson6134]

My grandparents moved from Talladega, Alabama to Akron, Ohio in the 1920s. My grandfather and uncle brought the family to Akron looking for work. They found it and did very well. My grandmother bragged on how during World War II, the rubber factories started hiring woman and to make it better for her she said they started hiring colored women. Granny said "That's when my life began." She was able to buy pieces of Jewelry (on time) from a stored named "Block Brothers." My great-grandmother watched my mother, aunt, and uncle for her. She worked at Goodrich and my Grandfather worked at Firestone. They made a good living together.

[@caiusoof]

Also the Rolling Acres Mall existed here, which is one of the most famous abandoned malls

[@ryanmichael1298]

Strolling...

[@mxliice]

I do wholeheartedly hope that Akron can find a way to bring itself up from where it is. There's so much potential for the city, especially with Cleveland Clinic so close by. I'd love to see this city grow, potentially into a Cleveland or Pittsburgh sized city. I think there's great opportunity and feel it's possible, but it's a matter of re-invention.

[@jgrysiak6566]

I wish the Cleveland Clinic would expand to Youngstown! They have been advertising on Erie, PA TV stations for years now. They now take PA health insurance, hopefully expand to PA soon. I have to drive to S.E. Cleveland for everything.

[@DerekDavis213]

Cleveland Clinic has a bad reputation for pseudo-science, and false and/or misleading statements made via Twitter or its website.

[@mxliice]

@@DerekDavis213 That doesn't change the fact that they're highly recognized for their skills in the medical industry. They regularly rank in the top 5 internationally recognized hospitals.

[@DerekDavis213]

@@mxliice They are highly recognized for HUGE profits, and quackery. And for doing little to help the Cleveland area that is rife with poverty, diabetes, and sickness.

[@jasonroth4829]

Akron was once the center of American innovation. From Airplane research to modern road construction and materials(that went to Canada), to breakfast foods. It's a long list that wiki is incomplete on. The Inventors Hall of Fame "was" here until a couple years ago. Sadly the many terrible mayor's we have had over the years cared nothing for what could have become major strengths all the while stabbing the cities industries to death. Akron's problems rest with our absurd laws regarding industries, and the air pollution they give out in particular. It's why most of the major income have left. There are still allot of smaller industries left, but allot more abandoned ruins of said businesses. Most of Akrons jobs are now outside the city. Even Gilchrist Rd is looking a little.... thin these days. Sadly, even if China were to collapse tomorrow, I doubt we would see a significant uptick in jobs as they have little incentive to open here.

[@jgrysiak6566]

I 76 & I 71 to Columbus pls!

[@yaboisuprimus]

Careful with the Goblin of Arkon

[@sofiapanou7872]

I grew up in Akron around Summit Mall; attended Akron U and left for a career opportunity overseas in 1977; worked in various countries; I’m now retired and hope someday to visit Akron during the summer months. I always wonder how it must have changed / improved in comparison to same size cities around the world.

[@Sigerain]

Oh believe me its changing due to construction all there doing is tearing up everything & replacing lights & traffic lights & fast food restaurants some places in Akron are closing down there's nothing much to really do here fun really except construction plus that new internet state high way Bridge there still building

[@SuperBlonde1991]

I'm an Akron native, but moved to Texas several years ago. I miss home so much, but it's just not a great place anymore

[@EdwardKovach-v7y]

It’s not Akron anymore, I’m 61 and live in NW Ohio but I do go back about twice a year

[@YouMotorcycle]

Cool. I used to work for Goodyear Canada, so I made a lot of frequent trips to Goodyear's head office in Akron. Lovely place and people. Most of it anyway. Thanks for the background.

[@Mark-sd7fc]

The Rubber shops went to other cities in other states that offered tax cuts and offered to pay for part of or all of the factories and the city of Akron wouldn’t offer any incentives to build new plants in Akron

[@girthbrooks5078]

And is now a crime ridden 💩hole. I watched it happen.

[@octagonseventynine1253]

The Goblin happened.

[@The53211]

As always we'll done my friend , this one hits hard as AKRON was where I was born and I have so many fond memories

[@musicvideos1460]

Cyrax is the king of Akron

[@firstlast]

Not anymore, it’s Marty’s turf now.

[@SplendidCoffee0]

Music Biz Marty is the king, and Cyraxx is his traitorous jester

[@m.0605]

What the heck is a Cyrax?

[@christianlowman2698]

​@@m.0605It is The Goblin of Akron. It is a strange and pitifully disgusting creature...BEWARE!!!

[@neilsmith9066]

Everywhere around Akron is nice to live. Inside Akron gets a little rowdy rowdy

[@ericfranchi1354]

I agree 100%

[@evanlaux3623]

I just moved here in January and honestly I’ve been having a really good time. Have a decent job, I play on a rec volleyball team and there’s a lot of local music going on. Always something to do

[@MrWaifuTaker]

Cyraxx the goblin happened.

[@bigferd4534]

Nice video! It’s sad that the Akron Lamp&Lantern company wasn’t mentioned. They produced lamps, lanterns, irons, etc. that competed against Coleman.

[@logancontracier7125]

As someone who lives here, there are indeed investments into the city being made. Some good others wasteful imho, updating our sewer system is good, while I’ll also see lanes on side walks for bikes no one is on which are starting to come off the concrete after a month. All and all Akron is not the greatest but it’s a pretty good stepping stone for it’s many highway connections, housing is pretty cheap if you know where to look, property taxes are also Relatively cheap, and as long as your not living close to grant street or where Arlington road and Exchange street meet the neighborhoods are relatively safe too. I like to say that Akron now is the cheap Cleveland with less crime.

[@JiMm3rR27]

Grew up in hartville just southeast of Akron. I work in Akron, have lived here for about 5 years now. I love this place, though I will say… the amount of drugs and homeless are absolutely mind blowing. It’s sad to see.. go to Luigi’s and get pizza, best in town!

[@paleozoey]

yoooooooo luigi's, it's been a hot minute since i've been there lol. im from florida tho so

[@reddrw1]

Born and raised here in Akron. My grandparents, my Dad and all my uncles was rubber workers at Goodyear, Firestone and General Tire. They are all passed away now, but I'm still here to see how sad it is in Akron now. Just great memories. That's all ...how sad.

[@edlee2336]

I’m born and raised from Canton and I can say Akron is on an incline. Healthcare in Akron/Cleveland pays good as well as tech and call centers. Downtown Akron has always had a fun nightlife. Not too much crime and good people overall. I live in the suburbs of New Orleans now and I can’t believe the amount of crime that happens each day here and in Baton Rouge. Akron has a lot of positive things coming it’s way and excited to see what happens in the next upcoming years!

[@starlenehusk673]

Akron is horrible. It is full of drugs and crime. There are multiple homicides a week. There is a shooting daily. Jobs are scarce. There a few small area of Akron that are decent. Other than that, even the " good" neighborhoods are crime ridden.n

[@edlee2336]

@@starlenehusk673 I mean that’s every major city anywhere but the crime is not as bad as you think. There are cities smaller than Akron that have way more crime. I think if you’ve lived there your whole life yeah you’ll start to only see the bad but when you move out and live in other states TRUST ME when I say Akron does not have that many issues compared to most of the country.

[@jeffrobinson4523]

A nostalgic video for me to watch. I grew up in Akron , graduated from there in 1978 .A year I will never forget when the blizzard of 78 hit the Akron area, dumping amazing, deep amounts of snow ...... My dad worked for Goodyear and lost his job when the industry collapsed. It was a hard time for my parents losing their income to support a family of six children . Somehow, they managed to get by , but it truly changed their lives and many other families as well. I eventually left Akron to go to college in Columbus, Ohio. I never did return to Akron, but still have memories good & bad of growing up there. I truly don't miss the winters up there ....lol.

[@SheilaisOffensive]

Born and raised in Akron. Nobody wants to live there because it's a ghetto mess. You know it's bad when people move to Barberton to get away. Akron Public Schools are some of the worst in America and poverty runs rampit.

[@neddelamatre9572]

Three major hospitals together are one of the biggest employers. The Cuyahoga National Park and Summit County Metro Parks are also major assets.

[@JTA1961]

Bunch of sick people...?

[@pattym7316]

The bike/hike trails in and around Akron and all of NEOhio are some of the best in the country! People envy our trail system....it's a prize!

[@joesroads6387]

Raised in the falls but been in my Akron my whole life. Things seem to be improving but we got a long way to go before we really start attracting more people here. But we didnt get to be browns fans this long by giving up or running away when the road gets tough. I got faith we can overcome.

[@jgrysiak6566]

They would have to get guns off the streets to do it.

[@judeyovichin7326]

I always loved the falls, it's practically the perfect town

[@jgrysiak6566]

@@judeyovichin7326 , never been there!

[@joesroads6387]

It's amazing it borders akron and has probably a third or less of the violent crimes.

[@michaelreese8041]

Downtown is starting to look really great

[@mshotz1]

Why no DEVO, Black Keys or Chrissy Hynes in the soundtrack?

[@SuperAV21]

Major licensing on musical acts for KZbin's sake.

[@taylorbates5669]

I never thought Kermit would teach me about akron! Lol great vid

[@toxicbangbang]

Akron has been doing well. Lots of great local restaurants and comic shops.

[@jgrysiak6566]

Pittsburgh has been doing well also but shootings & killings now in the news everyday!

[@toxicbangbang]

@@jgrysiak6566 im sorry you're going through that.

[@jgrysiak6566]

@@toxicbangbang , I don't love in Pittsburgh anymore, I'm near Grove City , PA now & watch Pittsburgh news everyday! It's so sad!

[@donnabailey566]

I grew up in Akron in the fifties and sixties, but left there in 1971, and moved to New York City. I grew up on Mercer Avenue, where my parents bought their first home in 1955. It was a beautiful neighborhood back then, and I graduated from Buchtel High in 1966, when we were living on Stoner and Roslyn. Now that area is a ghetto with a high crime rate. Many Black people were discouraged from going to college by school advisors, and ended up doing factory work, because their parents abd grandparents worked on assembly lines. Many Black men never fulfilled their potential, and because of frequent layoffs, families began to fall apart. Crime is now outrageous there. It was great growing up there, but I don't even like to visit there now. It's such a shame.

[@michaelfoxbrass]

I just returned to the Akron area (a township carved out of Akron, within 10 minutes of downtown), having grown up here in the 60’s and 70’s, but leaving in 1981 for Boston, Dallas, and Northern VA (near DC). So far, I am finding that Akron, Canton, and surrounding/nearby counties, (Summit, Stark, Medina), are all headed in a positive direction, with many small manufacturing firms, the HQ’s and research centers of Goodyear and Bridgestone, and many new arts and food venues already online. Also, there appears to be a growing trend of semi-retired and/or retired Akron-ites returning, but maybe I’m just projecting! The next 3-5 years will tell; and I’m here for it. NEVER BET AGAINST OHIO!

[@sirpercival4731]

IF YOU PLAN TO MOVE TO AKRON ..... BETTER BRING A GUN !

[@1neAdam12]

@@sirpercival4731 And better not be White.

[@pattym7316]

I agree....I'm hoping for good things for this bitty city!!!

[@DisplacedSportsGuy]

Same is happening in Toledo and Cleveland. Ohio is slowly swinging back up.

[@jgrysiak6566]

R U the real Michael J Fox? Lol

[@zacharyosvald251]

Casually watching this while going to UA. It's a decent city, but I'm far too young to appreciate some of the historical aspects of the city

[@nixonhoover2]

Any drugged out prostitutes available?

[@Dantes-_-Inferno]

Akron Ohio saved my life. Thanks Bill.

[@bearllo22]

I recently graduated from the University of Akron this past year. From all the abandoned buildings, potholes, and constant highway construction, it's noticable that the city is reviving slowly. Downtown has drastically changed from when I began with new shops, restaurants, breweries, sideways, apartments, and other attractions. I believe it's a matter of time until this city once shines again.

[@forgottenplaces9780]

I graduated from UA as well 17’

[@pattym7316]

Agree

[@soulman4292]

I think overall the Cleveland/Akron area is on a BIG come up. Having been a life long resident, and knowing northeast Ohio really well, I’ve got to say in the last 15 years it’s just felt different. Lots of new people moving here, lots of great food, music, nightlife, and industry seems to be sprouting up from the ashes of this once mighty industrial behemoth. We as an area are proving that victory can be snatched from the jaws of defeat. There really is a beauty to many of the formerly gray, and dingy areas of Cleveland, and Akron being overtaken by wilderness. I foresee a great many more people coming here in the coming years, especially with our abundance of clean water, clean air from all those great trees young, and old, and all for the cultural exchange that is offered with the characteristically midwestern hospitality. I for one, am excited for all that these new, and wonderful opportunities will bring for not only natives, but the new ones coming to put down roots.

[@pattym7316]

Well said!!! Agree

[@walterscott2286]

Inspirational! It sounds like you are one of the special citizens of Akron that are putting out a strong optimistic, constructive, and welcoming vibe! Yes. Bring back the wonderful sense of community and pride in one's hometown! Would love to relocate there. Seems feasible to do without a car there. I'm a great walker. And public transportation works for me!

[@BIFC216]

You mean Greater Cleveland is on a big come up there is no city in northern Ohio on Clevelands level right now not Toledo Akron Canton or Youngstown

[@pattym7316]

@@BIFC216 Toledo was just featured in a national article as a faster-growing, affordable, mid-sized city. Cleveland is a big city & yes, the mid-sizeds are growing & getting better.

[@fairgreemusic1]

@@BIFC216You can be a Cleveland fan without trashing your neighboring cities.

[@johnniezimmerman6015]

I just found your channel Thank you for posting this video I worked in Tallmadge a suburb of Akron for many years. I moved out of Ohio less than 2 years ago when I retired because of the high crime and taxes. I will admit I really miss Ohio.

[@ianquinn5859]

Commenting from my Akron dorm rn, thank you for the video :)

[@christopher.96]

Akron and many other rust belt cities hit bottom around 2010 ish. At this stage some manufacturing is coming back to the US, some those jobs will return to places like Akron. Akron and other Great Lakes cities/Rust belt cities are well positioned to adjust to climate change. These cities will experience a renaissance later this century. Growth in the south west and lesser extent the south will he limited or maybe reversed because of climate change. Cities and areas go through cycles or growth, stagnation, decline, repeat. Look to the old world and you can see that pattern. U.S. cities will and are starting to follow the same pattern.

[@Aaron_R]

Akron is getting better. Youngstown - not so much. Canton is staying about the same.

[@tima4929]

Why call it the Rust Belt? That is such a cringe worthy phrase. Be more positive.

[@GIONELLIO]

Akron is on course to follow Cleveland in so many ways. And this city is so much better than many midsized cities in America.

[@1neAdam12]

You're forgetting a few key elements here; UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030, Belt and Road Initiative and Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum.

[@russellhart3260]

Definitely. There is a limit as to how many people the Colorado River can support when the river seldom makes it to the sea anymore. The old Rust Belt could make a comeback, just because of the presence of plentiful water.

[@cloudiicat]

they used the old goodyear building for the NEO roller derby team too. not sure if they still do, but they did about ten years ago.

[@HotspotsSoutheast]

My grandfather was in the tire business in the 50's in Akron. Then he moved to WV and opened a tire shop. He had three different tire shops before he sold them and in his retirement years was a sales rep for General Tire. Several other family members worked for a time in the tire business in Akron. If you lived in the Ohio river valley in the 40's and 50's and wanted a step up the economic ladder you moved to places like Akron or Wheeling to work in the mills. There used to be countless mill towns back then. Every small town had a mill of some kind. Even in rural WV there were mills that made shoes, shirts, leather products, garden tools, nylon, etc. All of those mills and plants closed down after WWII. Most of those industries went overseas. Now there is poverty throughout most of WV. Instead of making products here and creating jobs, now everyone gets government assistance and buys products from Walmart made in China, Asia, and Mexico. I don't know how much longer it can keep going like this. We have to make something here. We can't keep relying on cheap labor from thousands of miles away. It's a shame to see those industries disappear. I currently live in the southeast and it's the same thing here. So many mills and factories closed. Empty brick buildings with broken windows and falling down roofs. Some turned into lofts but many still abandoned. How many families can be supported by minimum wage McDonalds jobs and a few tech jobs here and there?

[@wrenchpony9735]

Overall I like Akron. The weather can suck balls but having lived in other parts of the counrty you will be hard pressed to find a place that has so much stuff to do, is so easy to hop to other huge metro areas and having such a low cost of living. Like one of the few metro regions you cannthink about buying a house without selling a kidney, or soul.

[@Mark-sd7fc]

We have beautiful fall weather and it’s about to start, summertime is hot and humid winters can be long and bitterly cold and spring time is muddy

[@wrenchpony9735]

@@Mark-sd7fc fall is definitely the best season here. I don't mind the cold so much but really hate the humidity. I lived in Phoenix for about 2 years, I will happily take 110*F there over 85*F here 8 days a week!

[@shawnholderfield2593]

Race relations in Akron are probably better than most of the country. Very religious city. That engendered a culture of respect more than most places. Not sure it's going in the right direction but there is some good history here. Back about 50 years ago this very medium sized city had the largest Sunday school in the world at the Akron Baptist Temple plus two of the first television ministries. It's suffering from the same kinds of rot and cancer as the rest of the country but it has good bones. Both my wife and mother work in the downtown. It's safe by day. and has decent police protection at night.Most of the crime is associated with distinct areas apart from downtown.

[@jameschapman9283]

Tell that to all the crime

[@shawnholderfield2593]

@@jameschapman9283 we're better off than many places. And I know the places to avoid after dark. We're not out of control.

[@jameschapman9283]

@@shawnholderfield2593 I use to fucking live there. It’s not the worse obviously but it is still bad

[@danielwilkins7509]

I was a student, of The University of Akron. The more, that the citizens, of AKRON, are aware, of its rich history, the more likely, that THOSE same citizens, can roll up their sleeves, hunker down, and actually MAKE the changes, that their once-great city, desparately needs, to be great again--once more!:-).

[@spicymilk9567]

Great overview. One other point to add is regarding infrastructure changes made around the time of suburbanization in the 60s. The city decided to demolish thousands of homes and business to build a new highway (called the innerbelt) in an attempt to connect suburbanites to the downtown center. The only thing this did was help people move farther away from downtown and leave a ton of people displaced with no support. This mirrored similar decisions made around that time by other major cities to demolish parts of downtown for new highway construction. The innerbelt is now an empty 4 lane highway that probably gets less than 10,000 cars a day (it originally designed to serve 160,000 cars a day). The only legacy of these decisions has often been geographical segregation and disinvestment.

[@Kodeb8]

That's unfortunately the fate of many of these forgotten American cities. Car-centric city planning and suburbanization end up killing the culture and leaving the downtown to rot. It's kind of ironic that Detroit and Akron both were known for their role in the car industry since the car industry is what killed them in more ways than one.

[@diedraclarke]

God bless my hometown in Jesus' mighty name💕🙏💕🙏💕🙏💕🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯‼️

[@drmwpn]

What happened to Akron? Cyraxx happened. Y'all literally have a half-man, half-orc holed up in his grandma's attic, your town is basically one step above Mordor.

[@choochoo9506]

Great job on the video. Thanks!

[@chadharger7051]

Not to mention you have two of North East Ohio's southern most Level 1 Trauma Centers in Akron as well. Cleveland Clinic Akron General and Summa Akron City Hospital. As well as one of the largest and best ranked Pediatric hospitals. Akron Children's Hospital.

[@johndaley9594]

There is really a lot more going on here then dead rubber companies.

[@SARAH-hj5ut]

I remember the Reiter Dairy company and the big Cow on top of the building. I remember the old Pepsi building on exchange street, I remember playing at mason park as a child and having lunch and playing games inside the park community building I still remember what it looked like I remember doing crafts there too I even remember going sled riding down the hill at mason school on the one side an then I remember when they took all the trees down on mason park hill an then we started sled riding down we're they took all those trees out as we got older. can't nobody afford to buy no house as much as I pay in rent just for an apartment bet is more than I'd pay a month for a mortgage, my husband an I have wanted to buy a home an no more than 5 Acers but here in Ohio isn't looking to promising but I'm not gunna lose my faith.. I want to be in the country and I honestly would love to be somewhere where we don't get real cold in winter months since I had back surgery every year it seems like the cold gets worse and worse for me and I can't handle the cold anymore or my body I literally will not go anywhere but to important things but I'll stay home inside all winter lol I would love to live in the country it's my dream N I'm not gunna give up on my dream

[@donbean]

On July 2 1986 the grateful dead Bob Dylan and Tom petty played at the acron rubber bowl....

[@Libdiddy]

Monsters of rock around that time also

[@kenkellalea329]

Cyraxx sent me here

[@jamesturbyfill6281]

it is also the birthplace of alcoholics anonymous..

[@PurinSunflower]

Akron Ohio: the home of Cyraxx

[@SplendidCoffee0]

Lmfaooo, I was waiting for this comment.

[@denniesaunders886]

i live 4 miles from akron and when i visit the city ....i conceal carry

[@stghesonetap]

You should do that anyway

[@daviesdan18]

Same

[@rodneyshort1208]

Very smart decision.

[@tima4929]

Do you really need a gun to visit the beautiful and safe neighborhoods of West Akron, Fairlawn Hts, Highland Square, Portage Path , Sand Run, Merriman and the Stan Hywet Area.?? Get real Some of you are just so negative and always looking for an excuse to pack a gun. .

[@denniesaunders886]

@@tima4929 no excuse to carry a gun, dont really care to. but would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it....its called common sense

[@kingkem_113]

I graduated hoban and went to UA in 2017 I’m graduating this year !

[@judeyovichin7326]

Sweet, I loved my time at Hoban

[@russellhart3260]

Buchtel High for me. Did they ever combine Hoban and St. Vincent? I heard there was a proposal to do that back about the time I was leaving the area (late 1970s). Congratulations on your graduation from a great institution of higher learning like Univ. of Akron -Class of 1969 for me - as opposed, for example, to a "party school" like Kent State.

[@judeyovichin7326]

@@russellhart3260 they never combined, that would be blasphemous

[@robertburmeister3036]

There is a crack head at every intersection now. Thank you democrats

[@proteinwaterfall9148]

Chance Wilkins happened.....

[@dannybaldwin7343]

🤫 Akron is bouncing back. From Cbus we are cheering for you 🤫♥️🖤💚

[@jgrysiak6566]

Lol, everybody moving to Akron for cheap rent, rent is unaffordable on Columbus now!

[@jetscreamer1]

Now we know where condoms originated.

[@mitchellb2]

Take it from a 22 year old living in Akron. Do not come here, it’s terrible and will be one of the worst mistakes of your life. Any major city, Cleveland/Akron/canton, are all garbage and terrible to live in

[@minecat1839]

Thanks. This was really helpful for a research project I am doing on the OTHER Akron Big 3: Rolling Acres, Chapel Hill, and Summit Mall

[@chad3328]

Akron has tons of great festivals at the Lock 3 park including a series of free and low cost concerts all summer which are mostly very excellent 70's and 80's cover bands with openers and everything. These attract lots of attention downtown on Saturday nights. The park is getting a huge renovation for next year too.

[@liminalradiofm7899]

best part of akron

[@ToxicRainStorm]

I’m from Ripley, New York. Goodrich was born there and he intended to open his factory in Ripley New York. The township refused and he moved to Akron to start his business. There’s a plaque in downtown Ripley commemorating this screw up lol

[@dogcowrph]

Now a video on Youngstown is in order.

[@jgrysiak6566]

Lol! Youngstown state making a comeback, my friend transferred there from Slippery Rock , PA University.

[@Nick_B_Bad]

Growing up and still living between Cleveland and Akron I was always told Akron is the capital of West Virginia 😂😆 But in all seriousness if you visit Akron you must experience Luigi’s Pizza 🍕

[@russellhart3260]

Just curious - Do they still have the "Brown Derby" chain of restaurants in the Akron area?

[@kykalinowski5217]

@@russellhart3260 there’s a Girves Brown Derby in Streetsboro about 45 min from Akron. Only one I’ve ever seen around here but I’m 24 so my “still” might be different

[@russellhart3260]

@@kykalinowski5217 Thank you!

[@hourz]

@@Nonmuss Funny enough the WV friends I made in Akron growing up all mostly moved back to WV lol. for reference i'm 30

[@caisearbhan4738]

My childhood was spent a stone's throw from Akron-during the 1970s and 1980s. Fond memories of outings to the local theater and the Art Museum in Akron are still vivid in my mind. During those years, I observed Akron's economic downturn. Though I've since traveled extensively and settled far from Northeast Ohio, I remain informed about the local developments there, and the rising tide of violent crime in Akron is particularly alarming to me. In my view, Akron is ripe for a renaissance, particularly as a hub for the technology and silicon industries. I would encourage both state and municipal leaders to actively court such industries. By offering economic incentives, they could entice these businesses to set up shop in Akron and fuel its revival. There is an innate beauty and uniqueness to Northeast Ohio-and to the state as a whole-that deserves preservation and the chance to thrive anew.

[@mizzjacksonxoxo]

TBH, a city or town would want to be "forgotten" nowadays. Less crime, politics, homelessness, littering overpopulation, chaos, & bad air...😕😕

[@TropicalRegicide]

I just visited Akron & it was beautiful. Everyone was friendly and honestly wouldn't mind living there

[@ps4gaming950]

Me my mom and dad all work at goodyear in Akron. I love building tires

[@fictionfisher7869]

Moved to Akron about 7 months ago from Nashville. So happy I made the decesion. I was able to purchase a home for less than 150k, this same home in Nashville would be over 500k easily. It is a trip living here though. Y ou can tell the town used to have some serious money behind it at one time.

[@forgottenplaces9780]

Yes it def did…

[@Wilhelm_von_chudson]

Chance wilkins is what happened

[@hodgescouldntdodgeit4374]

vitch voy

[@6idangle]

Born there, has a special place in my heart, spent child hood summers at Grandmas in the summers in the suburbs. Remember the 90s at summit mall. True American upbringing coming from that place. Sad place in a lot of ways though too.

[@technicalactivity]

i stopped by this town for work and I had to get to a lodge but drove through a yard-style area that had tow truck auctions or something. Some rude black guy had road rage and at a 4 way stop cut me off then got out of his car, walked to my vehicle and opened my door and wouldnt let me close it. Then a sherriff happened to be around the corner and he tried to tell the cop he was "protecting his daughter" who he left in his car while he tried to assault me. Never forget that from this place

[@GIONELLIO]

I just moved here and I LOVE IT.

[@pattym7316]

I agree....many natives are extremely negative about it...it's understandable, but the constant moaning is taxing! Enjoy! It's what you make it

[@GIONELLIO]

@@pattym7316 I've observed that American people are mostly fond of complaining.

[@pattym7316]

@@GIONELLIO Akron natives excel I'm this area......I've lived in a lot of places...very grumpy about their city.....serious whine...can't find the cheese

[@jgrysiak6566]

Anything for cheap rent! Just don't talk to neighbors! Lol

[@GIONELLIO]

@@jgrysiak6566 Can I know why

[@r.pres.4121]

Actually those other rubber companies were bought by out of town companies who dissolved them and shuttered their corporate headquarters in Akron. The same negative process happened to Cleveland as well when most of its home based fortune 500s were bought by out of town companies and their Cleveland headquarters shuttered.

[@cmdr1911]

The funny part with the rubber companies. Firestone and Sieblering (Goodyear) were actually neighbors. There houses are pretty close to each other

[@Noneya4200]

People are leaving because crime shooting and drugs are rampant

[@Mrironlungs607]

Lived in Akron my whole life loved the history of the place sad to see it go like this

[@Carvello20]

Fascinating, thanks. I just read Chrissie Hyde's book and she said she grew up in Akron. She had very descriptive tales about bands passing thru Ohio. How the town used to be. The new freeway. The end of an era. History repeats, right?

[@brianfuller757]

What happened? Economic decline. loss of American industry, depopulation.. Akron was the tire capitol of the world. Really sad. Calling Akron a shell of it's former self is fairly accurate.