Is Forest Hill (Akron) safe?
Akron, Ohio · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Forest Hill (Akron) as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Forest Hill (Akron)
“Go. Forest Hill is one of Akron's quieter, more stable residential neighborhoods with relatively low crime compared to the rest of the city. While it lacks its own walkable commercial center, it serves as a secure and pleasant base near outdoor parks and Highland Square.”
About the area
Forest Hill is a leafy, residential enclave in northwest Akron characterized by established mid-century and colonial single-family homes. It offers a tranquil, suburban-style atmosphere while sitting minutes away from the Cuyahoga Valley trail systems and dining hubs.
- Quiet Residential
- Tree-Lined Streets
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Forest Hill (Akron)
Walk score: 38/100 · Bike score: 42/100
Neighborhood streets lack dedicated bike lanes, but the area connects quickly to the paved trails at Sand Run Metro Park and the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates than Akron citywide benchmarks
- High homeownership rate and stable, well-maintained housing stock
- Close proximity to the Summit Metro Parks and Cuyahoga Valley nature corridors
Cons
- Periodic opportunistic property crimes such as unlocked vehicle break-ins
- Low walkability requiring a car for almost all errands and dining
- Dim street lighting along certain strictly residential side streets at night
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent within the interior residential streets of Forest Hill, with services and encampments primarily located closer to downtown Akron.
What Forest Hill (Akron) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and active with residents jogging, walking dogs, and commuting without safety concerns.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with low vehicle traffic through the residential grid.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet neighborhood feel; walking is generally safe, though residential streets can become quite dark.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very low foot traffic and minimal street activity; violent incidents are rare, but keeping vehicles locked is recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by METRO RTA with bus routes running along perimeter thoroughfares like Merriman Road toward downtown Akron; there is no local rail transit.
Free on-street parking is widely available with few restrictions, and most residential homes have dedicated private driveways.
Things to do in Forest Hill (Akron)
- Hike and jog the forested trails at nearby Sand Run Metro Park
- Tour the historic estate and botanical grounds at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens just minutes away
- Browse the independent shops, indie cinema, and cafes in neighboring Highland Square
Local favorites
- The Merchant Tavern · Gastropub · 4.6★ (780)Upscale neighborhood tavern offering craft cocktails and elevated American comfort food.
- Mustard Seed Market & Café · Grocery Store & Cafe · 4.5★ (1250)Local organic grocer featuring a rooftop cafe, prepared foods, and specialty health products.
- Pub Bricco · Pub / American · 4.4★ (520)Lively local spot serving gourmet sandwiches, thin-crust pizzas, and an extensive beer list.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.
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