Is Merriman Hills safe?
Akron, Ohio · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Merriman Hills as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Merriman Hills
“Go. Merriman Hills is one of Akron's safest, most stable residential neighborhoods characterized by scenic rolling hills and well-maintained single-family homes. While standard precautions against opportunistic property crimes like car break-ins apply, violent crime is exceptionally rare here. Visitors will find a peaceful, leafy environment close to city parks and nearby dining corridors.”
About the area
Merriman Hills is an established residential enclave located in Northwest Akron, known for its mature tree canopy, mid-century homes, and quiet suburban atmosphere. It borders scenic natural areas and sits just minutes away from both the Merriman Valley entertainment strip and Sand Run Metro Park.
- Quiet Residential
- Wooded / Leafy
- Suburban Feel
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Merriman Hills
Walk score: 24/100 · Bike score: 28/100
While the steep terrain and lack of dedicated bike lanes require caution on interior streets, the neighborhood provides quick access to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and Summit Metro Parks network.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are among the lowest in the city of Akron
- High rate of homeownership and well-maintained properties with negligible vacancy
- Close proximity to the Cuyahoga Valley and Summit Metro Parks systems
- Strong median household income levels and stable residential demographics
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes like unlocked vehicle break-ins
- Very car-dependent with virtually no commercial retail directly inside the residential core
- Limited street lighting and hilly, winding roads that can lack sidewalks
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is virtually nonexistent in Merriman Hills, as emergency shelters and support services are located closer to downtown Akron.
What Merriman Hills is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with neighborhood residents walking dogs and low vehicular traffic.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with typical suburban activity, package deliveries, and school buses.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet residential winding-down with safe conditions throughout neighborhood streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very dark and low activity; safe overall, though street lighting is sparse on some residential lanes.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by METRO RTA with bus routes (such as Route 1) running along nearby arterial corridors like Merriman Road or West Market Street, though service within the interior hills is minimal.
Driveways and private garages accommodate most parking, while free on-street parking is widely available without meters or permits throughout the residential streets.
Things to do in Merriman Hills
- Hike or jog through the nearby trails at Sand Run Metro Park
- Tour the historic gardens and mansion at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens just minutes south
- Explore the nearby Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail for cycling and nature walks
Local favorites
- The Merchant Tavern · American Gastropub · 4.6★ (850)Popular nearby spot serving elevated pub fare, craft beers, and cocktails in a cozy setting.
- Pub Bricco · Pub / Eatery · 4.4★ (720)Laid-back gathering spot offering specialty sandwiches, craft beer, and casual dining in the nearby valley.
- Portal West Coffee · Coffee Shop · 4.8★ (210)Independent neighborhood café nearby known for quality espresso, pastries, and a welcoming community vibe.
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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