Is Merriman Woods safe?
Akron, Ohio · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Merriman Woods as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Merriman Woods
“Go. Merriman Woods is one of the safest and most affluent residential pockets in Akron, nestled against the scenic Cuyahoga Valley. Visitors will experience virtually no violent crime and can comfortably enjoy the nearby parks and cultural venues.”
About the area
Merriman Woods is a leafy, upscale residential neighborhood in Northwest Akron known for its wooded lots, mid-century to modern single-family homes, and proximity to Sand Run Metro Park. It offers a quiet, suburban atmosphere while remaining just minutes from the dining hubs of Merriman Valley and downtown Akron.
- Quiet / Residential
- Wooded
- Affluent
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Merriman Woods
Walk score: 18/100 · Bike score: 28/100
While neighborhood streets have hills and lack dedicated bike lanes, there is swift access to the Sand Run Parkway trails and the regional Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in the valley.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Violent crime rates are significantly lower than Akron citywide averages
- High household incomes and strong homeownership rates maintain stable, well-kept properties
- Direct proximity to expansive Summit Metro Parks green spaces and trails
- Minimal through-traffic on quiet residential cul-de-sacs
Cons
- Car dependency is high, with few walkable commercial amenities directly within the subdivision
- Occasional opportunistic vehicle break-ins typical of secluded residential areas
- Narrow, winding roads with limited sidewalks can pose hazards for pedestrians at night
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and street encampments are not present in this secluded residential neighborhood.
What Merriman Woods is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with residents jogging, walking dogs, and departing for commutes.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet with low vehicular traffic and active wildlife throughout the wooded lots.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and safe, though street lighting is sparse due to the heavily wooded canopy.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely low activity; exceptionally safe from crime, though dark roads require caution when driving.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is provided by METRO RTA with bus service along Merriman Road via Route 14, but coverage is sparse within the residential interior. There is no passenger rail in the area.
Parking is completely hassle-free with ample private driveways and free parking lots at local businesses and park trailheads.
Things to do in Merriman Woods
- Hike scenic woodland paths at adjacent Sand Run Metro Park
- Catch a live community theater production at the nearby Weathervane Playhouse
- Access the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail just down the hill in Merriman Valley
Local favorites
- Weathervane Playhouse · Performing Arts Theater · 4.7★ (320)Long-running community theater staging plays, musicals, and educational youth workshops.
- The Merchant Tavern · Gastropub · 4.5★ (890)Elevated American comfort fare, craft cocktails, and a patio located along Merriman Road.
- Papa Joe's Iacomini's · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)Historic, family-owned staple serving traditional pasta, steaks, and fine wine in the valley.
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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