Is Middlebury safe?
Akron, Ohio · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Middlebury as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Middlebury
“Go with care. Middlebury is one of Akron's oldest historic neighborhoods currently undergoing grassroots community revitalization, but it still struggles with elevated rates of property crime and occasional violent incidents. Visitors should stick to designated commercial hubs along East Market Street during daylight hours and avoid walking through residential side streets after dark.”
Local community development groups like The Well CDC continue targeted investments along East Market Street, though police reports periodically highlight localized gun violence and vehicle theft in the surrounding blocks.
About the area
Located just east of Downtown Akron, Middlebury is a historic working-class neighborhood featuring a mix of vintage industrial architecture, ongoing community renewal projects, and residential blocks. While community anchors like local cafes and urban agriculture hubs bring daytime energy, significant economic challenges and high vacancy persist.
- Historic
- Revitalizing
- Working-Class
- Urban
Walking and biking in Middlebury
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 54/100
On-street cycling requires caution due to patchy bike lane infrastructure on busy arterials, but the nearby Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is accessible a couple of miles west in Downtown Akron.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Active grassroots revitalization anchored by community-focused businesses and arts initiatives
- Close proximity to downtown Akron and the University of Akron campus
- Affordable local dining and unique community spaces like Compass Coffee
Cons
- Violent crime and property crime rates remain significantly above national and state averages
- High neighborhood poverty rate exceeding 35% with pockets of residential blight and vacant lots
- Limited commercial nightlife options with noticeably diminished safety after dark
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately present, with individuals sometimes seen along the East Market Street transit stops and commercial plazas near the downtown border, supported by various nearby social services.
What Middlebury is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Active and generally peaceful as commuters, bus riders, and patrons visit local cafes along East Market Street.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Moderately busy with local commercial traffic, though vigilance is recommended around side streets and convenience stores.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Foot traffic drops off quickly at sunset, and caution is advised along main corridors.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Quiet but higher risk; walking alone is not recommended due to sporadic crime and minimal open businesses.
Transit, parking and getting around
METRO RTA serves Middlebury extensively with frequent service along East Market Street (notably Route 1) connecting directly to the Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center in Downtown Akron within 10 minutes.
Street parking is largely free and plentiful throughout residential streets, and commercial destinations along East Market Street typically offer dedicated off-street surface lots.
Things to do in Middlebury
- Grab a locally roasted beverage and pastry while supporting local initiatives at Compass Coffee
- Explore community agriculture and programming at the Middlebury Community Garden network
- Visit the historic Goodyear Clubhouse and Goodyear Heights Metro Park just across the neighborhood border
Local favorites
- Compass Coffee · Coffee Shop · 4.8★ (320)A mission-driven community cafe offering espresso drinks, baked goods, and welcoming gathering space.
- E.P.I.C. Deli & Subs · Deli · 4.5★ (110)Neighborhood eatery known for generous portions of hot subs, wraps, and classic deli fare.
- Dave's Supermarket - Middlebury · Grocery Store · 4.1★ (460)Essential neighborhood supermarket providing fresh produce, meats, and everyday grocery staples.
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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