Is Sherbondy Hill safe?
Akron, Ohio · safety score updated nightly
Not recommended for casual walking around, especially after dark.
VibeLoco rates Sherbondy Hill as “No-go after dark”.
Gogo's take on Sherbondy Hill
“Go with care. Sherbondy Hill is a primarily residential, economically distressed neighborhood with limited visitor attractions and above-average rates of violent and property crime. Casual travelers have few reasons to visit outside of specific community centers or local family visits, and heightened situational awareness is advised, especially after dark.”
Akron police continue targeted patrols and community violence intervention efforts across West Akron neighborhoods to curb intermittent firearm-related incidents.
About the area
Sherbondy Hill (historically known as the Wooster-Maple or Lane-Wooster area) sits directly southwest of Downtown Akron, characterized by rolling hills, early-to-mid 20th-century single-family homes, and community facilities. The neighborhood faces ongoing urban challenges including residential vacancies, infrastructure blight, and lower median household incomes.
- Residential
- Hilly
- Under-Resourced
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Sherbondy Hill
Walk score: 46/100 · Bike score: 38/100
Sherbondy Hill lacks dedicated bike lanes and features steep grades that make cycling challenging; the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail is accessible a short ride east near Summit Lake.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Quick and direct vehicular access to I-76, I-77, and Downtown Akron
- Active community anchors such as the Helen Arnold Community Learning Center and local faith institutions
- Lower traffic congestion compared to commercial hubs in the metro area
Cons
- Significantly higher violent and property crime rates compared to national and regional averages
- High poverty rates exceeding 30% alongside elevated residential vacancy and structural blight
- Limited commercial density, dining, and tourist-oriented amenities
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is low to moderate within the residential grid, though occasional panhandling occurs near major commercial intersections along Vernon Odom Boulevard, with major emergency shelters located in neighboring downtown districts.
What Sherbondy Hill is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Relatively quiet with school commutes and light neighborhood traffic along main thoroughfares.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Moderate street activity near bus stops and corner stores, generally fine for driving or brief visits.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Foot traffic drops sharply as darkness sets in; stick to well-lit main corridors if traveling on foot.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Higher risk of criminal activity, illicit street presence, and gunfire; walking alone late at night is not recommended.
Transit, parking and getting around
METRO RTA provides public transit with key bus lines like Route 1 running along Vernon Odom Boulevard directly into the Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center downtown. There is no passenger rail or BRT service in Akron.
Free on-street residential parking is widely available with few restrictions, and local businesses offer dedicated surface lots with no meter fees.
Things to do in Sherbondy Hill
- Visit Sherbondy Park for open green space and local neighborhood recreation
- Explore community programming and indoor athletics at the nearby Ed Davis Community Center
- Attend community events and services at The House of the Lord on Diagonal Road
Local favorites
- The House of the Lord · Community & Worship Center · 4.7★ (460)A major neighborhood anchor offering extensive community outreach, events, and worship services.
- No. 1 Kitchen · Chinese Restaurant · 4.1★ (190)A long-standing local takeout counter serving classic Chinese-American dishes along Vernon Odom Boulevard.
- Mr. Hero · Fast Food · 4.0★ (230)A regional Ohio staple known for Romanburger sandwiches and hot buttered cheese steaks.
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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