Is Summit Lake safe?
Akron, Ohio · safety score updated nightly
Not recommended for casual walking around, especially after dark.
VibeLoco rates Summit Lake as “No-go after dark”.
Gogo's take on Summit Lake
“Go with care. While the revitalized Summit Lake waterfront and Nature Center offer worthwhile outdoor recreation, the surrounding neighborhood faces significant socioeconomic distress and elevated violent and property crime rates. Stick to main park areas and the Towpath Trail during daytime hours, and avoid unlit side streets after dark.”
Ongoing civic investments along the lakefront continue to expand public amenities, even as Akron police maintain targeted patrols to address localized firearm incidents and property offenses.
About the area
Summit Lake is an urban South Akron neighborhood built around an expansive natural lake and connected to the regional Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. While civic investments have renewed public shoreline access and nature programming, the surrounding residential grid experiences high poverty and property vacancy. Visitors primarily visit during daylight to bike, walk, and engage with community environmental facilities.
- Lakeside Park
- Urban / Distressed
- Towpath Connected
- Community-Focused
Walking and biking in Summit Lake
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 62/100
The neighborhood provides immediate, direct access to the 101-mile Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, making it an excellent stop for cyclists traveling between Downtown Akron and Barberton.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Direct on-ramp to the multi-use Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
- Modern educational exhibits and events at the Summit Lake Nature Center
- Active civic revitalization bringing new park docks, pavilions, and community programming
Cons
- Violent and property crime rates substantially exceed national and regional averages
- High neighborhood poverty rate above 40% with visible residential blight and housing vacancies
- Limited retail, dining, and full-service grocery amenities within the neighborhood boundaries
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is moderately noticeable along brushy segments of the lakefront and near bridge underpasses along the Towpath, though large permanent encampments are generally not permitted directly around maintained park facilities.
What Summit Lake is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and generally safe around the lakefront path, with early runners, dog walkers, and nature enthusiasts out in daylight.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Moderately active with families and visitors around the Nature Center, though standard urban vigilance is advised on nearby residential blocks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Foot traffic drops off quickly around sunset; safety risks increase significantly outside of scheduled park events.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Not recommended for leisure visits or walking due to limited street lighting, quiet residential corridors, and heightened risk of criminal activity.
Transit, parking and getting around
METRO RTA serves the area with regular bus service via Route 13 along South Main Street and Route 8 along Kenmore Boulevard, connecting directly to the Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center downtown.
Free surface parking is readily available at designated lots for the Nature Center and Community Center, with ample unmetered curbside parking along adjacent residential side streets.
Things to do in Summit Lake
- Tour interactive wildlife and conservation exhibits at the Summit Lake Nature Center
- Walk, run, or bike along the scenic lakefront stretch of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail
- Launch a kayak or canoe from the public lake access points during designated community boating days
Local favorites
- Summit Lake Nature Center · Nature Center · 4.8★ (185)A hands-on Summit Metro Parks facility offering natural history exhibits, lake views, and free public programming.
- Summit Lake Community Center · Community Center · 4.3★ (115)A city-run hub featuring youth recreational leagues, meeting rooms, and public athletic facilities.
- Bob's Hamburg · Hamburger Restaurant · 4.4★ (980)A long-standing nearby South Akron diner known for classic slider-style burgers and casual comfort food.
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.
Add this score to your site
Writing about Summit Lake? Copy this code to show its live safety score on your blog or listing.