Is Temple Square safe?
Akron, Ohio · safety score updated nightly
Be careful — go in daylight and stay on the busier streets.
VibeLoco rates Temple Square as “Caution”.
Gogo's take on Temple Square
“Go with care. Temple Square is an established West Akron neighborhood commercial and residential pocket that offers local dining and retail, but property crime and occasional violent incidents occur in the surrounding corridor. Visitors should stay alert, stick to main commercial areas during daylight hours, and secure their vehicles.”
Akron police have increased patrols along West Akron commercial corridors following periodic reports of car break-ins and property crimes.
About the area
Centered along the Copley Road corridor in West Akron, Temple Square features a mix of neighborhood storefronts, legacy businesses, and residential side streets. It serves as a local hub for everyday services and community retail just west of downtown Akron.
- Urban Pocket
- Community Hub
- Car-Dependent
- Historic Grid
Walking and biking in Temple Square
Walk score: 62/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There is no dedicated bike-share program in the immediate area; cyclists can connect via side streets to the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail roughly two miles east in downtown Akron.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Convenient access to downtown Akron and State Route 59 / I-76 corridors
- Active local business district with distinct neighborhood eateries and services
- Engaged community groups working on streetscape and corridor revitalization
Cons
- Elevated rates of property crime including vehicular theft and residential burglaries
- Higher poverty levels and commercial vacancies relative to Summit County averages
- Noticeable reduction in pedestrian foot traffic and increased safety risks after dark
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is occasionally seen along the Copley Road transit stops and near commercial parking lots, but large permanent encampments are uncommon in this sector.
What Temple Square is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Quiet with routine morning commuter traffic and local business openings; generally safe for walking.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Moderate activity around retail plazas and bus stops with steady vehicular movement.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Commercial activity tapers off quickly as businesses close, requiring increased situational awareness.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Streets are largely deserted with minimal lighting in side pockets, making walking alone ill-advised.
Transit, parking and getting around
METRO RTA provides local bus transit through the area, with Route 1 (West Market) and Route 14 (Copley Road) connecting directly to the Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center in downtown Akron.
Free street parking is widely available along residential streets, and commercial plazas offer dedicated free surface lots with minimal congestion.
Things to do in Temple Square
- Sample local comfort food and soul food at neighborhood dining spots along Copley Road
- Browse local specialty shops and services in the commercial center
- Visit nearby Kerr Park for neighborhood green space and sports courts
Local favorites
- Big Eu'vc Southern BBQ · Barbecue Restaurant · 4.6★ (320)Popular local smokehouse offering ribs, pulled pork, and classic southern sides.
- Magic City Treats · Dessert Shop · 4.4★ (85)Neighborhood spot serving custom ice cream treats, milkshakes, and snacks.
- Copley Mini Mart & Deli · Convenience Store & Deli · 4.1★ (60)Local convenience hub carrying daily essentials and freshly prepared quick bites.
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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