Rolling Acres - Akron, OH

Designated as a shopping district in the 1960s, Rolling Acres was meant for the grandeur of plazas, shopping malls and major chain stores, but that dream fell flat when the shops began closing due to rough economic times. Since the economy downturn in 2009, the neighborhood has gotten smaller, bringing in residents who seek peace over the hubbub of big city living. Museums are sparse in the Akron area, but festivals take place annually in Prentiss Park. The Kenmore Community Festival begins every May, inviting locals to participate in 15 rides, over 30 games, food and drink vendors, live entertainment and fireworks at the end of each evening.

The residents of Rolling Acres pride themselves on being foodies, and most of the restaurants in the area reflect eating as their favorite pastime. Major restaurant chains have made their mark on this neighborhood, but locals love their locally owned and operated delis and cafes the most, as evidenced by brisk business on the weekends. In true Northern fashion, everything can be made into a sandwich, or at least that’s what Primo’s Deli believes. The ingredients pack a powerful punch of flavor and spices, no matter what you order. The menu, while short, honors Italian heritage with ingredients like capicola, salami, and beef tongue. Outside, the restaurant exterior paints a funky picture of what to expect inside - appealing, unexpected works of culinary art - with a spray-painted sign of their name. Some local meal favorites include a Reuben sandwich, spicy Italian sub, homemade crinkle cut chips and trademark chip dip. Dubbed the best pizza place in Rolling Acres, award-winning Regina’s Pizza uses fresh ingredients, homemade dough and a selection of quirky toppings to keep customers coming back. While offering thin crust is a must for pizza places everywhere, this restaurant boasts a thick crust that has launched it to suburban fame. Topped with cheese, sauce and your choice of vegetables, fruits and meats, each custom pizza represents your personality, striving to be the perfect combination of everything you love about a good pie. Take your love of cultural cuisine to the next level at Tomaso’s Italian Villa, where the expansive menu includes decades' worth of generations-old recipes from Southern Europe. While pizza remains a fan favorite, their more renowned dishes include gluten-free rigatoni with marinara sauce, authentic Italian lasagna, signature sweet-and-sour dressing and sweet cannoli. You also receive complimentary sherbet after your meal to cleanse the palate. Nightlife in the neighborhood equals a trip to the Old 97 Café —a jazz and blues bar where you can sip cocktails while listening to smooth tunes. The casual atmosphere transports patrons back to a time of beatniks and poets, and the club caters get-togethers and special occasions. If you get hungry, the limited menu consists of hearty chili, angel hair pasta and chicken Parmesan to sate your hunger between mixed drinks.

Rolling Acres locals prefer the luxury of cars to commute to work and school, taking Interstate 76, Kenmore Boulevard or East Avenue into the surrounding cities. The area border rests parallel to Roming Road, and dozens of side streets and suburban shortcuts intersect between Prentiss Park and Mud Run Creek. Usually, even with weekday rush hour, traffic remains free-flowing and unimpeded. Along interior suburbia, walkers and joggers have free use of sidewalks, and Chandler Avenue features a bicycle trail specifically for those who want to avoid the hassle of neighborhood drivers. Bus stops run the length of Roming Road, and the best cab services include Five Star Taxi and Aaro Taxi of Akron.

With all of the lush surroundings, Rolling Acres is practically a park in and of itself. However, designated areas serve as named parks around South Hawkins Road, Chandler Avenue and East Avenue. Mud Run Park consists of mostly golf course terrain, where golfers and hobbyists can go to putt 18 rounds on the green. Whereas, the Angelletti Ball Fields specialize in summertime baseball games, featuring the local school teams. A quick drive from Rolling Acres to Edgewood Avenue, residents love the exotic ambiance of the Akron Zoological Park. Dozens of acres of exhibits display big felines, penguins, bats and birds. Plus, they have the unique privilege of displaying capybaras, komodo dragons and grizzly bears.

Appealing to those with low-to-medium income, Rolling Acres prides itself on maintaining a 1.3 percent lower average cost of living in comparison to Akron. Apartment leasing has a median average of $500, but units in close proximity to entertainment amenities could bump prices up around $615. When considering a $4 to $5 pint at the local bar, be sure to keep an extra $3 on hand for bus fare. For drivers, gas prices usually hover 17 percent higher than the national average.

In addition to major chain stores like ALDI, O’Reily Auto Parts, Family Dollar and Quick Stop Mini Mart, locally founded and operated boutiques and shops dot Roming Road and Vernon Odom Boulevard. Some of the more popular small shops specialize in apparel, jewelry, local artwork, automotive parts and handcrafted furniture. Akron Indoor Gardens features a line-up of interior plants—both real and faux—for adding a touch of green to your home décor. America’s Barber & Beauty Supply provides salons, spas and personal homes with superior skincare, hair care and body care products. Mattress Gallery promotes healthy living through comfort while sleeping on one of their soft, handmade beds. For produce and essential groceries, you can expect the utmost freshness from Acme Fresh Market, Kenmore Sunrise and Mike’s Market.