Wallhaven - Akron, OH

Built up in the early 1920s and 1930s, Wallhaven hosts a number of beautiful, older homes north of Market Street. Since that time, Wallhaven has become a more mixed, middle-class neighborhood. You can even tour the old hunter's lodge used by prominent Akron families during the time, as it now serves as a museum in the park. While there may not be much of an arts scene here, you can still enjoy various local seasonal festivals and events at the nearby Greystone Hall. Further, residents enjoy having Akron and Cleveland close by, adding numerous options for museums and the arts.

While you can find plenty of fast food restaurants throughout the entire neighborhood, you should head to Market Street for a selection of fine-dining establishments. Easily the most popular of these, Ken Stewart’s Grille has an old-school steakhouse feel that especially appeals to older residents. While a meal here can be a bit pricey, you are guaranteed consistently high-quality food and well-made traditional drinks. For a chance to experience Ken Stewart's Grille like a local, make sure to stop by on a Wednesday during their special happy hour for the same quality food at much lower prices.

To experience the nightlife here, Market Street is still the best location to go. You can find a number of dive bars, like Annabell's or The Matinee, and plenty of local pubs. If you want to dine and enjoy a quality drink in a very locals-only atmosphere, try Larry’s Main Entrance. Head there on a Monday for the $5 burger special, and order a side of the legendary, huge fried mushrooms with the money you'll save. Bartenders here happily help you get the perfect drink to satisfy any craving, so feel free to order the drink suggestions any night of the week.

For a slightly wilder night out, head to Square. Ostensibly just a dance club, Square offers more than just the dance floors, club music, and drink specials you can find elsewhere. Owners project Wii Sports on the wall to play, and patrons can sit at the tables for a conversation.

Most people in Akron choose to drive, which has led to plenty of free parking in Wallhaven. You can easily hop on I-77 to head towards Cleveland or Highway 18 towards downtown. If you prefer public transit, many Summit County METRO buses pass through the area regularly, including Route 1, which will quickly get you to any destination downtown for just a couple of dollars. In a pinch, you can also call a taxi or a rideshare service like Uber.

Walking and biking is common within Wallhaven. Although major roads do not have the best bike lanes, you can feel safe riding along residential streets.

Home to the huge Westlake Manor Park, Wallhaven boasts plenty of greenery for families to visit. While most of the park is undeveloped and ideal for strolling with a dog or taking private jogs, Westlake Manor Park also hosts plenty of amenities for children, including soccer and football fields, as well as play spaces.

The smaller Hardesty Park may not hold as much space to exercise, but it hosts numerous local events throughout the year. Don't miss the annual Akron Arts Festival and Taste of Akron. Also be sure to visit on Monday evenings during the summer for free concerts and fun activities for kids.

A highly affordable area in the greater Cleveland area, Wallhaven's cost of living is about 5 percent less than the Cleveland average. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment will cost an average of $639, and you can get a beer at a local bar for approximately $4.

Gas prices here are slightly higher than the state average but are still almost 10 percent lower than the national average.

West Market Street serves as the shopping hub for Wallhaven with many shops lining the road. While you may be hard-pressed to find high-end products sold here, you can find plenty of discount chains, including Gabriel Brothers and Big Lots, alongside local boutiques. Many people frequent this area from all over Akron to visit The Bookseller, Inc. A small rare and used books shop, The Bookseller hosts an eclectic selection of incredibly rare old texts and dollar-bin used paperbacks. If you are looking for a good deal on a unique book, The Bookseller remains an ideal location to browse for several hours. Make sure to check out their Northern Ohio history section, because The Bookseller hosts more one-of-a-kind books in this category than anywhere else in the state.

When you need to pick up a simple bouquet or provide flowers for an elaborate event, Pink Petals Florist in Wallhaven offers a wide selection of non-traditional flowers that fit within any budget. Not only does Pink Petals have a highly knowledgeable and helpful staff, but they also use a simple and straightforward pricing structure that ensures your bill holds no surprises. While Pink Petals specializes in weddings, they happily provide eye-catching arrangements for any situation.

For your regular grocery needs, shop at Acme Fresh Market. With a decent selection and small-town atmosphere, you will enjoy a high level of service as you shop. Although Wallhaven houses no farmers markets, you can quickly run over to the nearby Tallmadge Farmers Market for fresh, local produce and other goods.