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Merriman Valley

Merriman Valley

Suburban Neighborhood in Akron, Ohio

Summit County 44223, 44310, 44313

$235,773 Average Value
$136 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

Small-town charm at the foot of Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Nature surrounds Merriman Valley, a wooded community in the Cuyahoga River Valley 7 miles north of Akron. Approximately 10,000 people call the area home, known simply as “the Valley” to locals. Plentiful parks and local businesses give the Valley its rural charm. It’s a growing tourist destination thanks to its proximity to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. "When I moved here with my kids, it was a big family neighborhood," says Tim Baughman, a valley resident since 1986. "Over the years, there were fewer and fewer families, but it's on the rise again."

A national park and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

Residents live near numerous metro conservation parks, including San Run Metro Park, Hampton Hills Metro Park, O’Neil Woods Metro Park and Cascade Valley Metro Park. "Sand Run Park is pretty to walk through," says Baughman. "We also have that little Karona Park where you can play basketball and stuff like that." Sand Run is one of the larger metro parks with ample trails and several waterfalls. Drivers can cross the Sand Run Creek ford — where a shallow portion of the creek flows across the road — on Sand Run Parkway. At Cuyahoga Valley National Park, waterfalls cascade into the Cuyahoga River, where federal conservation protects over 300 and 1,150 species of animals and plants. There’s also the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, which travels from Akron to Independence, Ohio, and makes stops along the way. Merriman Valley community members banded together with local officials to get a train depot installed in the area. Locals hope the depot will make the Valley a destination for those visiting the national park.

Merriman Valley's outdoor enthusiasts utilize the O&E Canal Tow Path Trail at the national park.
Merriman Valley's outdoor enthusiasts utilize the O&E Canal Tow Path Trail at the national park.
Karona Park is conveniently located in a popular Merriman Valley residential neighborhood.
Karona Park is conveniently located in a popular Merriman Valley residential neighborhood.
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Pockets of homes and condos in Merriman Valley

Although more than half of Valley residents rent, there are pockets of single-family homes, condos and townhomes. Traditional, split-level and ranch-style homes are common in the area. The oldest homes were built in the 1960s and can range from $100,000 to $225,000. Homes built between the late ‘70s and 2020 can range from $250,000 to $450,000 and increase in price depending on the home’s age, lot size, space and renovations. Condos and townhomes are largely concentrated near the Sand Run Metro Park on the Valley’s west side and cost between $60,000 and $300,000 for a two-bedroom unit. Three or more bedrooms cost between $175,000 and $450,000.

Many homes in Merriman Valley are within walking distance of Sand Run Metro Park.
Many homes in Merriman Valley are within walking distance of Sand Run Metro Park.
Merriman Valley planned communities feature Colonial-inspired single family homes and townhomes.
Merriman Valley planned communities feature Colonial-inspired single family homes and townhomes.
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Goods to go at Papa Joe’s

Many of the area’s businesses are centered on North Portage Path and Merriman Road, including several restaurants and Weathervane Playhouse. Portal West Coffee is a local favorite to start the day, and The Merchant Tavern is known for its upscale American fare and cocktails. The same strip is home to Happy Tails Thrift Shop. All proceeds benefit the Summit County Humane Society. Papa Joe's Iacomini's doubles as an Italian restaurant and market. The sit-down restaurant is known for its authentic Italian fare and their house-made white French dressing, which diners can buy at the attached market. However, groceries are a bit farther away. Some residents prefer regional chains like Giant Eagle in Cuyahoga Fall 4 miles away, while others head 5 miles away to Wallhaven for Whole Foods. Summit Mall is 5 miles away in Fairlawn.

Proceeds from Merriman Valley's Happy Trails Thrift Shop benefit the Humane Society.
Proceeds from Merriman Valley's Happy Trails Thrift Shop benefit the Humane Society.
Papa Joe's is the go to place for fine Italian cuisine in Merriman Valley.
Papa Joe's is the go to place for fine Italian cuisine in Merriman Valley.
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Firestone CLC known for arts program

Due to the neighborhood's size and location, students may attend schools in the Akron Public Schools District or Woodbridge Local Schools District. Kids attending Akron Public Schools may attend King Community Learning Center in Wallhaven for elementary school, which receives a B-minus from Niche. Students could then progress to Litchfield Community Learning Center for middle school, which receives a C-minus. Firestone Community Learning Center is the local high school with a B-minus rating. Niche rates the high school as the No. 11 best high school for the arts in Ohio. Those attending Woodbridge Local Schools may start at B-rated Woodbridge Elementary School before heading to B-plus Woodbridge Middle School. Woodbridge High School receives a B.

Kids from Merriman Valley can join competitive athletic programs at Firestone CLC.
Kids from Merriman Valley can join competitive athletic programs at Firestone CLC.
Merriman Valley students are challenged to excel at Litchfield Community Learning Center.
Merriman Valley students are challenged to excel at Litchfield Community Learning Center.
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Hilly terrain make cars a must in the valley

Valley life means most residents commute by car. Traveling by bike or on foot is rare due to heavy traffic and a lack of sidewalks throughout the area. However, there is the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath, a more than 90-mile-long trail along the historic canal towpath that stretches from downtown Cleveland to New Philadelphia, Ohio. The closest highways are State Route 8 about 6 miles east and Interstate 77, a major north-south roadways about 7 miles west. Downtown Akron is 8 miles south, while downtown Cleveland is 31 miles north. Medical care is 5 miles away at Western Reserve Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is 34 miles northwest.

Flooding by the Cuyahoga River

Living in the Cuyahoga River valley means homes and businesses are at risk of flooding, especially those closest to the river. Many Merriman Valley businesses were damaged during flash flooding in August 2024. Some homes are in areas designed to minimize flood damage with elevated land and diversions.

Scrooge sings at Weathervane Playhouse

Weathervane Playhouse has a tradition of performing a musical rendition of “A Christmas Carol” in December that attracts locals and people from nearby communities. The performers feature local talent volunteering for the sake of the art.

Leslie Klosterman
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
Nile Vincz
Photography Contributed By
Nile Vincz
Stewart Taveras
Video By
Stewart Taveras

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Joseph Zingales, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Akron-Canton Regional

30 min drive

Bus

Weathervane Ln & Weathervane Circle

Bus

Merriman Rd & N. Portage Path

Bus

N. Howard St & High Level Bridge

Bus

1237 Weathervane Ln

Bus

N. Portage Path & Barcelona Dr

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Merriman Valley US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$245,000
Median Single Family Price
$213,000
Median Townhouse Price
$346,450
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$76,250
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$75,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$136
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
50
Months of Supply
1.20
Median List Price
$250,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
17%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,019
Median Year Built
1967
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,578
Below the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,910
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,155
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
989
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Joseph Zingales, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
7,399
Median Age
34
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$46,526
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$65,932

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.3%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
30.9%
Advanced Degrees
9.2%
% Population in Labor Force
74.3%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
12''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

67 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

39 / 100

Minimal Transit

Transit Score®

17 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Merriman Valley