$84,138Average Value$61Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Thriving local park and quick access to downtown Akron
The Summit Lake community started when the local lake became part of the Ohio Canal in the 1800s. The neighborhood then became an amusement park called Summit Beach. After the park closed in the 1950s, many thought the city of Akron abandoned the community. "The neighborhood was severely underserved for a long time," says Akron's Planning and Urban Development director, Kyle Julien. "It went through a downward spiral as the city developed." In 2018, Akron's city government created a planning program called Our Summit Lake to coordinate efforts to improve the community. With this program, the city turned the once-contaminated Summit Lake into a thriving local park. The program is also looking to revamp local housing with federal aid and collaborations with local organizations. Until these new developments reach the building phase, residents rely on the neighborhood's easy access to downtown Akron in the north, two ramps to the interstate, and one of the city's newest metro parks.
Residents of Summit Lake have easy access to major highways.
These children in Summit Lake explore the Summit Lake Nature Center.
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Summit Lake Nature Center popular with residents
At the center of the community is its namesake lake. From the early 1900s until just a few years ago, the water was considered too contaminated for recreation, but a 2018 ecological survey deemed it safe. With the lake now clean, a group called Our Summit Lake partnered with other programs, such as the Akron Civic Commons, to establish a park on the shore. Afterward, Summit County Metroparks built the Summit Lake Nature Center. "We initially had a temporary center to draw attention to the lake," says Stephanie Walton, chief of marketing and communications for Summit Metro Parks. "The locals loved the center so much that we eventually put in a permanent version." Operating out of the lake's old pump house, the nature center offers educational resources. Visitors come to the park to fish, kayak and hike the 20-mile Towpath Trail. Other green spaces around the lake include the Penn Soccer Field and the George Sisler Baseball Field.
The Summit Lake Nature Center is located in this former pump house buiding.
Play a game of baseball at Summit Lake Park.
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Summit Lake Choice Neighborhoods Plan to create new housing
Duplexes and single-family houses fill the neighborhood's gridded residential blocks. These duplexes can have anywhere between five and eight bedrooms and cost between $70,000 and $235,000. The single-family homes tend to have between three and four bedrooms, with prices ranging from $30,000 to $125,000. Both housing types mainly consist of Colonial Revivals built in the early 1900s on yards smaller than 5,000 square feet. Our Summit Lake coordinates the affordable housing development program, The Summit Lake Choice Neighborhoods Plan. "The program is still in its planning stage, but we're collaborating with multiple organizations to create new housing, refurbish older homes and give vacant land to developers," says Julien. Collaborators include the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority and the Summit Land Bank. Julien stresses a desire to ensure developments operate ethically. "Feedback from residents revealed a lot of concern about being priced out, so we're taking that into consideration as we make policy," says Julien.
Duplex homes make up some of the new housing available in Summit Lake.
New Colonial Style homes can be found in the neighborhood at Summit Lake.
Colonial style homes stand out in Summit Lake.
Many older homes in Summit Lake are opportunities for redevelopment.
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Three miles from downtown Akron
The neighborhood has three main thoroughfares: Kenmore Boulevard, Lake Shore Boulevard and Lake Shore Road. All three roads connect the community's residential areas and lead to the city's essential roadways, such as South Main Street, for a 3-mile drive to downtown. Interstate 76 runs along the north side and has two ramps in the community, providing highway access to Youngtown in the east. Akron METRO offers public transportation, with bus route eight running through Lakeshore Boulevard and part of Kenmore Boulevard.
A view of Summit Lake and downtown Akron from Kenmore.
A resident of Summit Lake takes advantage of public transportation.
Summit Lake residents have easy access to I-77 and nearby downtown Akron.
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Groceries at Little Mike's Market, Aldi or Save A Lot
Summit Lake has several shopping options, but many visit neighboring communities to dine out. The local grocery stores are Save A Lot and an Aldi on the east side. Other local stores include the Great Start Thriftstore and the Little Mike's Market convenience store, most of which are in the neighborhood's center. There's also the Peter Maurin Center, a local soup kitchen next to the Save A Lot. The nearest restaurant is the Friendly Tavern between Summit Lake and Kenmore. The bar has pool tables and an outdoor space with picnic seating. Other dining options include a few fast-food chains and bars in neighboring communities. The nearest Farmer's Market is Lemley's Farm Market, a 4-mile drive east. Summit Mall is 10 miles away in Fairlawn, but it's still the closest mall.
Residents of Summit Lake shop at the Save A-Lot food store.
Visit the local Aldi's for your grocery needs in Summit Lake.
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High schoolers in new building at Garfield Community Learning Center
The nearest public schools are in neighboring communities. McEbright Community Learning Center, the closest elementary school, is less than 2 miles east in South Akron. The nearest middle school is Innes Community Learning Center in Kenmore, less than a 3-mile drive west. In South Akron, Garfield Community Learning Center is less than 3 miles away. Once known as Garfield High School, the school reopened in a new building in 2022 with its new name. McEbright and Garfield score a C with Niche, while Innes gets a C-minus.
Students excel at the new Kenmore Garfield CLC.
McEbright Elementary School offers a dynamic learning environment.
Students are challenged to excel at Innes Community Learning Center.
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Summit Lake Community Center hosts local concert series
The Summit Lake Community Center is next to the nature center and serves as the neighborhood event space. Residents can schedule everything from classes to meetings to performances year-round. One of the center's most significant events is the Summer Concert Series, where local bands perform at the start of the month from June till September. 2023's performers included jazz musician Erin Nicole Neal and the Red Light Roxy jazz band.
The Summit Lake Community Center In Summit Lake offers a variety of programs for residents.
Summit Lake Community Center features an indoor basketball court and community spaces.
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Akron Police protect and serve the citizens of Summit Lake.
Local housing authority addressing crime through equity programs
Summit Lake's overall crime score on the CAP index is seven out of 10. The score is above the national average of four and the city average of six. Violent crime is responsible for this high score. Organizations, including the AMHA, are implementing equity programs such as educational and financial aid to reduce violent crime in the area.
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
Dina Hernandez,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Opportunity Park
Multi-Purpose Field
Summit Lake Park
Lake
Picnic Area
Trails
Lane Field Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Multi-Purpose Field
Marcy Park
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Morgan Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Playground
Emerling-Curtis Park
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Boss Park
Playground
Transit
Airport
Akron-Canton Regional
21 min drive
Bus
Lakeshore Blvd & W. Miller Ave
Bus
Kenmore Blvd & Lakeshore Blvd
Bus
Lakeshore Blvd & W. Crosier St
Bus
S. Main St And E. Miller Ave
Bus
Lakeshore Blvd & Kenmore Blvd
Bus
Lakeshore Blvd & Theodore St
Bus
Lakeshore Blvd & W. Long St
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Summit Lake
US
Homicide
10
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
9
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Summit Lake, Akron sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Summit Lake, Akron over the last 12 months is $72,436, up 13% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Akron Triplex – Prime Investment Opportunity!This value-add property offers immediate income with significant upside potential. The lower unit is a 2-bedroom, 1-bath, currently tenant-occupied, Section 8 compliant, and generating $772/month on a month-to-month lease. The two upstairs units are both 1-bedroom, 1-bath and are currently vacant—perfect for renovation and increased rental income. Each
This home has many unique features, windows, and kitchen skylights. Two bedrooms upstairs with a third bonus room; possible third bedroom on the main floor. Massive main bath with two showers! a walk in and a tub/shower combo, both made up of ceramic tile, along with new tile flooring and storage area. Additional half bath on main level. spacious living room with large windows. Unique kitchen
Attention Investors: Turnkey, tenant occupied Colonial 3 bed, 1 bath, 2 car garage home. The home is in close proximity to downtown Akron, shopping, dining, Akron Children's, Akron General Cleveland Clinic, Canal Park and the University of Akron. Current rent is $1,000 per month. Tenant in place since August 2024. Possible 4th bedroom in the attic. Cash flowing property.
Welcome to this beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 1-bath Colonial home, ideally located just minutes from downtown Akron. With classic curb appeal and mechanical updates throughout, this spacious rental offers the perfect blend of comfort, character, and convenience.Step inside to discover a warm and inviting living space, perfect for entertaining or unwinding after a long day. The home
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Dina Hernandez,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
3,734
Median Age
33
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
31.3%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.5%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$24,999
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$36,076
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
79.3%
College Graduates
3.5%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.6%
% Population in Labor Force
52.5%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
44''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
52/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
22/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
33/ 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.
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.
