Akron/Canton Landlords: What areas would you NOT rent in

[Paige Laliberte]

Hello all! 

I am originally from the Akron/Canton area, looking to start investing in the market around the cities, however I wanted to hear from current landlords about areas they choose to avoid. Though I grew up here, I feel that my knowledge of which zip codes and streets are prime real estate which should be avoided is limited. I know the general wealth and crime rates of most areas in both Akron and Canton, but I don't know what makes them good or bad from a rental perspective. 

Where do you all think the best places to rent are? Do you have any no-go areas? Any neighborhoods you jump in any opportunity you get? If anyone would have some insights and be willing to share, I would hugely appreciate it!

[Jill F.]

I avoid Summit Lake, west akron south of Delia, the North Hawkins area (Zahn, Treeside, Cromwell, by firestone HS-- rest is ok); South Akron North of Archwood. All of East Akron (especially by joy park homes). Most of Middlebury; I do own 8 units right on E Exchange in Middlebury (on the outskirts of student housing and right on E exchange street) but it's a tough neighborhood C- at best, probably D+, one block North or South is solidly D. I like Chapel Hill, Goodyear Heights-- the north part is better, Ellet, Firestone Park (south is best), and Highland square (though it's usually too expensive). I would buy **deals** in North Hill, Forest Hill parts of Kenmore. I might buy in the one East Akron area south of Triplett if I found a screaming deal.