The real estate landscape in Akron, Ohio, has been a hot topic in recent years. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or real estate professional, having a solid understanding of current market dynamics puts you in a position to make better decisions.

This article takes a deep look at the current factors shaping Akron’s housing market, breaks down key statistics, and offers a detailed 2025 forecast to help you plan your next move. Read on to discover why Akron continues to offer exciting opportunities amidst nationwide challenges in the real estate sector.

Key Takeaways

• Akron’s Housing Market Is Thriving: Activity remains strong due to affordability and demand, even with existing inventory challenges.
• Job Market Drives Growth: Employment in sectors like healthcare and manufacturing fuels housing demand.
• 2025 Market Forecast Is Positive: Experts predict modest property value increases and a steady market outlook.
• Real Estate Careers Are Promising: Rising demand creates excellent opportunities for agents in Ohio.

The Reality of the Akron Housing Market

Akron’s real estate market has proven to be surprisingly resilient in the face of a challenging national real estate market, which includes rising interest rates and shrinking inventory. Knowing where the opportunities and barriers lie is crucial for understanding the city’s housing trends.

Challenges in Akron’s real estate market

1. Low Housing Inventory: Akron currently faces a housing supply shortage, a challenge affecting many U.S. cities. According to data from Realtor.com, the nationwide inventory of homes for sale is nearly 50% lower than pre-pandemic levels, and Akron is no exception. While this favors sellers, it can lead to increased competition for buyers.
2. Rising Prices: Akron has experienced consistent home price growth. Zillow reports that as of May 2025, the median home value in Akron sits at $185,000, up 4.5% from the previous year. Although this is still more affordable than larger markets like Cleveland or Columbus, it puts pressure on first-time buyers.
3. Bidding Wars: With fewer homes on the market, multiple offers have become the norm. Buyers are often forced to bid above asking prices, adding further strain to their budgets. Nationally, real estate analysts reported that, as of 2024, more than 60% of homes sold above list price in competitive Midwestern markets, including Akron.

Opportunities for buyers and sellers

1. Seller-Friendly Conditions: Inventory shortages favor sellers, leading to faster sales and, in many cases, offers well above the asking price. Real estate platforms like Redfin highlight that Akron homes spend an average of just 21 days on the market in 2025, compared to the national average of 39 days.
2. Affordable Investment Market: While prices have climbed, Akron remains attractive to investors thanks to its affordability. For example, Ohio’s average cost per square foot is significantly lower than in coastal states, offering higher returns to those investing in rental properties or flipping homes in the city.

Learn More: Buyer’s Market vs Seller’s Market: What’s Better for Agents?

What Drives Akron’s Real Estate Trends?

Understanding the factors at play in Akron can help you predict where the market is headed and identify the ideal time to make your move.

1. Cost of living and affordability

Akron consistently ranks as one of the most affordable markets in Ohio. WalletHub’s 2024 cost-of-living comparison ranked Akron among the top 20 most affordable cities in the United States for housing. This affordability supports continued interest from both families and investors.

2. A strengthening job market

Akron serves as a hub for industries including healthcare, manufacturing, and education. According to a 2024 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Akron saw a 2.1% increase in job opportunities year-over-year, particularly in healthcare, which remains the largest employer in the city. This influx of jobs pulls more professionals into the area, increasing housing demand.

3. Lifestyle appeal

Today’s buyers prioritize lifestyle features like outdoor space and year-round amenities. Akron benefits from proximity to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, offering hiking trails, scenic views, and quiet suburban communities. Realtor.com noted a 15% rise in demand for homes near parks or green spaces during 2024, and Akron neighborhoods like Merriman Valley saw buyer activity surge.

4. Thriving neighborhoods

Key neighborhoods such as Highland Square and Merriman Valley consistently attract buyers due to their charm, convenience, and robust communities. For instance, Realtor.com recently rated Highland Square as one of Akron’s most desirable areas for young professionals in 2025.

Akron Housing Market Forecast for 2025

Looking ahead, experts maintain optimism about Akron’s real estate prospects. Real estate analysts at CoreLogic suggest that Akron is well-positioned for stable growth thanks to its job market and affordable housing.

Predictions for 2025

• Steady Price Appreciation: Home prices in Akron are expected to grow at a modest pace, with projections of a 3-5% increase in median home values by the end of 2025. This pace is slower than pandemic-era peaks but keeps Akron ahead of inflation.
• Affordable Homeownership Programs: Local housing initiatives remain vital for first-time buyers, with programs like the Ohio Housing Finance Agency’s down payment assistance giving residents an edge in a competitive market.
• Continued Investor Interest: Single-family rental demand continues to rise. Investors in Akron could see improved cash flow opportunities thanks to low property taxes and strong rental demand driven by local college students and young professionals.

Akron Neighborhoods to Know

If you’re buying or investing in 2025, these Akron neighborhoods offer promising opportunities.

Highland Square, OH

Median Home Price: $158,459 (Zillow, June 2025)

The area boasts historic homes, vibrant nightlife, and a walking-friendly layout, making it a top choice for young professionals.

Merriman Valley, OH

Median Home Price: $229,647 (Zillow, June 2025)
Merriman Valley’s location along the Cuyahoga Valley National Park offers unmatched access to nature, drawing in families and retirees alike.

Firestone Park, OH

Median Home Price: $130,086 (Zillow, June 2025)
Popular for its affordability, Firestone Park combines quiet streets with proximity to schools, parks, and shopping options.

West Akron, OH

Median Home Price: $109,870 (Zillow, June 2025)
This neighborhood offers a mix of architectural styles, making it appealing for both nostalgic buyers and those seeking modern builds.

The Opportunity to Break Into Real Estate

Considering a career in Ohio real estate? With rising demand for knowledgeable agents in Akron, now is an ideal time to earn your real estate license.

Why real estate careers in Ohio are booming

1. Growing Housing Demand: Homebuyers, sellers, and investors need the expertise of well-informed agents.
2. Earning Potential: With rising property values, commission checks are growing. The average income of Hondros College alumni agents is $165,250, according to a 2024 survey.
3. Consistent Opportunities: With Akron showing steady market activity, agents will have no shortage of clients for years to come.

Start Your Career with Hondros College

If you’re ready to take advantage of Akron’s real estate opportunities, getting licensed can be your first step. Hondros College, a leader in real estate education, offers top-tier pre-licensing courses and training.

• Experienced Faculty: Learn from industry pros committed to your success.
• Proven Results: Trusted by nearly 25,000 students yearly.
• Top-Tier Partnerships: Connections with the state’s leading brokerages.

Download Our Hot Housing Report for Ohio

Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only, based on an August 2024 survey of Hondros College alumni and publicly available industry sources. While Hondros College strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the information. Earnings and outcomes vary widely based on factors like location, experience, and market conditions and should not be considered guarantees. This guide does not constitute professional advice. Users should consult additional sources for personalized guidance.