Moving to Akron

Make your move easier: Get to know Akron and find the best electricity rates

Many people think of Akron, Ohio as a suburb of Cleveland. And while that may be partially true since it’s merely a 40- minute drive from the Forest City, Akron is its own town full of history, industry and bragging rights. After all the NBA star, LeBron James, got his start there when he was known as just “that kid from Akron.”

 

Akron began as a canal town, but as the popularity of cars grew in the U.S., the city became better-known as the “Rubber Capital of the World,” and was also home to industry giants like B.F. Goodrich, Firestone, Goodyear and many others.

 

The Akron area also boasts a mix of urban restaurants and sports teams (hello Rubber Ducks) with nearby national parks' beauty in the Cuyahoga Valley. It’s also home to the University of Akron, which focuses on degrees in industries such as polymers, advanced materials and engineering. Go Zips!

 

Akronites are also quick to tell you that holding a mid-sized city title has its privileges, like affordable living. Akron’s cost of living is almost 10% less than the national average and 2.4% less than living in nearby Cleveland. 

Akron is the county seat of Summit County and has a population of 190,469 making it the fifth-most populous city in Ohio. The metropolitan area covers Summit and Portage counties increasing the total population in both to 700,000.

 

While its history is based on rubber and manufacturing, Akron’s current economy also includes education, healthcare and biomedical research.

 

Leading corporations include Gojo Industries, FirstEnergy, Huntington Bank and Charter Spectrum. Summa Health is the region’s largest employer, followed by the University of Akron. Akron Children’s Hospital and FirstEnergy stand near the top, rounded out by another hospital, Cleveland Clinic-Akron General.

 

Considering a relocation? Here’s all the information you need to simplify your move, from locating an electricity supplier or healthcare service in Akron to familiarizing yourself with the local community. 

You have the power to choose your energy supplier in Akron

The ability to choose your natural gas and electricity suppliers is often an overlooked benefit for those moving to Cincinnati. Whether you’re coming from out of state or moving from another part of Ohio, add this opportunity to your moving checklist.

 

Ohio is an Energy Choice state, which means residents have the freedom to compare electric and natural gas providers and choose the electricity supplier and plan that best fits their individual situation, whether that’s choosing a fixed-rate plan to make monthly budgeting more predictable, or selecting a supplier that offers environmentally friendly clean energy

How electricity reaches your home

If you live in Greater Akron, you can choose your supplier, sometimes called your Competitive Retail Electric Service, or CRES, supplier. CRES suppliers are certified by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and offer alternative competitive prices, clean energy options and other services or incentives. Energy Harbor, for example, is a CRES supplier.

 

Comparing energy suppliers is simple. Ohio electricity companies include AEP Ohio, AES Ohio, Duke Energy, The Illuminating Co., Ohio Edison and ToledoEdison. To get up-to-date rates so you have the right price to compare among suppliers, visit Ohio’s Energy Choice site, Apples to Apples.

How electricity reaches your home

From picking an electric company to visiting the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, getting a jump start on move-in tasks will make the transition to The Summit City even easier.

 

  1. Inform your insurance provider: Talk to your insurance company to discuss both homeowner’s and auto policy options. Laws governing how insurance providers operate vary state to state, so moving to Cincinnati may require updated policies – and maybe a new insurance provider.
  2. Set up home energy services: Don’t forget to compare energy solutions before connecting with your Ohio electricity utility. You might miss out on competitive fixed-rate plans that can help eliminate rate surprises on your electricity bill. If you want to save even more, consider other ways to lower your energy bill.
  3. Forward your mail and update your address online: Set up mail forwarding before you hop in the moving van. It’s as simple as filling out a Change of Address e-form at USPS.com. Then update your shipping address with online stores, subscription services, like Dollar Shave Club, and delivery apps. Nothing’s worse than having DoorDash deliver your move-in meal to your old address.
  4. Turn on cable and internet: Find time before your move to choose a communications provider and establish internet and WiFi services. With WiFi up and running on Day 1, you can unwind with your favorite streaming show or knock out some remote work on Day 2.
  5. Visit the BMV: Soon after you’re settled, find the closest Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles branch and take time to register your vehicle and get a new license. Visit the Ohio BMV’s website to choose a branch, review BMV services and learn more about Ohio traffic laws. 

The City of Innovation

The more you learn about Akron, the more you’ll be surprised by this Rubber City. Here are four fascinating facts about your future new hometown:

1. Innovation City: Akron is also nicknamed the city of innovation, in part because it is home to the ice cream cone, hamburger and Quaker Oats.

2.  Liftoff: Akron is responsible for the first-ever American spacesuit to orbit the Earth. John Glenn wore a suit designed by B.F. Goodrich when he was launched into space on February 20, 1962. The suit cost $29,000 when adjusted for inflation.

3. Taking Flight: The USS Akron—an airship commissioned by the U.S. Navy—was constructed at the Goodyear Airdock and had its maiden voyage in 1931. The airship was destroyed, however, during a 1933 thunderstorm killing 73 crewmen and passengers. The tragedy predated the Hindenburg disaster and was an early indication that the airship (think Blimp) was not the next big thing in air travel technology.

From hungry to historic: fascinating facts about Akron

And in case you’re hungry, want to seek entertainment, or desire a cultural experience, here are some additional options for your consideration. 

1. Historic: Akron has the best historic home in Ohio. Stan Hywet Hall was originally the home of F.A. Seiberling, the co-founder of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. These days it’s an attraction open to the public for walk-throughs and special events. Its adjoining garden is just as big a draw.

2. Drive-In: Swensons Drive-In starts with a car hop taking your order and ends with a classic cheeseburger meal with fries. Make sure to order the Galley Boy, which is a double cheeseburger with two special sauces. Don’t forget to turn your lights on to get service.

3. Cultural Hub: Steeped in history, the Akron Civic Theatre has been a cultural hub for more than 70 years. Built in 1929, this architectural gem boasts a Moorish castle theme and is one of just five remaining atmospheric theaters in the US. Offering a unique ambience with a twinkling night sky effect, the Civic Theatre provides a one of-a-kind venue for live performances and entertainment.

4. Just a Kid from Akron: LeBron James was all over the local news when he played basketball at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. He’s a hometown guy no matter what team he plays for now.

Here’s a full list of zip codes in the Akron area we serve:

44056, 44067, 44087, 44201, 44202, 44203, 44216, 44223, 44224, 44231, 44234, 44236, 44240, 44241, 44250, 44255, 44260, 44262, 44264, 44266, 44272, 44278, 44286, 44288, 44301, 44302, 44303, 44304, 44305, 44306, 44307, 44310, 44311, 44312, 44313, 44314, 44319, 44320, 44321, 44333, 44411, 44412, 44449