Home to one of America's household industries, Goodyear, Akron is situated between the Ohio River and Lake Erie and houses just over 215,000 residents. Several distinctly separated neighborhood and suburban districts comprise Akron, including diverse Highland Square, commercial Goodyear Heights, and suburban Cuyahoga Falls, and Akron was once one of the fastest growing cities in the country in the early part of the 20th century.

At the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area, a pristine countryside awaits, and hiking trails, a waterfall and farms are all part of the draw. The arts are also present in Akron, with local theater, an art museum and the Ohio Ballet. Akron can also be considered somewhat of a college town, with Kent State University, and the University of Akron housed within the area. For recreation seekers, skiing is popular at Boston Mills or Brandywine, and there are hiking trails along the Towpath Trail. Golf is also an option, at one of several courses in the area, and camping is available throughout the region.

Akron is accessible via I-77 north to Cleveland, and south to Canton and I-76 east toward Pennsylvania and west to Columbus.