Akron sits 40 miles south of Cleveland and often gets overlooked by investors who focus on the larger market. That's their loss. Akron has all the ingredients for successful flipping: a stabilizing economy built on polymer science and healthcare, affordable distressed inventory, and a growing population of buyers who want renovated product but can't afford new construction.
The University of Akron, Summa Health, Akron Children's Hospital, and the remnants of the city's polymer and rubber research heritage anchor the local economy. Goodyear still maintains its global headquarters here. The healthcare sector in particular has been a steady employer and drives consistent demand for mid-market renovated housing.
Akron benefits from being close enough to Cleveland to share in that metro's economic activity, while offering acquisition prices that are often 30–40% lower than comparable Cleveland properties.
Akron's mid-market ARVs range from $130K in working-class neighborhoods to $280K in premium suburbs like Fairlawn and Bath Township. A $185K ARV with $32K rehab puts your MAO at $97,500. It's very possible to find distressed acquisitions in the $60K–$90K range, making this formula achievable on a wide range of properties.
Highland Square is Akron's arts district and most walkable neighborhood — strong buyer demand from young professionals and university-affiliated buyers. Craftsman bungalows sell $180K–$320K renovated. Acquisitions still possible in the $90K–$150K range on distress.
East Akron working-class neighborhoods with solid brick bungalow inventory. Volume flip market with acquisition prices $50K–$100K. Renovated ARVs $140K–$210K. Consistent first-time buyer activity.
Transitional neighborhoods with the lowest acquisition prices in the metro. Properties in the $30K–$70K range exist on distressed inventory. Buyers are becoming more active as the neighborhoods stabilize. Higher risk, but strong percentage returns for experienced investors.
Premium western suburbs with excellent schools and the highest ARVs in the metro. Ranch and split-level homes from the 1960s–1990s acquire at $160K–$260K; renovated ARVs reach $280K–$420K. Lower volume but best absolute margins.
Dan White is a licensed Virginia real estate agent at Pearson Smith Realty and founder of FreeDealCalc.com. He has been investing in Northern Virginia real estate for 20+ years.