Water, water, everywhere: the Portage Lakes are a series of reservoirs created to feed the Ohio Canal and keep it deep enough for barge travel. The name Portage refers to a short land journey early settlers and Native Americans had to take to get their boats from Lake Erie to the Ohio River. The overland portion was only eight miles -- not bad for crossing the entire state!
Portage Lakes is a census designated place that is part of the greater Akron, Ohio area
Water, water, everywhere: the Portage Lakes are a series of reservoirs created to feed the Ohio Canal and keep it deep enough for barge travel. The name Portage refers to a short land journey early settlers and Native Americans had to take to get their boats from Lake Erie to the Ohio River. The overland portion was only eight miles -- not bad for crossing the entire state!
Portage Lakes is a census designated place that is part of the greater Akron, Ohio area. Set among the lakes, it's a community with water as a central theme. About 7,000 people call it home and there are another 700,000 in the greater Akron area. Everything in Portage Lakes is laid out with regard to the water, and it was an important trading post for decades before it morphed into suburb with a lot of waterfront homes. There's virtually a lake everywhere you look in town, so if your idea of a perfect pad is a place close to the water, here's a town for you. Laid out around the string of lakes is a nice town with a wide range of housing options that offer something for virtually everyone.
The number of places for rent is traditionally lower than the national average, which means you need to be proactive when it's time to find apartments in Portage Lakes. Think about what your perfect pad would be, then try to match the ideals with a list of what's available -- and in your price range! The more time you have to look around naturally means the better your choices will be. Don't forget to get your references together from previous places you've laid down your head and called home -- and hopefully paid your rent on time! A good credit check is important and be prepared to pony up first and last month's rent as well as a security deposit. There is room for negotiation when you are on top of things and able to provide good references, so don't forget to look for a deal.
Obviously, the lakes play a big part in defining the way different parts of the town are laid out, running pretty much down the middle of the community. The western boundary is roughly highway 93, while the eastern edge is marked by Interstate 77. Portage Lakes State Park and Turkeyfoot Lake are the southern parts and the north of the village is another freeway, Interstate 277.
Turkeyfoot: The large lake and the Turkeyfoot Golf Course are the major features of this part of the community. There are a couple of apartment complexes where you can find a 2 bedroom apartment for rent. There's also a large forested area between the lake and Turkeyfoot Elementary with green space that is ripe for exploring.
Cormany Road/Coventry: This is the part of Portage Lakes that is the most developed. The retail shops at Coventry Towne Plaza offer convenient shopping, and there are eateries close by, like Asian Gardens Restaurant and Tea Room for a good bite to eat.
Firestone: The links at Firestone Golf Course, Firestone Country Club, and the green space of Firestone Metro Park stand out as major landmarks here. Primarily single family homes, it is laid out with relatively large lots and is a good bet for pet-friendly rental opportunities. Here, Spot!
Central: While there's not really a fully defined downtown, the center of Portage Lakes is the more densely populated area and is located just to the east of Long Lake. It's a good place to begin your hunt for a duplex for rent and get a feel for the community.
Portage Lakes is located conveniently close to the Akron metro area, with the city draws of Cleveland not that much further away. From the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame to professional sports franchises, there's plenty to do. The little burg of Portage Lakes doesn't have much in the way of nightlife or entertainment, but being so close to the cities makes it less of an issue. With golf courses in virtually every direction, this is a great town for those wanting to get on the greens. There are four distinct seasons, and the winters can be intense. Portage Lakes Wetlands Nature Preserve is right in town, and the open spaces of Portage Lakes State Park are just to the south, making it easy to experience some nature close by. When it comes to grabbing a bite to eat, there are many great options in the nearby areas of Akron. Try Swenson's Drive-in for some great old-fashioned American faves or Rippers Rock House for amazing wings. If you decide to end your housing hunt here, there's more than enough to keep you occupied and entertained.
