Akron

Akron may have been built on rubber (Goodrich, Goodyear, Firestone), but today the city is forging ahead as a world-class center for high-tech industries such as advanced polymers and liquid crystals.

Yet, the greater Akron area is more than the sum of its 21,000 businesses, offering a wide blend of educational (University of Akron), cultural and recreational resources.

Like baseball? Take in a game at Canal Park, where the Akron Aeros battle it out with teams like the Binghamton Mets and the Harrisburg Senators. Are you the outdoor type? Hike or bike through 40,000 acres of parkland. Rock fan? Chrissie Hynde hails from here, as do the Black Keys and -- who could forget? -- Devo. There's also plenty to see under roof. Museums -- including the Inventor's Hall of Fame -- as well as wineries and top-flight restaurants make Akron a vibrant city on the move.