If you drive through West Akron today, you might find yourself looking for a piece of history that technically doesn't exist anymore. At least, not in the way you’d expect. When people talk about the Akron Ohio LeBron James old house, they’re usually thinking of one of two very different places. One is a ghost of a building on Hickory Street. The other is a massive, high-security fortress in Bath Township that looks more like a luxury hotel than a family home.
The story of where LeBron James lived isn't just about real estate. It’s basically the map of his entire life. It’s a journey from moving seven times in a single year to owning a 30,000-square-foot palace that has its own bowling alley.
The Hickory Street House: Where It All Started (and Ended)
Most fans don’t realize that LeBron's first "real" home is long gone.
Before he was "The King," he was just a kid living at 439 Hickory Street in Akron. This was the house owned by his grandmother, Freda James. For a few years, it was the only stable thing in his life. He lived there with his mom, Gloria, and several other family members. It was a big, old house that always had people coming and going.
But then, 1987 happened.
Freda died of a heart attack at just 42 years old. Without her, the house fell apart—literally and figuratively. The bills didn't get paid. The structure began to crumble. Eventually, the city of Akron condemned the property and tore it down.
Honestly, it's kinda poetic in a sad way. The only place he truly felt settled as a small child was erased from the map. If you go to Hickory Street now, you won't find a plaque or a museum. You’ll find an empty lot or newer developments that look nothing like the world LeBron grew up in.
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The Spring Hill Apartments: Apartment #602
When people search for LeBron's old house, they often end up at Spring Hill Apartments. This is the place that arguably shaped him the most.
By the time he was in fourth grade, LeBron had missed something like 80 days of school because he and Gloria were bouncing between couches and cramped rooms. That changed when they moved into Apartment #602 at Spring Hill. It was a two-bedroom unit on the sixth floor. For a kid who had been essentially homeless, a sixth-floor apartment with a view of the city felt like a penthouse.
Interestingly, he never forgot this place. You’ve probably heard of his media company, The SpringHill Company. Yeah, that’s where the name comes from.
Can you visit the old apartment?
Not really. People still live in those buildings. It’s a regular residential complex at 2002-2050 Treetop Trail. However, if you really want to see what it looked like, there is a way.
The LeBron James Family Foundation recently opened "LeBron James' Home Court" at House Three Thirty (532 W. Market St. in Akron). They actually re-created the entire Spring Hill apartment inside the museum. They used the original furniture, trophies, and even the same wallpaper. Gloria James helped curate it herself to make sure it felt authentic.
The Bath Township Mansion: The House That Proved He Made It
Once the 2003 NBA Draft happened, the housing situation changed forever. Fast.
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At just 18 years old, LeBron bought a property in Bath Township, a wealthy suburb just north of Akron. He paid about $2.1 million for the initial land and an existing house. But he didn't just move in. He did what most 18-year-olds with $90 million Nike contracts would do: he tore the old house down.
In its place, he built a 30,000-square-foot monster.
This isn't just an "old house." Even though he spends most of his time in Los Angeles playing for the Lakers, he still owns this property. It is his home base.
Inside the "King's" Palace
The details of this place are honestly ridiculous. We aren't talking about a standard suburban home. This is a compound.
- The Master Suite: It features a two-story walk-in closet. Not a big closet—a two-story one.
- The "Main Street": Inside the basement, there’s a literal mock-up of a street featuring a barbershop, a recording studio, and a two-lane bowling alley.
- The Specs: It has 6 bedrooms, 8 full bathrooms, and 6 half-baths.
- The Value: While he bought the land for $2.1 million, the current estimated value is well over $10 million.
The house is located on Northwest Boulevard, but don't expect to see much from the street. The gates are massive, and the security is tighter than a playoff defense. Neighbors have historically complained about fans idling their cars in the middle of the road just to snap a photo of the driveway.
Why the Akron Ohio LeBron James Old House Matters
Most celebrities ditch their hometowns the second they get a check. LeBron didn't.
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Keeping that Bath Township mansion for over 20 years is a huge statement. It’s why people in Akron still feel a connection to him. He didn't just leave his "old house" behind; he used his success to build a new one right down the street from where he struggled.
There's also his work with the I PROMISE School. He’s bought old apartment buildings and hotels in Akron—like the former Tangier—and turned them into House Three Thirty. In a way, he’s spent his adulthood buying up the city that once tore down his grandmother’s house.
Tracking the Real Estate Trail
If you're trying to do a "LeBron Tour" of Akron, here is the reality of what you'll see:
- 439 Hickory Street: Just a memory. Don't waste your gas looking for a building.
- Spring Hill Apartments: You can drive by, but remember people live there. Be respectful.
- The Bath Mansion: You'll see a gate and a lot of trees.
- House Three Thirty: This is the only "LeBron House" you can actually walk into. It's the best spot to see the re-created childhood rooms and the St. Vincent-St. Mary locker room.
People often get confused thinking he sold his Akron house when he moved to Miami or LA. He didn't. He sold the Miami house (for a cool $13.4 million) and he’s sold some of his Brentwood properties, but the Akron mansion stays.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you are planning to check out these locations, follow these tips to get the most out of the trip without being "that person" the neighbors hate:
- Book House Three Thirty Tickets Early: The museum, "Home Court," uses timed entry. Tickets are usually $23 (LeBron’s number). It’s the only way to see the actual artifacts from his childhood homes.
- Check the Addresses: The Bath Township house is on Northwest Blvd, but you won't get past the gate. Use Google Earth if you want to see the 30,000-square-foot layout; it's much clearer than what you'll see from the road.
- Visit the I PROMISE School: While not a house he lived in, it’s located at 400 W. Market St. and represents his current "home" in the community.
- Respect the Neighborhoods: The Spring Hill area is a private residential community. If you’re going to take a photo of the sign, do it quickly and don't block traffic.
The evolution of LeBron's living situation is the ultimate "started from the bottom" story. From a condemned house on Hickory to a mansion with a bowling alley, his Akron real estate tells the story of the greatest basketball player of a generation.