Erie is the place to be in 2025. - 3/21/2024

Erie is a hidden gem with something for everyone. Presque isle state park draws about as many visitors as Yellowstone and more than My. Rushmore. Outdoors are covered between the PI, our many creeks, the biggest state game land in PA, real no BS world class fishing, and the neighboring backdrop of PA foothills and mountains. Meds, Ed's and manufacturing are our most successful places to work, and they're constantly expanding, combined with our low cost of living it's unparalleled to someone in those fields. Local universities (3 out of our several very good schools) have combined to create amazing help for entrepreneurs and startup companies that can't be matched anywhere. A rising economy backed by huge public and private investment make this the place to be. A low startup cost has never had such an awesome growth potential, whether relocating a home or a business.

[Comment on this Posting]

Erie: Pros and Cons - 3/14/2023

I've lived in Erie for 13 years. PROS: - Presque Isle - Shopping options on Peach Street - Great fishing - The Otters and SeaWolves - Decent food scene - 3 universities in the area CONS: - Lousy weather the majority of the year - Rude, cliquey "fake nice" locals - High crime throughout most of the city - High cost of living compared to other major nearby cities - Limited job opportunities - Poor schools Overall, I would tell anyone considering moving to Erie to consider moving elsewhere. Erie is not a good place to raise a family or make friends, in my opinion. And if you absolutely HAVE to live here, I would highly recommend living outside the city. Harborcreek, North East, and some areas of Millcreek are good. Wesleyville and most of Lawrence Park are more Erie-like in architectural appearance, but with better schools and without most of the crime.

[Comment on this Posting]

Erie PA is a hidden gem - 9/2/2019

I've lived in numerous cities and towns around the country and traveled to countless others. Erie, PA remains, surprisingly, my favorite place to live, work and play. Why? Here's my take on "The Gem City" (the city's actual nickname, given due to the shimmering waters of Lake Erie)... OPPORTUNITY: There are numerous opportunities to build and grow a business. From tax incentives by the State of PA for starting a business to the support you'll get from peers and organizations like the local SBDC or the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA, an unprecedented and really cool model for disbursement of money collected from gaming taxes levied upon casinos here), it seems unlikely any other small cities will offer this much guidance to help your business grow. ECONOMY: The stats on Erie PA are just plain misleading. The fact is there has been half a billion dollars privately invested in the Erie PA downtown over just the past few years! Unemployment is just 3.8% and for the past 8 years or-so there's been an overall sentiment of reversing a downward trend in our economy. Plus, there are 5 universities here and the largest medical school in the country, so the city is overflowing with young people and soon-to-be physicians. It's exciting to see everything in this city growing and healthy. COST OF LIVING: There aren't many places you can buy a Victorian style mansion in half-decent condition in a nice part of town for literally less than 100k. That's crazy! How about a waterfront home with private beach for like 300k. That actually exists here. For those wishing to rent, you can find pretty much anything you want for less than $1,000/month. The housing market here has been stable for as long as I can remember. Erie wasn't impacted by housing crisis in 2008, and the real estate market for better or worse, is pretty much even-steven. For the average person, this is a really wonderful thing. For those in real estate development it's probably not the most exciting haha. Oh, and this review wouldn't be complete without mentioning the fact that you can buy a beer - literally 7 days a week - for just one quarter. 25 cents, not kidding! There's at least one bar per day offering "quarter drafts", and it makes for some really fun nights. To make it even better, it's legal to drink in the streets here! We're one of just 9 other cities in America where it's legal to drink in the streets! So much so that it's often encouraged, due to the countless block parties and cultural festivals. Talk about a great way to build a sense of community; cheers to that! FAMILY: Largely dependent on what part of the city you reside in, pretty much like every other city in America, Erie PA can be a wonderful place to raise a family. Most (not all) of the schools here offer a great education. There are countless community groups for just about anything and everything in life; Erie has clubs for everything. From church groups, to trivia night teams and adult softball leagues, it's so much fun to raise a family here! There are hundreds of new and different family friendly activities every day of the week, you don't even have to look for them, they're at every turn. ENTERTAINMENT: Believe it or not, this rust belt city has a vibrant arts and culture scene. Almost every Friday somewhere in the city there's a "Gallery Night" happening where you can pop into one of the many art galleries in the area for free beers, wines and socializing with friends. There's actually a half-decent music scene here, too, thanks to the countless bars (and even a few restaurants) that come alive at night and feature musical acts of all types from indy rock, to hip hop and country music. I will admit, though, there simply are not enough non-chain restaurants which is no fun. More of those are needed for sure. Overall, though, the independently owned restaurants that are here will offer you really amazing menus any day of the week (looking at you, Dan Kern, chef and owner of 1201 Restaurant). NATURE: It's gorgeous here. Yes, in winter, it's really snowy. I mean supremely snowy. For what it's worth, "lots of snow" typically means higher than usual temperatures unlike many other places in the Great Lakes region (like Detroit or Chicago). The Great Lakes are an incredible sight, and Erie PA prides itself in the natural wonder of our waterfront. There's a state park called Presque Isle, which is a miles long peninsula with 11 public beaches (just a year ago or-so, USA Today ranked Erie PA as having the #1 fresh water beach in the world!). Erie PA is also home to possibly the best sunset in the world (I heard a rumour that National Geographic actually ranked it #2 best sunset in the world at one point but I don't know if that's true haha). Almost everywhere you turn the landscape feels lush and vibrant (except in the industrial parts of town - OR - during winter, haha, that doesn't count). Overall, Erie PA is a really gorgeous place. OVERALL: Taking all of these things into account, I find Erie PA to be a pretty wonderful place to live work and play. I'm glad it's here and I look forward to a bright future.

[Comment on this Posting]

Giant Dump - 8/11/2018

Born and raised in Erie pa, Lucky enough to earn an above average living here. (Moved out of Erie) However in the big sceme of things that doesn’t mean much two people working at McDonald’s make an above average living here. Erie is home to the poorest zip code in state of PA - 16503 where average annual income is under 11,000. Erie is the epitome of terrible liberal politics and a horrible education system. Kindergarten teachers make 75,000 a year but annual household incomes hover around 28,000. Erie was listed by wall street journal as number 1 worst city in country for black people. Growing up in Erie I would state crime and poverty are rampant in the black communities. There are nice areas left very few there is however a giant bridge that’s crumbling people want to spend millions to save. Also a very large historic landmark was demolished and turned into a parking lot for a crummy car dealership. (Koehler Brewery) Anyone wants to know what life is like in Erie watch the extreme home makeover special where they gave a woman a house who never paid her bills or taxes.

[Comment on this Posting]

A Wonderful Place To Live - 4/29/2016

I have lived in Erie for 50 years, and it's a great small town! Erie boasts 3 excellent universities and Penn State's leading engineering branch, Behrend. Even our state university, Edinboro, has graduated notable people such as actress Sharon Stone, Pat Monahan of Train, and head football coach Mike Kelly, just to name a few. Erie has a top medical school, LECOM, with outstanding enrollment that in 2016 is 164% above any other medical school for enrollment. We are proud to host entertainment such as Jim Gaffigan and Jason Aldean at our newly remodeled, gorgeous Erie Insurance Arena. We have Penmsylvania's largest state park, Presque Isle State Park...which can now attest to having been named the #1 BEST LAKE BEACH IN THE USA!!! Kick back, bring a cooler and stay all day with your toes in the sand while the life guards on our 11 beaches keep you safe. Or walk a ways to the numerous unguarded areas with you dog...you won't find any unreasonable rules here...and totally free entertainment and parking!!! In the slow, lazy days of summer, you can kick back to tons of music around the lake shore from the Summer Music Series to weekly Music at Liberty Park. If you want a more upscale environment, Erie is home to the excellent Erie Philharmonic Orchestra and the historical Warner Theater. You can catch regularly scheduled Broadway Concert Series and music concerts, especially during the colder months. There are unlimited laid back restaurants, gastro pubs, and fine dining selections all over town. We have trolley and taxi service and Uber taxis at your service. Sports enthusiasts need not fear...there is something to challenge you in every season. We have the best in boating, fishing, and water skiing. Parks are everywhere in the city and surrounding suburbias. Presque Isle has 12 miles of trails both paved and dirt for hikers of every level. You can rent canoes, kayaks, wave runners, and even boats along the bay shore and in the state park. Large clubs of bicyclists can be found venturing onto our country roads on any given Saturday or Sunday. Everyone is welcome. Hunting is available nearby in every season. Peek and Peak resort with its 2 championship golf courses and 105 snow skiing trails, is a mere 30 minute drive, and only one of dozens of local golf courses. There is something for everyone!!'

[Comment on this Posting]

moved from Erie at 16 in '83 - 3/14/2013

I was so glad to leave. I lived in Lawrence, Park also which was better. I returned in 2010 to visit Erie and Lp the old hood looked run down. I was into Martial Arts there and watched Billy Blanks standing outside his DOJO downtown one time. Lots of good memories growing up there.

[Comment on this Posting]

Erie, PA is what you make it - 10/7/2012

I recently relocated to Erie from San Antonio, TX in October of 2011 and prior to that I have resided in South Florida, Detroit, South Jersey, and Northern California and born and raised in Philadelphia. It is also important to note that I am a professional, college educated, ex-military, mid aged African American man who has been blessed with a great career. Erie, PA being my very first small town (population under 500k) took some getting used to at first, with its very small International Airport with only 5 gates, one mall, two movie theaters and a very limited in terms on diversity (people from all walks of life). However, it is absolutely GORGEOUS in the fall with its diverse foliage and in the summer with literally something to do every day. Why you will not find a Cheesecake Factory, PF Changs, Mega Mall or impressive night life, you will find some of the most friendliest people I have ever met, a “Norman Rockwell” like lifestyle, a decent amusement park and beaches that right I said beaches in PA right on Lake Erie “absolutely gorgeous.” So if you are open minded and seeking the slow pace of a small town, Erie can be the place for you. I tell my friends that “Erie is what you make it!” Caution if you need or crave the bright lights/diversity of NYC, LA, Miami, Chicago or Philly…Erie will not be the place for you. However, Toronto is only a 3 hour drive NYC, Philly and DC are all only about a 6 hours day trip away. A couple of key points to consider before deciding to move here…very important to have a job before you move here, the job market is a bit weak, you must learn to embrace old man winter because the winters in Erie are clearly no joke! (Erie averages approximately 150 inches of snow per winter) However they do an amazing job of snow plowing to clear the streets in most major areas. For me I have an outstanding career with one of the best companies in town, I live in a great community and have completely open myself up to most of the things Erie and this part of the country has to offer. So overall I would have to rate Erie as a pretty cool place to live for me at this point in my life.

[Comment on this Posting]

US Census numbers - 1/3/2012

According to U.S. Census Bureau, the 2010 population of City of Erie,PA was 101,786 a decrease of 1.9% from previous census.

[Comment on this Posting]

SHOTS FIRED !! - 1/3/2012

As 2011 ended, over 55 shootings occurred in the City of Erie. 55 is almost double of the previous year.

[Comment on this Posting]

Erie PA - 8/4/2011

It's a nice place to live with a lot to do. Set on Lake Erie we have beaches and boating. We also have an amusement park, zoo, and multiple minor league type of sport teams. It is conveniently located within two hours of Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Buffalo, so day trips to larger cities are very easy to do. The downsides in Erie would be the budget cuts to the education system and the weather. Teachers are getting layed off and when I was in school we were always short on supplies and the class sizes are on the large size, probably a median of about 25:1 and going up due to lay-offs. The weather cam be discribes as dreary with less than 100 days of sunshine a year. It doesn't rain a high amount, its just cloudy and overcast. Since we are on the lake we have a lot of snow.

[Comment on this Posting]

Erie, PA - 7/15/2011

If you've never been here, it's a great place to visit. Be aware, it's a mini-city. Not too big, not too small. Good employment options, many nice people, on a wonderful lake, a wide range of excellent education options and an amazing cost of living. We have plenty of restaurants, shopping, gambling, and activities. A great mix of people and very accessible to many other areas you may want to visit such as Niagara Falls, Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Buffalo. I am happy that I moved here and until I get tired of experiencing all the season's, I intend to stay.

[Comment on this Posting]

Erie could be the death of me! - 2/6/2011

I am typing in complete darkness. Thanks for the understanding. My family moved to Erie 5years ago. The first 2 years were filled with fun and adventure. Previously we had lived in the subs of Chicago (loved it there)As with many people,my husbands work required the relocation. Anywhoo the first 2 years were great, from an adventure stand point. Slowly but surly,as time progressed...what was repeatedly ignored,started to take a toll on every member of my family. This town, Erie PA, from what I understand was once a steel megatropolis. So I can only imagine at one time it might have been a town worthy of ???? The quality of life here can not be measured, as there is none. People are so rude, unfriendly and brass here, I no longer leave my home, but for quick trips to the local grocer and Walmart to pick up essentials. We would be considered in the top 1-2% income, and will no longer spend my money in this town as the only businesses that seem to survive here are taverns. Not to mention, the poverty here is heartbreaking. SOOO my families 2nd Christmas here we forwent any gift exchange and loaded up our truck with toys, turkeys, and all the makings to donate to one of the nations largest charities. Feeling nothing but Christmas spirit and blessed to be able to do the donation, my husband and I started shopping for toys,activity items,snacks etc..each month for the after school program and taking them to the donation center off of 12th street. After about 4 or 6 months of this, the leader of this establishment happen to be the one helping us unload our Jeep and asked why we did this 'nice thing' I explained my own childhood and why giving was so important to me and my hubby as well...His response was "we had some people at Christmas show up with a truck load of donations and we don't really care about those people, they just 'show off' Just then my heart broke as I knew he was talking about us, but he didnt know he was talking about us...life has never been the same as giving to those less fortunate gave me a good feeling deep in my soul. Which also brings me as to why,Erie is slowly killing our soul. This small town, is dirty, run down, empty abandond buildings everywhere you look. Homes are allowed to become delapatated and the city does nothing. Young thugs run the streets the shopping centers the mall. Grown men walk around filthy like they havent bathed or showered or seen soap in weeks...WEEKS!!!Back to homes...I realize and understand completely about not having money to make certain repairs on a home, but pulling weeds and raking leaves or sweeping your walkway is nearly FREE!!!! The city repaved W 12th street and put in new sidewalks. Which I thought was wonderful as I have seen many many people walking and wheelchair using people have to use the street to get from here to there....Well, in Erie "no"standard fashion...its winter and they dont clear the sidewalks soooo people wheelchairs and all are still having to use the street to get around town! The county/city spent thousands upon thousands of dollars to repave and repaint the parking lot of Walnut Creek Access so boaters and fisherman could have a more than football sized parking lot just for boaters and fisherman, BUT not 1 (one) stinking bench for the thousands of people that visit the lake to relax or to do the summer tradition of beach glass hunting. The town has a yearly 'rib fest'...yeah never mind. All in all, had I known then what I know now....I would have never stepped 1 toe in this town. The ONLY amazing thing about this town has nothing to do with what mankind has done to it. Mother Nature is the only winner in this place! (and I unfortunately dont mean the weather) Peace to ALL!

[Comment on this Posting]

Employment...the Poor...Goverment...Medical...Clim - 12/28/2010

Erie is another tragic example of a post-industrial, Great Lakes city. Gone are Hammermill Paper, Zurn Industries, Erie Forge and Steel, American Sterilizer and others. Good-paying, family-sustaining manufacturing jobs have been replaced by low paying, minimum wage restaurant and retail positions. Over twenty economic development groups seem unable to attract major employers to the area yet local politicos constantly urge citizens to re-train and re-educate themselves for non-existent jobs. 25% percent of the city's population live in poverty. Vacant and blighted properties are located everywhere. An edition of ABC's "Extreme Makeover, Home Edition" highlighted the desperate conditions of families living in and around the project home. The Second Harvest Food Bank is always looking for donations and has no shortage of hungry individuals. Local government is supplemented via grants and awards from the state and federal governments. City tax revenues are so low that, on occasion, colleges and universities have donated police vehicles to the city. A new, multi-million dollar, advanced technology 911 emergency communications center performs poorly,...if it operates at all. Numerous first responding fire and ambulance organizations have complained about the center's inability to function correctly. The businesses of education and health care have become major industries. Penn State-Behrend, Edinboro University and Gannon University graduate individuals in a variety of degrees who leave the area since there are very few positions suitable to their majors. Numerous stories abound of malpracticed medical operations. Smart locals seek safer, more competent medical expertise in other cities and states. Crucial emergency and complex pediatric medical cases are transferred to the professionals in Pittsburgh, PA and Cleveland,OH area hospitals. Located on the southeastern shore of Lake Erie, clouds, rain and snow dominate the climate. Winters are long and cold with gray overcast skies. 'Lake Effect' snowstorms are frequent and are notorious for dropping many inches of snow within a short time. Although a 200 inch annual snowfall is rare, 80 to 100 inches per year can be expected. Driving in winter is extremely difficult. When high winds are present whiteout conditions can totally blind a driver. Erie's airport is titled: Tom Ridge Field, 'Erie International Airport', however there are no direct international flights.

[Comment on this Posting]

weather - 6/24/2010

It's often been said not to plant your flowers before Memorial Day because of possible frost. Nowhere else is it more true than in Erie, Pa. I have been to the peninsula on Memorial weekend & froze. I have had cookouts where it's been 85 or so degrees. The weather is definately different every year. The summers (which last 3-4 months)can be hot & dry or cold & wet. Fall can come early or late along with the snow. We can get snow the middle of October or 80 degress. The coldest months are usually January, February & March. It is definately an area of four seasons.

[Comment on this Posting]

Erie - A Great Place to Be - 9/7/2008

If you are looking for a place with culture and recreation amidst a small town feel then Erie is the place for you. From our Arts and Jazz Festivals to our one-of-a-kind Presque Isle State park you will find many opportunities to explore culture and nature. Our sunsets are ranked in the top 10 and can be enjoyed year round. Our beaches provide an escape that singles, couples and families can enjoy. Culturally diverse and conveniently located between Buffalo, Cleveland and Pittsburgh, Erie is a great place to settle. I invite you to check it out, but be warned - it will grown on you!

[Comment on this Posting]

Winter - 3/31/2008

lake effect snow and very cold in the winter. actually more windy than the 'windy city' chicago.

[Comment on this Posting]

The Ups and Downs - 3/14/2008

Erie's climate is nothing but ups and downs. Take this winter for example. We had harsh (and I mean harsh) ice storms and high snowfalls one day, yet 2 days later it was so warm out, that most of the snow was already melting away and I had to turn off my heat. It is constantly like this! Even in the summer. I know one thing. Almost nobody likes the instability of Erie's weather.

[Comment on this Posting]

jobs and something new - 1/8/2008

erie is fine but does not have a whole lot of jobs or events for all sorts of people.just need a better cultural place

[Comment on this Posting]

Erie/Millcreek/Harborcreek are great placed based - 9/25/2007

What are the factors that influence happiness and quality of life? These are the major components that most educated people cite (Phds, professors, ect), affordable housing, good public schools, peace of mind, a balanced standard of living, broad opportunities for adult education, reasonable traffic, commute, healthcare, recreation and political/social environment and natural environment. Erie has very affordable housing, a good public school system (especially in the burbs, OK in the city), you won’t have to worry about making you next mortgage payment, being robbed, murdered or raped, a great state school system that is very reasonably priced (Penn State Main Campus and affiliated regional schools), a low unemployment rate and NO traffic problems or commute times. There are two major hospitals (hammot and st. v) with top notch doctors and facilities, plenty of golf courses, an amusement park and public beach access. The obvious downside is the weather, which is fantastic in the spring, summer and fall, winter is not fun. But compared to a summer in Alabama, Fla, mis, TX, AZ, NV, ECT, it’s about the same. After living in Los Angeles, with the mind numbing traffic, high crime and insane real estate prices, I was glad to come back to Erie.

[Comment on this Posting]

Hard Times - 1/4/2007

The city of Erie has experienced a string of hard times the last few years. Many companies have moved out of the area or gone out of business leaving thousands without jobs. Almost all of the jobs lost were skilled manufacturing jobs, unfortunately the city has been unable to attract any new manufacturers into the area. THe local governments will tell you the future looks bright but most of the jobs being created lately are low-paying service oriented jobs. Many people have left the area to find jobs in other cities.

[Comment on this Posting]