SperlingViews - Erie, Pennsylvania

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. [read more...]

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

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.[read more...]

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.[read more...]

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! [read more...]

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. [read more...]

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.[read more...]

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![read more...]

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

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.[read more...]

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[read more...]

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. [read more...]

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.[read more...]

I have lived in Erie a long time and have very ambiguous feelings about it. Erie is a wonderful place for families who are looking to settle; if you want a city that thrives culturally, politically, and economically, you'd do better to look elsewhere. It can be described as a microcosm of Pittsburgh. Best things: the Peninsula (Presque Isle--very beautiful any time of year; beaches, boating, fishing, birdwatching), many nice older neighborhoods and countryside, especially McKean and Fairview townships, easy traveling to larger cities, and generally friendly people. Tons of restaurants & shopping. Night life consists mainly of bars/night clubs, though there is a symphony orchestra and a couple theaters and bowling alleys. Worst: A problem with suburban sprawl within the last decade because no one wants to live or go downtown unless you work there, though one section has experienced a renaissance within the last ten years. Also a pervasive Blue Collar mentality with some of the redneck element; the city government is quite backward. Most college grads leave even if they're natives; those grads who do live here often can't be distinguished from those who have only a basic education. A new slots parlor is about to open, with a horse racing track coming later in 2007. Weather can be either gorgeous or very unpleasant--the last two summers have been really nice (highs in mid 80s with some humidity) and winters are trending toward milder with occasional blasts of severe weather. Not an exciting place, but liveable if you don't mind the above.[read more...]

I grew up in a small 'suburb' of Erie in the southeast corner of the county. I moved to Erie for college and have since graduated and moved to the DC metro area and as much as I hate to admit it, I miss Erie. yes the weather is dreary and there isn't much sunshine (overcast and VERY windy is the norm) but it has a nice small town charm and BEAUTIFUL sunsets, especially from Presque Isle. It's cheap to socialize (happy hour with a free dinner and half price drinks) and safe for those of you who like to bar-crawl (a lot of bars downtown are within walking distance of each other). Erie is also conveniently located 2 hours from Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Buffalo. Depending on what you like, there is plenty to do. Presque Isle has a nice bike/run/walk path and another that follows the new Bayfront Connector (starting at Penn State Behrend). Sailing, beach going, parks, fishing, skiing, water activities (Lake Erie, Conneaut Lake, Canadohta Lake, Chautauqua Lake, Findley Lake, Kinzua), etc. are all in Erie or nearby. Waldameer amusement park isn't anything to write home about, but the water park isn't bad, and if you want rides Darien Lake and Geauga Lake aren't too far away. If you are looking to relocate, I'd stick to the suburbs, Harborcreek, Fairview, Northeast, Edinboro... especially for schooling if you have children.[read more...]

This area is not beautiful at all!!!! It's the druriest place I have ever had to live. The people have a very cold personality, I mean what can you exspect from such an drury place. I think the town of Erie is dirty looking, somewhat like Pittsburgh but not as bad (really old looking also!). To me it was kind of scary being downtown, you know that uneasy feeling. They do have a really good comedy club there. Lots of diversity there. Presque Isle was pretty nice, but Waldameer is a little whole in the wall amusement park. Just like every other place if your not from there, your not going to want to spend the rest of your life there...trust me! Last note: "THANK GOSH I DO NOT LIVE IN PENNSYLVANIA ANYMORE, AND NEVER WILL AGIAN!!!!!!!!!!!"[read more...]

For the past few years winters have been fairly mild and the 2005-2006 season was extremely mild in which we had 70 degree temps in Jan & Feb! Summers can be very humid but for the most part summers are mild. Spring and fall are beautiful seasons. Lake Erie provides much protection from severe weather in general. Erie is well known for its Presque Isle Beaches, eautiful sunsets and preservation of wildlife. Unfortunately our former mayor and city council members brought financial disaster to our city and we are severely in debt. In addition several businesses have closed and our unemployment rate could be better. Erie is close to many major cities like Pittsbugh & Buffalo plus you can drive to Washington DC:) We have a nice amusement park which is adding new rides. Many pros and cons of living here. If you'd like more info feel free to contact me.[read more...]

If weather is important to where you live, you might want to avoid Erie, PA. Summers are warm and generally humid, sometimes very high humidity combined with uncomfortable temperatures. Spring and autumn are decent but brief. Winters are miserable. Plenty of lake effect snow, cold temperatures, and very windy. Driving is very difficult and dangerous during any of Erie's many winter storms.[read more...]

Erie has a lot to be proud of. I visited here a few months ago on my way to Canada. I couldn't believe how great it was. The downtown area has lots of colonial and historic buildings. Presque-Isle is spectacular with, I've found out, one of the top ten best places for wildlife, including migratory birds and one of the best bike trails. Fairview is a great suburb which is on the west side of the city....great place and land and housing is very cheap!!!![read more...]

I am looking for a place that provides business oppurtunities but is a small or close to the country and close communities. [read more...]