A Great Place to Live? Depends Upon What You're Lo - 1/1/2007

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.

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not THAT bad - 11/30/2006

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.

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Drury Erie! - 11/21/2006

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!!!!!!!!!!!"

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Erie Info - 9/27/2006

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.

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Miserable weather - 9/3/2006

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.

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Beautiful thriving, small city hidden away by the - 3/29/2006

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!!!!

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Where I want to live - 3/24/2006

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

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Nice Downtown - 9/21/2005

Erie has a great downtown with a lot of ammenities. Beautiful views of the lake. Felt very safe.

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