A Great Place to Live? Depends Upon What You're Lo
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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.
Pat | Erie, PA