Erie, PA, known as 'The Gem City,' offers a unique blend of lakeside charm and modern urban amenities. Located in Erie County, Erie is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Cleveland (102 miles) and Buffalo (95 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Erie's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.
Erie is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Erie Maritime Museum, the historic Bicentennial Tower, and the scenic Presque Isle State Park. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the beautiful Erie Zoo to the bustling Millcreek Mall, known for its shopping and dining. Erie's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from Pennsylvania Dutch cuisine to international dishes.
Annual events such as the Erie Blues & Jazz Festival and CelebrateErie highlight the city's vibrant cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Erie's rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Prestigious institutions like Gannon University contribute to the city's academic and cultural vibrancy, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Erie is dynamic and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Warner Theatre and the Erie Art Museum are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Erie provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and history, making it an exciting place to call home.
Erie’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like the Erie Otters (hockey) and the Erie SeaWolves (baseball), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Erie include manufacturing, healthcare, and education, with significant employers such as Erie Insurance and Saint Vincent Hospital driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and Amtrak service...
Amenities
The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.
Commute
A high commute score suggests convenient, easy access to public transportation, with shorter-than-average work commute times to work.
Cost Of Living
The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.
Employment
Low income levels and high unemployment rates results in a low score in the employment category. It could prove difficult to find well-paying employment in this area.
Ratings
Surveys and polls conducted by AreaVibes with residents of the area revealed unfavorable results concerning the walkability of amenities, the availability of parks and public transit access.
Erie is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Pennsylvania. The city has a population of 100,285 residents. In Erie, there are 5,240 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. If we look at the most recent Census, Erie is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Erie is not known to have a high population (over 15 years old) of married people. At only 41% married, this city falls well below the national average. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Erie will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 18 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new area can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Erie, Pennsylvania could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. To help you find the best places to live in and around Erie, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, commute, health & safety, housing and more.
The livability score in Erie is 82 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 96th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Erie would be considered a very livable city! Erie also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Erie scores well for cost of living (A+) and housing (A+) There are some categories that Erie does not rank well for, including: crime (F) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
Erie has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Erie has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Erie: Erie Zoo, Erie Maritime Museum, and Jr's Last Laugh Comedy Club & Restaurant.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Erie market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Erie real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Erie. Median real estate prices in Erie come in at $162,375, which is 45.2% lower than the Pennsylvania average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Erie, the home price to income ratio is 2.8, which is 24.3% lower than the Pennsylvania average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Erie | Pennsylvania | National |
| Average one way commute | 18min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 71.4% | 76.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 13.9% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 3.9% | 5.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.6% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.7% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 3.3% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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