Is Erie, PA A Good Place To Live?
Erie, Pennsylvania, is the fourth largest city in the state and is known as “Flagship City.” At UpgradedHome, we tend to focus on big cities, not the fourth largest city, so my research came as a surprise. If you have been thinking about moving to Pennsylvania but don’t want to live in the bustle of Pittsburgh, you should consider living in Erie.
In Erie, Pennsylvania, you will find the rent of houses to be moderately priced, there are tons of jobs available, and you can live comfortably for a lot less than other places in the United States. Is it a good place to live? Absolutely, the area is spread out, and many houses are on the market that may fit your budget. One of the biggest downfalls to the area is that there is some crime, as long as you are aware, you will be able to avoid it.
If you have been looking for places to move to in Pennsylvania, this could be the perfect place for you to settle down. There is a good city life with tons of bars, parks, and outdoor activities. This is a good spot if you are a young professional looking for a new career. Here is some valuable research we have put together to help you understand Erie a bit better.
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Why Is Erie A Good Place To Live?
If you’re a young family or young professional, most of the community will agree this is the best place you could move. It’s beautiful, with the waterfront reflecting the city and bright green trees that add pops of color. Here is the scoop on what makes it such an extraordinary place to live.
Reasonable Cost Of Living
If you are worried about the cost of living, don’t be! Erie is an affordable place to live with low house prices and lower rental prices. The median home price in Erie, Pennsylvania, is $86,700. This is 48.3% lower than the Pennsylvania average. This makes it one of the most affordable places in the state, and fortunately, one of the highest prices you will pay living in Erie.
A Scenic Experience
You may not think of a city having very scenic views, but you would be shocked when visiting Erie. Lake Erie is one of the best scenic views you can see from the city. If you take a boat out onto the lake, you will see the reflection of the city on the water on a clear day. If you are more of a land person, the great news is there are many parks and trails a little way outside of the city. There is a beautiful nature center in Asbury Woods. If you are looking for a picture-perfect place for the best selfies, check out Howard Eaton Reservoir.
Low Crime Rates
Like any city you live in, there will be some crime. You will have to stay aware of your surroundings especially walking through the city. However, most people who live on the outskirts of town feel very safe and do not have any problems in their neighborhoods. The overall crime rate in Erie, Pennsylvania, is 4% lower than the national average.
However, violent crime is 31% above the national average. This means that overall, it is very safe, but you will have to be careful walking around in the city. One of the best things about Erie is that the police force is really responsive and has been getting better at being responsive to emergency calls.
Loads Of Recreation
If you are worried about finding activities to do, you shouldn’t be! There are loads of indoor and outdoor activities to choose from in this area. The city provides fun events that can be enjoyed throughout the year. During the summer, you can enjoy Erie County’s, Farmers Market. There are a ton of things to do and check out. If you love fishing, you can hop on a charter and go out on Lake Erie to catch some bass.
If you want to stick to land activities, there are trails that lead around the city and hiking trails to enjoy. On a rainy day, there is a fun family arcade in the city that will keep you entertained for hours.
Low Unemployment
Typically the unemployment rate in Erie, Pennsylvania, is relatively low and stays around 4-5%. However, this last year between 2020 and 2021, the unemployment rate has gone up due to outside factors that no one controls. In March 2021, BLS or the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, states that Erie has an unemployment rate of 9.1%. As the years go on, it will slowly become lower and more jobs will become available.
If you are looking for work, you may be surprised about the major industries in the area. The top industries include plastic manufacturing, health care work, insurance, and tourism work. If you are in any of these fields, Erie could be the best place for you. The median household income in Erie is $37,894. This is a livable wage for this area.
What Are The Pitfalls Of Living In Erie?
Any city will have some drawbacks that may be a deal-breaker for you. The good news about Erie Pennsylvania is that there are much more pros than cons of living in this area. Here is the scoop on the pitfalls of this area…
- Violent crime is much higher in this area. Although the total crime rate is lower than the national average, the violent crime is higher. Your chance of becoming a victim in Erie is 1 in 42. This is still safer than 26% of cities in the United States. Most of the community has had no problems, but there are a few who report violent crimes happening.
- The winters in Erie can be frigid. Erie is one of those places that have seasons. The summers are always nice and usually partly cloudy, the fall brings extraordinary colors, and the spring brings fresh rain and new life. Unfortunately, the winters can be brutal, and a lot of snow can accumulate over a short period. You will have to learn to deal with the snow when living in Erie.
- The unemployment rate is high rate now. There are tons of jobs available right now, but due to outside influences, there is currently a higher unemployment rate than there has been in the past.
- Schools tend to be underfunded. Many people in the community averagely rate the public schools to be C- rating. They are underfunded and can be understaffed. However, most of the children meet lifelong friends and are happy to go to school.
What Is The Cost Of Living In Erie?
The cost of living in Erie is much lower than in other areas of Pennsylvania. If you’re curious to learn more, here are some of the rankings compared to the national average according to the cost of living index.
- The median home price in Erie, Pennsylvania, is $86,700. If you decide to rent in Erie, you can expect the average monthly rent to be around $710. However, if you live on the outskirts of the city, it may be cheaper. There are currently tons of homes on the market to browse through.
- Food and groceries remain below the national average. The ranking for this area is 93.9. This means that many of the foods your family loves to eat will be much cheaper in this area.
- Utilities and transportation will be cheaper than the national average. Utilities are ranked at 95.2 out of 100 while transportation ranks 82.6. If you are worried about the extra costs of living, you don’t need to be. This is an area where most things are affordable.
- Healthcare is way below the national average. The ranking for this area is 87.9 which means you will be able to live healthily and can afford what you need to stay healthy.
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Related Questions
What is the cheapest area in Pennsylvania to live?
If you are looking for the most affordable place to live in Pennsylvania, check out these ten places. Try to look for homes in Republic, Oil City, Pottsville, Greenville, Vandergrift, West Mifflin, Warren, New Brighton, Beaver Falls, and Swissvale. These towns have lower populations, low cost of living, and have some nice houses on the market.
Is crime in Erie decreasing?
Unfortunately, the East side of Erie seems to be getting more dangerous, according to several reviews on Niche.com. The crime rate has risen or increased by 6% and continues to climb each year. Though most places in Erie are still safe, you will have to be careful throughout certain areas.
What are the most in-demand jobs in Erie?
If you are looking for a job, you may be glad to hear that these are some of the biggest industries in the area. If you work in plastic manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, or insurance, you may find the right jobs. More hotels are popping up throughout the city making it easier to find a job in the tourism industry. The city continues to expand and with it comes more jobs and better career opportunities.
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Kayla is a full-time content creator and her passion is everything green. When she's not writing city-based content at UpgradedHome, her focus is on the environment and sustainability. Kayla loves to travel and is always looking forward to her next vacation!
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