Longtime lurker here, The unemployment rate is 2.8%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $2,775 for rent here. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Is this normal for Erie? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
0 upvotes
14 Replies
wyatt_living
interesting, hadn't considered that
39 upvotes
Chloe Stewart
Moved here last year, no regrets.
38 upvotes
Eleanor Hill
nah I disagree
30 upvotes
Caleb D.
Bought a house here in 2021 and I have mixed feelings honestly. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
26 upvotes
Oliver
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The community vibe is genuinely pretty good and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (East) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Miami, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
25 upvotes
Madison S.
100%
24 upvotes
Audrey Johnson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 6 years. Moved from Chicago for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. North schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Dating scene is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Sadie R.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found I love the pace of life here. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Houston, be prepared for the culture shock. public transit is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
19 upvotes
Dominic Gray
100%
16 upvotes
Connor Carter
I've lived in Highland for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The nightlife scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Nightlife is limited
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Definitely worth checking out..
16 upvotes
happy_claire91
as a local I can confirm
15 upvotes
Luna Rivera
Bought a house here in 2023 and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
14 upvotes
William T.
The food scene here is excellent. Tons of great Korean places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
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