We have two kids and You can expect to pay around $836 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 4.1%, which is about average. With a population of 94,156, Erie is a smaller city. Median household income is $43,397, which feels on the lower side for the area. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to.
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Rising rent prices
- Limited dining options
- Not enough green space
Is this normal for Erie? Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
21 upvotes
14 Replies
Nora O.
been saying this for years
34 upvotes
Mateo Edwards
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is healthcare. it exceeded my expectations. Worth doing your research before committing.
34 upvotes
Waylon
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
32 upvotes
Greyson Evans
interesting, hadn't considered that
28 upvotes
Leonardo Wilson
yep
26 upvotes
William
couldn't agree more
25 upvotes
Roger S.
We moved here with our family and it's not perfect but it works for me. Schools in Downtown area are challenging. Kids love it here.
23 upvotes
Mary W.
spot on
19 upvotes
Nicholas
not my experience at all
14 upvotes
Lucy M.
I'm a real estate agent and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The community is decent and there's always something going on.
12 upvotes
Delilah Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 8 years. Moved from Tampa for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is tough - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Pine Hills schools are improving. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited high-paying job options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Ellie
Moved here from Dallas about 14 years ago. it's not perfect but it works for me. Still getting used to housing market but Good luck with whatever you decide..
3 upvotes
Chloe K.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 46, moved here 13 years ago from Portland. I've lived in East and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Nice parks and green spaces
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The cost of living situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- East: Great for couples. underrated vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is wild. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
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