A lovely lakeside city in northwestern Pennsylvania, Erie is the fourth-largest municipality in the state. Boasting historic architecture and attractions as well as beautiful, scenic parks, Erie is both affordable and diverse.
If you are planning or considering a move to this maritime city, read on for more information about the weather, schools, recreation and employment opportunities so that you can decide if it is the right place for you!
Erie Climate
The city is located on the south-central shores of Lake Erie, and experiences weather typical of the Great Lakes region. As part of the snow belt that stretches from Cleveland to Syracuse, Erie's winters are long and cold, with plentiful lake-effect snow. The city is blanketed in about 100 inches of the fluffy white stuff a year, and also receives frequent rain, ice, thunderstorms and fog.
Summers are relatively mild, with highs averaging at 80 degrees and reaching 90 degrees approximately four days a year.
Erie Neighborhoods
Before choosing a part of the city to live, be sure to conduct thorough research on the cost, convenience and crime rates in the area. The city is home to a variety of diverse districts, each with something unique to offer.
If you are relocating to the city with a family and safety is your main concern, the areas of Erie with the lowest rates of crime include the family-friendly Weis Library neighborhood, the college-friendly Glenwood area, and the affluent Harborcreek and Owen's Corners districts.
Registering Your Car
When moving to Erie, you are required to register your car within 20 days of residency or you may be forced to pay a penalty. You will need proof of insurance and the $36 fee to register your vehicle in the state of Pennsylvania.
New residents of Pennsylvania must also update their driver's license within 60 days of establishing residency to avoid any fines. You will need your out of state license (valid or expired within the last six months), proof of identification and residency, and your Social Security card. For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicles website.
Erie Schools
If you will be relocating to the city with children, you will want to know more about the educational facilities in the region. Public education in the city is operated by Erie Public Schools, which serves about 13,000 students in 23 schools. If you are seeking alternative options, there are over 40 private and parochial schools and academies in Erie, such as Bethel Christian School.
Notable institutions of higher education in the city include Penn State Erie, the Catholic colleges Mercyhurst University and Gannon University, and the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Erie Employment
Once a railroad hub and center for the manufacture of iron and steel during the Industrial Revolution, the major economic sectors providing jobs in Erie are currently health, insurance and tourism. Plants producing steel as well as plastic are still present in the region--the city is responsible for the production of about ten percent of the country's plastics.
No matter where you relocate, the pressure of finding a job can be quite stressful. If you are moving to the city without secured employment, you can visit the Commonwealth Workforce Development System website for job-hunting assistance and resources for the region. If you are an aspiring entrepreneur, you can contact the Erie Chamber of Commerce for information on how to start a business in the city. You can also apply for city jobs at the Erie Government official website.
With any luck, you'll find a job in Erie in no time. Top employers in the city include GE Transportation, Erie Insurance Group, Erie City School District, the City of Erie, and Erie County.
Erie Moving Resources
There are numerous moving and storage companies located in Erie that are waiting to help you relocate to your new home. Be sure to do your research and obtain estimates from several different services before choosing one for hire. You can compare online quotes from many different moving companies and other services to aid you in your move, whether you are coming from the next city or overseas. Visit the following pages here at Movers.com to get fast quotes for the following services:
Living Costs in the City
The cost of living in Erie is moderate, at just two percent above the national average. Housing costs are fairly reasonable--about five percent higher than the rate of the average American city. The median home price in the city is listed at about $85,000. If you are planning to rent rather than buy, an apartment in the district can range anywhere between $500 to $1,000 a month depending on the size and luxury amenities available.
Other typical costs in Erie are reasonable as well. Utility costs are three percent greater than average, and transportation is just one percent greater. A trip to the grocery store will cost you about four percent more than the typical American city, but healthcare costs are seven percent lower than the national rate.
Erie Transportation
Mass transit in the city is provided by the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority (EMTA). The system operates the city's bus service, also known as the "e". The "e" buses run seven days a week within city limits, and routes to other areas of the county are scheduled several times a week. Greyhound Lines provides intercity bus transportation to Buffalo, Cleveland and Pittsburgh, and Lakefront Lines provides service to just Buffalo and Cleveland. Both Greyhound and Lakefront buses leave from the Intermodal Transportation Center on Holland Street.
If you have to catch the train, Amtrak's Lakeshore Limited passenger rail line leaves from Union Station on 14th and State Street twice daily and travels east towards New York City and west towards Chicago.
Culture and Contemporary Life
Located on the shores of Lake Erie, the city is in a prime location for enjoying outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. The Presque Isle State Park, a 3,000-acre sandy peninsula, features 21 miles of scenic trails for hiking and biking, 13 beaches, and a marina. The park is the region's largest attraction, drawing over four million visitors a year.
The city is also rich with history and culture, boasting a line of preserved 19th century Victorian mansions known as Millionaire's Row, the historic Erie Land Light lighthouse, and the ornate Warner Theatre. An Art Deco and French Renaissance-style performance hall, Warner Theatre hosts concerts, Broadway theater shows, and performances by the Erie Philharmonic and Lake Erie Ballet.
Erie Relocation Tips
- Prepare for the snow! Erie was named America's sixth snowiest city, and receives approximately 100 inches a year. Be sure to come equipped with warm clothing and snow boots. It's also a good idea to purchase a snow blower for keeping your property clear and snow tires for your vehicle to stay safe on the road. Find out how to properly prepare your car for winter here.
- Be sure to compare quotes from several movers before choosing a company for hire. You should also obtain an in-home estimate from at least three companies and ask these important questions to ensure that your movers are reliable and trustworthy.
- To find out more about your new city and read about local news, weather, and events, pick up a copy of the Erie Times-News, the city's only daily newspaper.