Livability Score

82
/100
i The AreaVibes Livability Score evaluates 9 different categories and creates an overall score out of 100. The higher the score, the better the area.

amenities A+

There are lots of amenities close to this location.
Coffee (10) C-
Tipsy Bean
Coffee Shop
Tim Hortons
Coffee Shop
Franco's Cafe
Coffee Shop
Cafe 7-10
Coffee Shop
Rose Garden Cafe
Coffee Shop
Fresh Healthy Cafe
Coffee Shop
Ember + Forge
Coffee Shop
Tim Hortons
Coffee Shop
Tim Hortons
Coffee Shop
Coffee Culture Cafe & Eatery
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Tim Hortons
Coffee Shop
Brew HaHa
Coffee Shop
The Juice Jar
Coffee Shop
Tim Hortons
Coffee Shop
Tim Hortons
Coffee Shop
Coffee In The Park
Coffee Shop
Starbucks
Coffee Shop
Entertainment (36) A+
Bastion Studios
Art Gallery
The Zone Dance Club
Nightclub
Erie Veterans Memorial Stadium
Stadium
Performing Artists Collective Alliance
Theatre Arts
City Gallery
Art Gallery
Graffiti Wall
Attraction
Basement Transmissions
Theatre Arts
Erie Playhouse
Theatre Arts
D' Hopkins Denniston Gallery
Art Gallery
UPMC Park
Stadium
Erie Arts & Culture
Theatre Arts
Erie Insurance Arena
Stadium
Warner Theatre
Theatre Arts
Fred Biletnikoff Athletic Field
Stadium
Hagerty Family Events Center
Stadium
Schuster Theatre
Theatre Arts
Glass Growers Gallery
Art Gallery
ExpERIEnce Childrens Museum
Museum
Watson-Curtze Mansion
Museum
Mercyhurst Athletic Center
Stadium
McConnell Family Stadium
Stadium
Taylor Little Theatre
Theatre Arts
Firefighters Historical Museum
Museum
Erie Zoo
Zoo
Mary D'Angelo Peforming Arts Center
Theatre Arts
Food and Drink (105) A+
Europa Delicatessen
Deli
Fine Wine & Good Spirits
Alcohol
Chester's
Fast Food
Pulakos Chocolates
Sweets
Mighty Fine Donuts
Fast Food
Domino's
Fast Food
Scooters
Bar
RD Brothers Beer Store
Beverages
Wendy's
Fast Food
Taco Bell
Fast Food
Arby's
Fast Food
Polish Foresters
Bar
JJ's Pub
Bar
Plymouth Tavern
Bar
Philly on the Rocks
Bar
Whippy Dip
Sweets
Dee's Delicatessen
Fast Food
KFC
Fast Food
McDonald's
Fast Food
McCoy's Barrelhouse & Grill
Bar
Pine Avenue Beer
Beverages
Cloud 9 Wine Bar
Bar
Jekyll & Hyde's Gastropub
Bar
BIGBAR
Bar
Little Caesars
Fast Food
Fitness (17) A+
Totally You Fitness & Spa
Gym
Saint Joseph's Community Center
Community Centre
Erie County Community Resource Center
Community Centre
CrossFit Fitness
Gym
Bethesda Trinity Center
Community Centre
Neighborhood Partnership Center
Community Centre
Women's Care Center Education Division
Community Centre
School House Yoga Studio
Gym
Gannon Recreation & Wellness Center
Gym
Jerry McCormick Strength & Conditioning Center
Gym
CO-OP Community Center
Community Centre
Youth Leadership Institute of Erie
Community Centre
Motivate Studios
Gym
John E. Horan Community Center
Community Centre
Erie Fitness Now
Gym
Level Red Boxing
Gym
Snap Fitness
Gym
FitnessU
Gym
Planet Fitness
Gym
Fit-Lab
Gym
Jazzercise
Gym
yogaErie
Gym
Twoguns Training Systems
Gym
Planet Fitness
Gym
Crow's American Gym
Gym
Groceries (43) A+
City Fresh & Fast Mart
Grocery Store
Urbaniak Brothers Quality Meat
Butcher
Rippers
Grocery Store
Almadina Supermarket
Grocery Store
Himalayan Groceries
Grocery Store
Fadak International Food Market
Grocery Store
Larry's Central Market
Grocery Store
Kamana Asian Food Mart
Grocery Store
Serafin's Food Market
Grocery Store
Stanganelli's Italian Foods
Grocery Store
State Street Market
Grocery Store
UK Supermarket
Grocery Store
9th & Parade Market
Grocery Store
Lake Erie International Market
Grocery Store
International Bakery
Bakery
Tamar Market
Grocery Store
Sham Market
Grocery Store
Flagship City Public Market
Grocery Store
Ash Street Market
Grocery Store
Ye Ole Sweet Shoppe
Bakery
Orsini's Corner Market
Grocery Store
Rakan Market
Grocery Store
Tops
Grocery Store
Global Market of PA
Grocery Store
Save-A-Lot
Grocery Store
Parks (156) A+
Holland Street Park
Park
Witherspoon Park
Park
Saint Martin Playground
Playground
Better Housing Park
Park
Lake City Dwellings Park
Park
Purple Heart Memorial Park
Park
Midtown Park
Park
Fruits of Labor Park
Park
Ruby Schaaf Park
Park
Griswold Park
Park
Open Door Full Gospel Playground
Playground
Rainbow Park
Park
Pfeiffer-Burleigh Playground
Playground
Baker Park
Park
Three Sisters Park
Park
Nightingale Playground
Playground
Glenwood Heights Park
Park
Luther Playground
Playground
Roessler Park
Park
Saint Benedict Playground
Playground
Friendship Park
Park
Garden Park
Park
19th Street Park
Park
Jefferson Playground
Playground
Ash Park
Park
Shops (258) A+
Family Dollar
Discount Store
Heads of State
Hairdresser
Country Fair
Convenience Store
Got Skillz Variety
Clothing
Dees News
Discount Store
COLAB Shop
Clothing
Xclusive Wear
Clothing
Nickel Plate Mills
Pets
Pointe Foure Vintage Boutique
Clothing
Pinky's Boutique
Clothing
Dapper Don's Styling Lounge
Hairdresser
Grasshopper
Gift Shop
Rent-A-Center
Furniture
Carpenter Electric Supply
Electronics
Paragon Salon
Hairdresser
Dollar General
Discount Store
Metro by T-Mobile
Electronics
The Source Ave
Gift Shop
Country Fair
Convenience Store
Dollar General
Discount Store
Boss Cut's Barbershop
Hairdresser
Speed Check
Convenience Store
Family Dollar
Discount Store
Glenwood Mini Mart
Convenience Store
Keyz Bazaar
Clothing
See more Erie amenity data

commute A+

Of all people who commute, 3.9% take public transportation in Erie.
Public Transit Stops (250)
Stops & Stations
A+
E 21st St at Holland St
Bus Stop
E 21st St
Bus Stop
W 21st St at State St
Bus Stop
E 21st St at German St
Bus Stop
E 24th St at State St
Bus Stop
E 21st St at German St
Bus Stop
E 18th St at French St
Bus Stop
W 21st St at Peach St
Bus Stop
E 18th St at Center City
Bus Stop
E 18th St at State St
Bus Stop
W 18th St at State St
Bus Stop
E 26th St at Holland St
Bus Stop
E 26th St at Holland St
Bus Stop
E 26th St at State St
Bus Stop
E 26th St at State St
Bus Stop
E 21st St at Parade St
Bus Stop
E 26th St at German St
Bus Stop
E 21st St at Parade St
Bus Stop
E 22nd St at Parade St
Bus Stop
E 21st St at Parade St
Bus Stop
W 21st St at Sassafras St
Bus Stop
E 23rd St at Parade St
Bus Stop
W 21st St at Sassafras St
Bus Stop
E 16th St at State St
Bus Stop
E 24th St at Parade St
Bus Stop
Workers Taking Public Transit
3.9%
D
See more Erie commute data

cost of living A+

The cost of living in Erie is 88/100 - which is 11% lower than Pennsylvania.
Cost of Living
Goods & Services, Housing, etc.
A
Tax Rates
Income & Sales Tax
A+
See more Erie cost of living data

crime F

Erie crime rates are 2,872 per 100k, which is 63% higher than Pennsylvania
Property Crime
2,264 crimes per 100k
D
Violent Crime
607 crimes per 100k
F
See more Erie crime data

employment F

The median income in Erie is $38,655 - which is 30% lower than Pennsylvania.
Med. Household Income
$38,655
F
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
F
See more Erie employment data

health A+

There are many hospitals, police and fire stations.
Health & Safety (94)
Dentist, Doctor, Hospital, etc.
A+
Pyramid Healthcare
Clinic
EmergyCare
Ambulance Station
Williams Dental Laboratory
Dentist
UPMC Primary Care
Clinic
Allegheny Health Nertwork
Clinic
UPMC Home Healthcare
Clinic
DaVita Dialysis
Clinic
Rite Aid
Pharmacy
Saint Vincent Hospital
Hospital
Orthopaedic Solutions of Pennsylvania
Doctor
Eastside Medical Center
Clinic
Rite Aid
Pharmacy
Stairways Dental
Dentist
Saint Vincent Surgery Center
Hospital
AHN Cancer Institute
Hospital
Pinecrest Family Practice
Clinic
MHEDS
Clinic
Internal Medicine Associates
Clinic
Reichel Dental
Dentist
Gaudenzia Erie
Doctor
Erie Fire Department
Fire Station
CVS Pharmacy
Pharmacy
American Association
Dentist
Glecos & Glecos
Dentist
Rite Aid
Pharmacy
Air Quality
Median Air Quality
A+
See more Erie health & safety data

housing A+

Erie home prices are $90,500 - which is 46% lower than Pennsylvania
Home Price
$90,500
F
Home Appreciation Rate
4%
B-
Home Affordability
2.3x (home price to income ratio)
A+
See more Erie housing data

schools C

The Erie graduation rate is 81% - which is 6% lower than Pennsylvania
School Test Scores
47%
F
High School Grad. Rates
81%
D+
Elementary Schools (49) F
Perseus House Cs Of Excellence
Pfeiffer-Burleigh Sch
Luther Memorial Academy
Woodrow Wilson Ms
Jefferson El Sch
Mckinley El Sch
Central Career & Technical Sch
Lincoln El Sch
Erie Rise Leadership Academy Charter Sch
Perry El Sch
Wayne Sch
East Ms
Emerson-Gridley El Sch
East Hs
Roosevelt Ms
Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute
Robert Benjamin Wiley Community Cs
Strong Vincent Ms
Strong Vincent Hs
Erie Day School
Grover Cleveland El Sch
Joanna Connell Sch
Harding Sch
Triumphant Life Christian Academy
Edison El Sch
High Schools (16) A+
Perseus House Cs Of Excellence
Northwest Pa Collegiate Academy
Cathedral Preparatory School
Erie Hs
Mercyhurst Preparatory School
Dr Gertrude A Barber National Institute
Robert Benjamin Wiley Community Cs
Triumphant Life Christian Academy
Bethel Christian School
Erie Catholic Preparatory School
See more Erie education data

ratings F

Erie has an overall rating of 41% from 63 reviews.
User Reviews (9)
From AreaVibes
F
User Surveys (54)
From AreaVibes
F
See more Erie user rating data
Amenities Commute Cost of Living Crime Employment Health & Safety Housing Schools User Ratings

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Erie Reviews

Write a review about Erie Tell people what you like or don't like about Erie…
Pretty place ugly trashy nasty people...ZERO SERVICE AND AMENITIES!!!! 1 rating By Anonymous ( Jan 04, 2022) First of all lets cover services; house, car, medical,, veterinary, sales. In every aspect you will be frustrated and severely disappointed! It's amazing these people live this way. I guess it takes all kinds and now I know where all the lazy professional unskilled rude small mi ...Read More nded backward people are made! It's a great place as long as you don't interact with the wildlife ( residents ) ! If you are a sophisticated educated person of taste and class your quaily of life with most certainly be deminished if you choose to reside in this place. I suggest waiting until it's evolved beyond the level rudimentary life ! Read Less
It’s A Wonderful Summer Vacation Spot But Don’t Live Here. 2.5 rating By Anonymous ( Oct 04, 2020) Erie is a wonderful place to visit and spend your summer vacation at, there is Lake Erie, Dobbins Landing, Waldameer Amusement Park, Millcreek Mall, many great hotels and of course Presque Isle. But living here is different, you have to deal with people who blast music super loud ...Read More , people speeding on the streets, yes it’s definitely not quiet here at all. At night its hard to get sleep because there is either people fighting outside or people speeding. Also there is not a lot of safe areas at all in the City of Erie. The only safe areas are the upper West Side near Glenwood and in the Greater Kahkwa & Frontier neighborhoods. That’s really it. Downtown is just a ghost town of its past self with homeless people peeing on buildings. Oh and Downtown wreaks of urine, bike down there you’ll see yourself. I’ve also almost had my bike stolen multiple times and almost got robbed one time when I was just talking a walk minding my own business. So yes, please for the love of god don’t ever live in the city of Erie, it’s a great place to visit for a few weeks but don’t ever live here. Read Less
Lived here 9 years 4 rating By Anonymous ( Apr 03, 2020) I moved to Erie from Northern Virginia (DC area) about 9 years ago.
As a transplant, I’ve come to find Erie has everything I could possibly want! There’s plenty of locally owned restaurants to enjoy, museums, an amusement park, beaches, and playhouses!!!
I live in the heart
...Read More of the city and I’m close friends with my neighbors. Erie has a strong sense of pride and community. Read Less
The Worst Place To Live 1 rating By Anonymous ( Mar 08, 2020) To sum up Erie, it’s a nice place to live. Living here however is a whole different story. You can’t sleep at night without having to hear people racing outside and blasting loud rap music. Don’t even try going into the Lower East Side or Lower West Side unless you wanna ge ...Read More t shot? Fun things to do in Erie? Well there’s a few, the lake, the beaches, waldameer, and exploring abandoned houses and messing with homeless people. This city is so depressing that everybody here relies on medication. Read Less
Show All Reviews
Lived here 9 years 4 rating By Anonymous ( Apr 03, 2020) I moved to Erie from Northern Virginia (DC area) about 9 years ago.
As a transplant, I’ve come to find Erie has everything I could possibly want! There’s plenty of locally owned restaurants to enjoy, museums, an amusement park, beaches, and playhouses!!!
I live in the heart
...Read More of the city and I’m close friends with my neighbors. Erie has a strong sense of pride and community. Read Less
The Worst Place To Live 1 rating By Anonymous ( Mar 08, 2020) To sum up Erie, it’s a nice place to live. Living here however is a whole different story. You can’t sleep at night without having to hear people racing outside and blasting loud rap music. Don’t even try going into the Lower East Side or Lower West Side unless you wanna ge ...Read More t shot? Fun things to do in Erie? Well there’s a few, the lake, the beaches, waldameer, and exploring abandoned houses and messing with homeless people. This city is so depressing that everybody here relies on medication. Read Less
Drug Infested City 1.5 rating By Anonymous ( Sep 17, 2019) Everyday somebody overdoses on heroin, or prescription pills, it’s a sad and depressed town and crime doesn’t make it any better. Seriously a C? Should be an F! 4 people got shot yesterday and 2 people got stabbed today. Happens almost everyday somebody dies from getting kill ...Read More ed by somebody or a drug overdose. Read Less
Why you should move/stay away from Erie. 1.5 rating By Anonymous ( Aug 06, 2019) I’m gonna list off some pros and cons of this city.
1. We are very close to cities like Cleveland, Ohio, Buffalo, New York & Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
2. We have a local amusement park here called Waldameer & Water World.
3. The Millcreek Mall (although it is pretty dead)
4. Pr
...Read More esque Isle State Park
5. Bayfront Convention Center
6. Lake Erie + Beaches
Now here’s the cons.
1. Not safe at night.
2. Drugs & Crime are sky high.
3. East side of Erie is the worst part of town, and crime is also starting to rise in the west side.
4. Many abandoned/low income housing.
5. Shootings & Stabbings Constantly
6. Weather absolutely SUCKS Read Less
It's half and half really. 2.5 rating By Anonymous ( Feb 03, 2019) Erie has many great options, like an amusement park, the lake, hotels. But, the crime here is not the best. I would say crime is really a D or an F. There is a lot of stabbings and shootings here, mostly in the lower East side of town, I never feel safe at all walking at night ei ...Read More ther. Crazy, I wish I could move. Read Less
This place is horrible 1.5 rating By ShellyLee ( Mar 18, 2016) Lived here way to long. Over 35 years. Ready to move. The humidity is horrible (over 50%) and we are called the Mistake On The Lake and Dreary Erie for a reason. The crime is horrible on the lower East side and the lower West side is getting worse. Sure the cost of living might b ...Read More e appealing but there are NO jobs here and it is a customer service based industry which does not pay a livable wage. Presque Isle usually has a half a dozen beaches closed normally due to e coli and other gross stuff in it. The sun rarely shines here. The winters are brutal and a temperature difference of 30-40 in a 24 hour period is normal. We are always on the top 5 list for the most snow accumulation. We rarely have 4 seasons anymore. It is cold cold COLD. The summer is more like a spring with a never ending cold winter. Also the poverty is horrible and we are listed as one of the top states in the US for welfare recipients. LOTS of bars and drunks. Red Necks in Fairview, Girard, Lake City, Edinboro, Albion and I could go on and on. The place just has BAD energy now and has been getting worse for years. The fact that the weather is listed as a D+ and not an F while Sedona, AZ is listed as an F is pure bs. Read Less
Pennsylvania's Coolest Vacation Hot Spot - Erie, PA 4 rating By Anonymous ( Jun 11, 2010) Once, I had asked my friends where they thought a great vacation spot was within the state of Pennsylvania. I usually get responses for Pittsburg or Philadelphia as the usual hotspots. After wanting to see something different that the state of Pennsylvania had to offer, I had the ...Read More pleasure of spending time in Erie during the week after Easter; where I found something new and exciting to do each day. During my visit to the city of Erie, I found much more than I could have ever expected. Located in the northwestern part of the state, on the shore of Lake Erie; the city provides entertainment and fun for everyone; in addition to a small town friendliness from its residents.

There is an indoor water park which was loads of fun, as was the zoo and botanical gardens; only to name just a few of the attractions within the city of Erie. I found there was so much to do and so many attractions to see that I did not have the time to fit everything in during my stay. A drawback to my trip was that things were a bit pricier than I had expected for a city of its size, although given that the cost for the outstanding degree of entertainment, shopping, lodging and restaurants which I found in Erie (in comparison) other Pennsylvania cities are a great deal more expensive. In a financial aspect, I felt it was one vacation spot well worth the price.

I am looking forward to visiting Erie once again, however, this time it will be with my family during this summer. I am planning to stay for two weeks so we may take in everything the city has to offer. Another disadvantage I've found is that because of its location, the area is sometimes pummeled with lake effect snows during the winter season. Unless you are a resident of the area or have the tenacity to brave the icy elements, I suggest traveling at some point in the spring through fall because of the comfortable temperatures of spring and summer plus (if driving) the glorious autumn foliage. In my opinion, the city and everything it has to offer is well worth the trip. Read Less

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Compare Erie, PA Livability

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      Erie, PA

      Erie is one of the five largest cities in the State of Pennsylvania, and as you have most likely guessed, it is located on the shores of Lake Erie. With over 95,000 residents, the city has played an important role in the economic development and history of the region. Waldameer Park and Water World is one of the top attractions in the area that has a fun collection of slides, roller coasters, and more to entertain you and your family on beautiful summer days. While Erie's population has been shrinking in recent years due to the loss of manufacturing jobs, the area still has some amazing things to do. The outflow of people has also resulted in some incredible home prices for those who are looking to buy a home in the area.

      The Erie Zoo is another must see attraction in the city that has a giraffe exhibit that you would not expect to find in a city this size. Water plays an important role in the life of the city and its residents, and the Erie Maritime Museum will help master mariners and sea lovers learn about the area's nautical history. It is worth a full day to explore due to the number of exhibits and articles that it has on display. The Flagship Niagara is a fun site to see when it is out sailing on the open waters of Lake Erie.

      Getting around Erie is easy since traffic is rarely ever a problem. In those rare instances where an accident backs up a particular street, you can almost always find an alternate route to get around the delay. The Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority operates a fleet of over 75 busses that serve over 30 routes on a regular basis. The service is fast, reliable, and very popular with local residents.

      Downtown Erie and Little Italy are two areas of town that consistently get high marks and recommendations from local residents. These areas are good for both first time homebuyers and those who are established with a career and kids. While Erie's public school system may not be the greatest in all of Pennsylvania, it does have teachers who care about their students' well-being.

      Erie Insurance, the Plastek Group, and Gannon University are a few of the highly-regarded employers in Erie. If you are fortunate enough to work for one of these companies, you understand what sets them apart. Erie has a good selection of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Mi Scuzi, Casablanca Grill, and Lawrence Park Dinor are just three of the many options that are available and highly recommended. If you love getting out on the water for adventure, Erie is your place to live.

      A+ Amenities

      Are there many local amenities in Erie? Yes, there are lots of amenities close to this location.

      Parks

      Holland Street Park
      Witherspoon Park
      Saint Martin Playground
      Better Housing Park
      Lake City Dwellings Park
      Purple Heart Memorial Park
      Midtown Park
      Fruits of Labor Park

      Entertainment

      Bastion Studios
      The Zone Dance Club
      Erie Veterans Memorial Stadium
      Performing Artists Collective Alliance
      City Gallery
      Graffiti Wall
      Basement Transmissions
      Erie Playhouse

      Food & Drink

      Europa Delicatessen
      Fine Wine & Good Spirits
      Chester's
      Pulakos Chocolates
      Mighty Fine Donuts
      Domino's
      Scooters
      RD Brothers Beer Store

      A+ Commute

      Is public transit available in Erie? Of all people who commute, 3.9% take public transportation in Erie.
      Drive to Work
      71%

      5% lower than the US average

      Take Public Transit
      4%

      1% lower than the US average

      Walk to Work
      5%

      2% higher than the US average

      A+ Health & Safety

      Is Erie a healthy and safe place to live? Yes, there are many hospitals, police and fire stations.

      Hospitals

      AHN Cancer Institute
      Saint Vincent Surgery Center
      Erie Veterans Medical Center
      Shriners Hospitals for Children
      Saint Vincent Hospital
      Select Specialty Hospital
      UPMC Hamot

      Pharmacies

      Rite Aid
      CVS Pharmacy
      Rite Aid
      Rite Aid
      CVS Pharmacy
      CVS Pharmacy
      Rite Aid
      Rite Aid

      Doctors

      Grandview Family Practice
      Merline Family Medicine
      Comprehensive Plastic Surgery
      Arthritis Associates of Erie
      Gaudenzia Erie
      Izbicki Family Medicine
      Orthopaedic Solutions of Pennsylvania
      Dr. Mitchell S. Humphrey