Presque Isle State Park defines waterfront living in Erie with 7 miles of beaches, hiking trails, and the historic Presque Isle Lighthouse. The 3,200-acre peninsula welcomes over 4 million visitors annually for swimming, sailing, and kayaking on Lake Erie. The Tom Ridge Environmental Center provides educational programs about the park's ecology, while its observation tower presents panoramic views. Waldameer Park & Water World combines thrill rides with water slides, and the Erie Maritime Museum showcases naval history through the U.S. Brig Niagara. The dining scene features exceptional restaurants like Oliver's Rooftop, rated 4.7 stars from 2,524 reviews, and Mi Scuzi, an Italian favorite with 4.6 stars from 944 reviews.
The housing market in Erie presents diverse options across its neighborhoods. Single-family homes in Millcreek have a median price of $270,600, while similar homes in Glenwood command a median of $255,900. The median price for single-family homes citywide is $185,000, with townhomes at $161,400. One-bedroom condos have a median price of $120,000, and two-bedroom condos reach $287,000.
Erie's cost of living sits 1.6% below the national average. A family with school-age children needs $108,000 annually to live comfortably, while renters require $52,000. The effective property tax rate is 1.62%, lower than nearby Buffalo and Cleveland at 2.08%. Groceries cost 1.3% below the national average, though gasoline at $3.677 per gallon exceeds the national average of $3.243. Education options include Northwest Pennsylvania Collegiate Academy, rated A by Niche, and Leadership Christian Academy, rated A+. Three universities, Gannon, Mercyhurst, and Penn State Erie-Behrend College, serve the community.
