Whats Erie, Pa like for someone in their mid 20's? (Pittsburgh: income, taxes)

[pittsteelerfan]

Originally Posted by scottrpriester

I think it would rate top ten in being dense mentally too.

lol......Good one!

[MarinoG711]

Originally Posted by pittsteelerfan

lol......Good one!

yeah... awesome...

[worldpeece]

This post has gotten WAY off topic. Anyway, just wanted to give the OP my two cents. I just recently moved back to Erie after being gone for 16 years and I absolutely love it. To stay on topic, there is plenty to do for a person of any age or gender. As far as churches, there are tons of them so I’m sure you will find one that you’ll be happy with. My suggestion would be to attend various churches and pick whatever one you like best.

You ask if people are friendly here. I think there are friendly and unfriendly people everywhere you go. My experience has been that the vast majority of people in Erie are very friendly and down to earth. Of course you come across the occasional jerk, but you’ll run into “that guy” anywhere. I don’t think you will have any problem meeting new friends. I have met many new friends (and re-acquainted with old friends) since moving back. I’ve met friends at work, the gym, church, etc…

You will have no problem living a good life style making $45,000 a year. A lot of people would love to be making that kind of money. You should be able to find a nice place to live for under $100k. Obviously the more you spend, the nicer the house. If you want to rent, you can get a nice place in the $500-$700 range.

I have lived in Northern Va , Pittsburgh , and most recently Columbus , OH . Comparing those cities to Erie is comparing apples to oranges. It’s all about what you are looking for. All cities have their pros and cons. I personally like the smaller city. While there are no pro sport teams, there are plenty of minor league teams. I prefer the minor league games, as I have more fun at them and the atmosphere is more relaxed. I love the fun things they do between innings and I love not having to wait an hour to leave the parking lot. Of course if you want to attend a pro game, you are within 2 1/2 hours to several pro teams. I still make it to Pittsburgh to watch the Steelers once or twice a season. Erie is finally starting to revitalize itself. They are really trying to get people to move downtown and become more active in the community. They are converting some older buildings into condos now. The summer in Erie is awesome. The lake is incredible. They also shut down downtown for all kinds of events. I’m really glad I’m a part of it.

Bottom line is that you have to make up your own mind. If you’re looking for a big city, Erie is not for you. If you’re looking for a nice little city, Erie just might be what you’re looking for. I would certainly try to have a job before you got here though. I don't think jobs are plentiful anywhere during this recession.

Last, but not least, don’t believe the ignorant people that are stereotyping Erie . Erie is not a “closed minded un-accepting” city. EVERY city has it’s people that agree and don’t agree with any topic you can think of. I think it's funny that the people calling Erie Closed minded are showing that they are the ones who are closed minded as if you don't agree with their thought you are wrong. This country was founded on freedom of speech, religion, etc... Anyway, good luck with your decision and good luck wherever you decide to go.

[sdk9]

Im thinking of moving to Erie Pa from San Diego, Ca. for a job a promotion but wanted to know if anybody has any views on racial divison in that area. My wife is Filipina and i do not want her to experience any negative experiences as far as being treated like an outcast. Anybody has any inputs on this matter?

[ghandi 1920]

Originally Posted by sdk9

Im thinking of moving to Erie Pa from San Diego, Ca. for a job a promotion but wanted to know if anybody has any views on racial divison in that area. My wife is Filipina and i do not want her to experience any negative experiences as far as being treated like an outcast. Anybody has any inputs on this matter?

Erie has a pretty big immigrant population (a lot from the middle east, Africa, eastern Europe) for a city of its size, so people are generally used to a racial mix. I don't think she'd be treated like an outcast by any means, but she would still definitely be a minority and will have to actively seek out people of her ethnic background, if she so chose. Being of a minority background myself, I know that I sometimes stand out in some settings in Erie. But I have never felt persecuted in any way whatsoever because of my race. Erie is primarily American white and black, but there is also a sizeable Hispanic population (mainly Puerto Rican and Dominican). Overall, the Asian community is small, but there is a growing population (mainly Vietnamese). I'm sure it will not feel anywhere near as diverse as San Diego, but if she gave it some time, it won't be too bad. That's what I realized. Overall, I like it here. I came here about 6 years ago for grad school and haven't left. It's a tough old city, but generally the people are pretty nice and accepting.

[sdk9]

Thank you for the input. i will let her know that. Is there anybody else have different experiences in Erie about this topic.? Thank you.

[Deelite178]

I moved from Erie to Alexandria one year ago, and I hear you about the complaints of DC and the people. I do miss Erie. I was in Erie all through my 20's, (only 30 now) and I made lots of friends and had a blast. As long as you aren't up for the big clubs and constant entertainment, it is hard to beat. The people for the most part are friendly, alot friendlier than where you and I live!! With your salary ranging 40-55K you will do well. The cost of living is great compared to what we have in NOVA. We had a 2 bedroom flat with garage and basement and rent was 520 + utilities. One caution though: It SNOWS ALOT! And in Erie they do not close things down, even during heavy snowfalls, blizzards! Not like DC! Get a 4 wheel drive and you will be good. Alot of small bars, most singles complain it is hard to meet other people, but I guess you have to look! Take a weekend trip to Erie and check it out for yourself. No mega churches, but sure that some have young singles involved. Erie isn't fashion forward, and sometimes it feels like they are behind, but now with internet, satillite radio, cable, Erie is connected to the world and exposed to more. Best thing is that depending on where you live, no traffic congestion. I only live 9 miles from DC and work and it takes me an hour to get there (shuttles and metro). I miss driving two miles, parking (yes, parking), and walking into work!!

[sdk9]

Hey guys anybody know if i can support a family in Erie with a $67k per year income? I know in California its hard. Dont know about the average household income in Erie. Anybody have any idea? Thank you for the replies.

[scottrpriester]

Originally Posted by sdk9

Hey guys anybody know if i can support a family in Erie with a $67k per year income? I know in California its hard. Dont know about the average household income in Erie. Anybody have any idea? Thank you for the replies.

I'm certain you could.

I lived in Erie most of my life, now living in Pittsburgh.

I make close to 50K on my own and my wife makes around 35K, and we were just saying that if we could make that kind of money in Erie we would be living more than well.

You will do fine.

[sdk9]

Does anybody know what the average househould income in Erie Pa is?