Whats Erie, Pa like for someone in their mid 20's? (Pittsburgh: for rent, how much)

[sdk9]

Your right by going there you will get a feel for the place or the people but realistically spending a couple of days there will not give anybody the feel of the people and the area. Thats why i asked people in this forum for their opinions of Erie. Diversity? I went there for a couple of days and i have to say that it wasnt as diversed as somebody mentioned here. People have different reactions to me and my wife walking the malls and the restaurants.

[scottrpriester]

Originally Posted by sdk9

Your right by going there you will get a feel for the place or the people but realistically spending a couple of days there will not give anybody the feel of the people and the area. Thats why i asked people in this forum for their opinions of Erie. Diversity? I went there for a couple of days and i have to say that it wasnt as diversed as somebody mentioned here. People have different reactions to me and my wife walking the malls and the restaurants.

There's no way you are going to notice Erie's diversity in just a couple of days. You have to be out and about in specific parts of the city to see this.

If you were to walk around my home town of North East, PA (suburban Erie) you would never see the diversity either.

[sdk9]

My question is, people in Erie or the surronding areas accepting of other races. I am half Polish and filipino and my wife is filipina also (Philippine island). I was born and raised here in the states but my wife didnt. I dont want her to experience any racism. Like i said that is why im here in this forum asking for opinions from people that lives or lived there. Any inout would be great.

Originally Posted by scottrpriester

There's no way you are going to notice Erie's diversity in just a couple of days. You have to be out and about in specific parts of the city to see this.

If you were to walk around my home town of North East, PA (suburban Erie) you would never see the diversity either.

[scottrpriester]

Originally Posted by sdk9

My question is, people in Erie or the surronding areas accepting of other races. I am half Polish and filipino and my wife is filipina also (Philippine island). I was born and raised here in the states but my wife didnt. I dont want her to experience any racism. Like i said that is why im here in this forum asking for opinions from people that lives or lived there. Any inout would be great.

No one here or anywhere can say that you will or won't experience racism. I would say you are least likely to experience it living in the city, but some of the outlying suburbs, especially some of the eastern suburbs such as North East, Harborcreek, Wesleyville, Lawrence Park may be a different story. Even in those cases, I'm sure it won't be harassing, but the communities that I mentioned are predominately white and have been for years and years.

[sdk9]

Originally Posted by scottrpriester

No one here or anywhere can say that you will or won't experience racism. I would say you are least likely to experience it living in the city, but some of the outlying suburbs, especially some of the eastern suburbs such as North East, Harborcreek, Wesleyville, Lawrence Park may be a different story. Even in those cases, I'm sure it won't be harassing, but the communities that I mentioned are predominately white and have been for years and years.

I was thinking about living in Millcreek outskirts of erie since i will be working by Lake Erie. How is that area?

[scottrpriester]

Originally Posted by sdk9

I was thinking about living in Millcreek outskirts of erie since i will be working by Lake Erie. How is that area?

I believe Millcreek is still considered the largest township in Erie County. It has a lot to offer. I would say you would be more apt to find a more well to do, accepting population there than you would in the communities I mentioned. A lot of doctors, lawyers and business people live in the general Millcreek and Fairview areas.

[sdk9]

Originally Posted by scottrpriester

I believe Millcreek is still considered the largest township in Erie County. It has a lot to offer. I would say you would be more apt to find a more well to do, accepting population there than you would in the communities I mentioned. A lot of doctors, lawyers and business people live in the general Millcreek and Fairview areas.

Thank you for the info you have shared and your honesty. I sure hope that millcreek is a lot better than the the small towns you have mentioned and will be more accepting. Is there only one mall in millcreek? Once again thank you for the info.

[scottrpriester]

Originally Posted by sdk9

Thank you for the info you have shared and your honesty. I sure hope that millcreek is a lot better than the the small towns you have mentioned and will be more accepting. Is there only one mall in millcreek? Once again thank you for the info.

One mall, but quite a few plazzas. The Millcreek Mall is pretty large, just went through a renovation.

Again, more of the upstanding people who live in Erie live in the Millcreek and Fairview area (another nice borough and Township to check out) live in these areas. Since there a fair number of foreign doctors, these areas along with the City of Erie are much more used to different cultures than the communities I mentioned.

[sdk9]

how much is an average elctricty and heat bill in Erie Pa. in the winter time? Lets just say for a 2 to 3 bedroom house.

[weightyghost]

Erie is a great city for those under 20 and over 60 years old. We moved away a few years ago for work and found going elsewhere a good experience. We came back for work, and before long, we will look to leave again. Quite simply, it is a small town mentality with just enough big town amenities to make it tolerable.

The weather for some can be a major adjustment. You will see 4 seasons, but winters can be long. October through March will feel as if the sun does not exist. Spring, summer, and fall can be enjoyable, with enough activities to keep you busy.

From an economy and career standpoint, you are in a tough situation. You either need to be in the medical fields for each of the hospitals, insurance/IT at Erie Insurance, yet firms like GE and Lord are scaling back. The other caveat is that given the limited job opportunites, the main employers do pay less than national averages, knowing they don't have to (a very strong "take it or leave it/whatca gonna do about it" mentality). In short, you can earn enough to have a decent life, but don't expect to set the world on fire.

A new home in a nice area can be had for $180-200k, and rents in nice apartments can top out at $800/month. Utilities are reasonable. If you earn $40-50k annually in Erie you are considered better than average. People are friendly for the most part, but not always receptive to 'transplants'. Churches? Pick your flavor, it here.

In short, the people I have met who earn large salaries (and by that I mean >$100k) are doctors, lawyers, and senior managers hired at GE, Lord, or the hospitals. If you are ambitious and want to really develop a career and earnings potential, it is not the best city for that. A better example is Erie Insurance, who most people hope to get employed by. They offer a decent benefits package, and a salary of $40k is considered a 'very good' income by their standards. Conversely, a friend of mine took a job similar to his Erie job in another state, and was paid twice what he made here.

Erie is neither bad nor good - it is what it is - a rust belt town struggling to survive as it's manufacturing base dwindles. Companies are moving work offshore or to more business-friendly states. It relies on tourism (strange when it gets 4 months of marketable weather) and professional services. It's size and employer base is one quickly affected by economic downturns, slow to recover, and comes out with less than what the had prior to the downturn.

If you are in a career with relative safety in Erie, you are OK. However, those who get laid off or have their firms close, find they must 'settle' for what's available to remain here. Others wisely leave for better opportunities. If you have two steady/secure incomes, you can raise a family and have a nice life. It simply depends on what you want from life.