Some pictures from my trip to Erie (Pittsburgh, Penn: condo, crime)

[PreservationPioneer]

I thought some of you might enjoy seeing a few pictures of Erie, our neighbor to the north (and the 4th largest city in PA). I visited Erie over the weekend, and have sunburn on my legs to prove that I spent most of the day on the beach.

Erie was more urban and historic than I expected. The downtown reminded me of Flint, Michigan, although was more historic (and it certainly doesn't have the crime Flint has). The great thing about Erie is that all of the core city neighborhoods seem easily walkable to downtown. It's flat and on a grid, and Lake Erie and its beaches are right there. There is a fabulous historic district on W. 6th Street, which I did not have time to photograph. All I'm going to say about it is "Millionaire's Row." This is condensed down from 133 photos to what I feel is essential. Look for the rest on my blog when I get around to posting them (I feel lazy).

I definitely recommend a trip to Erie. The beaches were beautiful, the water was just warm enough for swimming (barely, though), and the downtown and its neighborhoods are nice to walk around and explore. The city has a welcoming, comfortable vibe.













One of many mansions in the W. 6th St. Historic District.



"The Cashier's House," circa 1830s.



Early and mid-19th century homes are scattered around the downtown.



This was the restaurant we ate at downtown, "Pufferbelly." The food and atmosphere were amazing.



Mansion built in 1862.









The man in this picture told us that he was "not homeless, just moving," and kindly offered to take our picture.

[Ohiogirl81]

Nice pix. Not surprised the water is still cold; Mom says it's been raining a lot.

Ask to have this moved to the general Pennsylvania forum, where more people might see them. Just a suggestion.

[MathmanMathman]

Don't know much about Erie. But my impression from Google maps is that I'm surprised they don't "embrace" the lake more. Not a lot of development right along the lake. Same for Cleveland.

[BrianTH]

Erie always reminds me of a Great Lakes town more than a Southwest PA town.

[RockLobster]

I worked in Erie forecasting the weather for three years and really liked the city quite a bit. I lived downtown on State Street in a penthouse condo.. Great views of the bay and open lake. Would take a five minute walk with my spinning rod in the eve and catch 2-4 pound smallmouth bass. Lake effect snows south of I-90 and summer thunderstorms made the local climate quite fun to forecast. Great minor league baseball park right downtown and a host of out door venues make the town fun. despite my love for the burgh and being a native burgher, I have a big warm spot for Erie... Hope GE locomotive continues to be a strong story up there.

[bradjl2009]

Originally Posted by RockLobster

I worked in Erie forecasting the weather for three years and really liked the city quite a bit. I lived downtown on State Street in a penthouse condo.. Great views of the bay and open lake. Would take a five minute walk with my spinning rod in the eve and catch 2-4 pound smallmouth bass. Lake effect snows south of I-90 and summer thunderstorms made the local climate quite fun to forecast. Great minor league baseball park right downtown and a host of out door venues make the town fun. despite my love for the burgh and being a native burgher, I have a big warm spot for Erie... Hope GE locomotive continues to be a strong story up there.

That must have been a fun place to be a meteorologist lol!

[TechieTransplant]

Originally Posted by BrianTH

Erie always reminds me of a Great Lakes town more than a Southwest PA town.

LOL...........there's a good reason for that.......

[BrianTH]

Originally Posted by scottrpriester

LOL...........there's a good reason for that.......

Indeed, but it goes beyond just the presence of the lake--I'm also thinking in terms of the built environment and (from my admittedly limited experience) the culture.

[gg]

Thanks for sharing your trip. The little downtown is nice.

[TechieTransplant]

As much as there is to love about living in the City of Pittsburgh, there's lots I miss about Erie. My mother had her knee replaced in late March, and as we were leaving Hamot Hospital (whoops, now UPMC Hamot), we drove up State Street at 4pm and said to my wife, "now this is rush hour". A much more calm rush hour than we are used to here.

Lots of great memories living in the city. Erie has a miniature PNC Park called Jerry Uht Park, which is a great place to see a ball game.
The architecture on 6th Street and also on West 10th Street is something to behold. Presque Isle State park of course is the gem of Erie County. So many great things, but so many locals with the mind set that they live in hell.