Why Erie, Pennsylvania is an Ideal Town for Retirees Seeking Waterfront Living
As retirees seek waterfront living, Erie, Pennsylvania, emerges as a prime destination. Located along the scenic shores of Lake Erie, this town combines natural beauty with a welcoming community, making it an attractive option for those looking to embrace their golden years. With four distinct seasons, Erie offers a variety of recreational opportunities year-round, from summer lakefront activities to winter festivities. Let's explore what makes Erie an ideal choice for retirees seeking a fulfilling lifestyle by the water.
Affordable Living
Aerial View of Saint Peter Cathedral in Erie, Pennsylvania.
When deciding where to settle down after retirement, cost of living is one of the biggest factors to consider. Luckily, the cost of living in Erie is pretty affordable, especially when compared to other towns and cities in the state. According to the Forbes Cost of Living Calculator, Erie’s overall cost of living is 14% lower than the cost of living in the state’s capital, Harrisburg, and 18% lower when compared to Philadelphia. The cost of housing in Erie is also attractive. According to Realtor.com, Erie’s median home price is $159,900 while the median price for homes across the US hovers around $400,000.
Easy Access to Recreational Activities
Motor boat out on Lake Erie.
Staying healthy and active in Erie is easy. Not only is the city home to the most-visited state park in Pennsylvania but it also offers nature preserves, shopping malls, a zoo, and several museums where residents can enjoy a peaceful walk. At Presque Isle State Park, visitors will find 11 miles of hiking trails most of which are beginner-friendly. The park also serves as an ideal destination for swimming in the summer and skiing/skating in the winter months.
When you’re looking to get out and about on hot days, dip inside one of the city's many museums for an afternoon stroll. Popular choices include the Erie Maritime Museum, the Erie Art Museum, the Hagen History Center, and the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. Asbury Woods is a great local spot for hiking and admiring local flora as well.
Scenic Waterfront Views Abound
Erie, Pennsylvania, USA downtown on the bayfront at dusk.
Residents in Erie Pennsylvania have waterfront views in spades. The town is situated on the shores of sparkling Lake Erie–the largest lake in the state. Residents also enjoy easy access to Presque Isle Bay, which serves as a harbor for pleasure boats. One of the best ways to soak in these waterfront views is by visiting Presque Isle State Park. The park lies on a small peninsula and offers a wide range of activities including picnicking, wildlife watching, swimming, boating, and hiking. Presque Isle also appeals to bird watchers as it is home to more endangered, threatened, and rare bird species than all other areas of Pennsylvania combined.
For more casual enjoyment of the waterfront, Erie’s Bayfront District has plenty on offer. Residents can take the elevator to the top of the popular Bicentennial Tower where the birds-eye views are practically unbeatable. There are also several restaurants in the area offering waterfront views and mouth-watering food. Some of the more popular options include Two45 Waterfront Grille inside the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel and Shoreline Bar & Grille inside the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel.
Experience All Four Seasons
Pond in Asbury Woods nature center in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Another major benefit to living in Erie is the climate. The city experiences all four seasons but strays away from extreme heat and extreme cold. In January–the city’s coldest month–the average temperature hovers around 21.3°F according to weather.gov. On the flip side, July–arguably the hottest month–sees average temperatures of 81.1°F.
When snowfall hits Erie, it tends to be quite heavy making it difficult to navigate. However, this precipitation does not normally stay for long as winter sees plenty of warmer days that cause the snow to melt. Perhaps one of the most enjoyable seasons in the city is fall. From mid-September to mid-October, the fall foliage in Erie is vibrant and abundant.
Welcoming Community
Middle aged grey-haired hair man watching an open air live world music concert.
With a population of roughly 93,511, Erie is far from being defined as a small town. Yet, the city still boasts a welcoming atmosphere that gives off a sort of small-town charm. Residents here will have the opportunity to participate in an abundance of community events that help bring neighbors together. One quick glance at the Erie community events calendar and you will find yourself spoiled for choice. Examples of events you may find here include various plays and live musical performances, wine tastings, holiday-themed events such as ghost tours, and craft festivals.
Home to a Growing Senior Population
Although the median age of Erie residents is 34, the city is also home to a growing senior population. The bulk of residents fall under the 18-64 age range, while 17% of residents are aged 65 or higher. To break that information down a little more, 21.5% of the population is 60 years or older and 8.1% of the population is 75 years or older, according to information provided on the Erie Government website. Since the 1970s, Erie has had The Erie County Department of Senior Services. This official department ensures that seniors living in Erie have access to services and have someone to advocate on their behalf.
Highly Rated Retirement Communities
Retired Couple Sitting On Bench With Hot Drink In Assisted Living Facility.
In addition to a growing senior population, Erie also boasts a well-respected selection of senior and retirement homes. According to Seniorhousing.net, the city is home to roughly 58 retirement homes and assisted living facilities. Rates at these facilities range from $607 to $5700. And although that’s quite a vast range, there is one thing all of these communities have in common: high Google ratings! With most facilities receiving at least 4 or more stars, the options are great for retirees who aren’t interested in buying an entire house.
In Conclusion
In addition to the obvious benefits of living near the water, Erie Pennsylvania offers retirees plenty of fun things to see and do, chances to stay active, a long list of community events, and an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Paired with the relatively low cost of living, Erie is shaping up to be a haven for retired people looking to get the most out of their golden years.
