Moving Service in Erie

We are the same price with compared with renting a truck in Erie and doing it your self. But when you consider we do all the work and assume all the risk - we are cheaper than ANY DIY plan you could have.

Hi, we’re Colonial Van and Storage. After 46 years of serving customers across almost every corner of the USA—from little farming towns and exciting waterfront cities to concrete jungles—we’d love to share our unique perspective on each of the cities below:

recognized for its beautiful shoreline and outdoor activities this city offers numerous summer festivals and waterfront fun.

Spring 2025 Moves in Erie

June 2025

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We are local here in Erie @ 945 Downing Avenue Erie, PA 16511

Erie

Hi, we’re Colonial Van and Storage. After decades of moves across this great country, we understand what matters most when choosing a new place to call home. From tight-knit small towns to bustling waterfront cities and sprawling urban centers, we’ve seen it all—including right here in Erie, Pennsylvania.

If you’re considering Erie, you want more than just a place to live—you want the right neighborhood, lifestyle, and a stress-free move to get you there. That’s why we’ve put together 12 big reasons why this could be your perfect destination—and 8 things you’ll want to think about before packing up. With the right plan and the right movers, your transition can be smooth, efficient, and exactly what you expect.

Call directly (704) 594-0420

12 Great Perks about Erie … and 8 Potential Drawbacks

Firstly why Erie, Pennsylvania?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

  • City: Erie
  • State: Pennsylvania
  • Population: 93,430 people
  • Erie’s quick summary would be recognized for its beautiful shoreline and outdoor activities this city offers numerous summer festivals and waterfront fun.

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

  • How many people move-in: 700 annually
  • While this many move-out: 315 annually
  • Net Migration: 385 more people in (net) annual change
  • Non-Citizen Move-in: 890
  • Number of Homeless people: 374

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it offers a laid-back lifestyle with access to the Great Lakes attracting families


Perk #1: Erie Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

  • The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 30%
  • Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 60%
  • Largest Local Ethnic Group is White
  • The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
  • The median income is (and growing)  $43,640
  • Income Required to Live Comfortably in Erie is $61,000
  • Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $17360 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?


Perk #2: Housing & Erie’s Cost of Living

  • Cost of Living Index: 89 (100 is the US average)
  • Annual Property Tax Per House: $1,600
  • Property Tax %: 2.2%
  • Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $1,200
  • Rent for an average house: $1,500
  • Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Erie
  • Top 5 Growing Areas: Erie, Millcreek, and probably could include Summit
  • Avg. Age of Homes in Erie: 57 years
  • The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 1.5%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.


Perk #3: Job Market & Erie’s Economy

  • 3 Industries gaining traction in Erie are  Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Retail
  • Erie Job Scene: steady job market focused on healthcare and education
  • The General Tech Scene: limited tech focus focused on local services and tourism industries , ,
  • Erie Resident’s pay $1,400 in City Tax alone!
  • Local Sales Tax in Erie: 6%
  • No. of Independent Businesses: 200 (excluding chains and corporates)
  • Number of Local Branch Banks: 5

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.


Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Erie

  • Monthly Transportation Costs: $97 on average per person
  • Freeway Access: I-90 runs through Erie connecting it to major routes across PA
  • Commute Time: 25 minutes (public & private)
  • Main Evening Traffic Area: traffic jams on Route 20
  • Transportation Score: 29 out of 100 described as Some Transit
  • No. of Vehicles Registered in Erie: 40,000
  • Cars registered per Person: 0.4
  • No. of Car Washes: 3 in and around the city
  • DMV Website for Erie: dot.state.pa.us
  • The Bike-Friendly Score: 50 of 100
  • Local Airport: Erie International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.


Perk #5: Erie’s Weather & Natural Factors

  • The Most Common Natural Disaster is Flood
  • General Weather in Erie is best described as has cold snowy winters and humid warm summers with ample annual rainfall
  • Winter Weather in Erie i’d describe as cold with heavy snow
  • Spring Weather in Erie can be described as cool with rain expected
  • Summer’s in Erie are mostly mild and humid
  • Fall ( the nicest time) in Erie is usually cool with potential rain
  • How many days in a row over 90°F: 9 days in summer
  • Days in a row in Erie below Freezing: 45
  • Average Annual Rainfall: 44 inches
  • Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality largely intact due to minimal pollution
  • Erie Winter Air generally good air quality few pollution effects

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.


Perk #6: Erie Education & Schools

  • The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
  • Number of Colleges and Universities in Erie 5
  • While the number of trade schools inside Eries’s city limits are 3
  • Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Erie County Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.


Perk #7: Healthcare & Erie Stats

  • Typical EMS Response Time: 12 minutes
  • Registered Full-Time Erie only Doctors is about 100
  • Local Hospitals here is  3
  • Full-time Erie only Police Officers is about 120
  • Crime Rate Index: 74/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.


Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

  • Erie’s Monthly utility bill average is $180
  • Erie’s Monthly Gym Membership: $30
  • Erie’s Water Quality Score: 66

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.


Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Erie

  • Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 3 annually
  • The General Local City Vibe: city on the lake with a focus on tourism and outdoor activities
  • You might enjoy live performances at the Erie Art Museum
  • Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Erie  offers a relaxed nightlife filled with local bars restaurants and occasional live music events for social enjoyment

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.


Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Erie

  • The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a range of seafood restaurants and local favorites
  • The Number of Independent Restaurants are 100 scattered around Erie
  • The Popular Sports Team is Erie SeaWolves
  • Top Level Political Climate in Erie can be described as politically mixed city balancing economic challenges and growth
  • Erie’s Longer standing religious establishment is Grace Church of Erie

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.


Perk #11: Erie Parks & Green Spaces

  • Did you know Erie has 12 Parks?
  • Erie Bluffs State Park is Erie’s Green Space Center
  • The local favorite Farmers Market is Erie Farmers Market normally open Saturday 8am-1pm
  • Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, beach activities, and fishing

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.


Perk #12: Erie Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

  • The Pace of Life in Erie can be described as moderate pace with a strong focus on the Great Lakes and community events
  • 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Erie visiting outdoor attractions picnicking at parks hiking
  • The Cities people commute to from Erie are Ambridge 14 miles away Beaver-Falls 11 miles away New-Brunswick 16 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.


8 Drawbacks about Erie or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

  1. Traffic/Commute Issues
    Maybe you read: traffic jams on Route 20. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
  2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
    Erie’s Flood risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
  3. Pricey Neighborhoods
    If Erie is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Erie are Ambridge 14 miles away Beaver-Falls 11 miles away New-Brunswick 16 miles away.
  4. Crime Rate Concerns
    With a 74 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
  5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
    Erie has 45 days in a row below freezing and 9 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
  6. Limited Extra Funds
    After general costs of living here in Erie people have an average (positive or negative) $17360 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
  7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
    374 homeless people living in Erie. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
  8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
    The general politically mixed city balancing economic challenges and growth could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Erie.

Retiree & Senior Life in Erie

  • Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may enjoy property tax reductions for low-income homes providing affordable living
  • The most established Senior Citizen Community is The Gardens
  • Erie Senior Center features a variety of activities educational workshops and meal services for older adults

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.


Moving to Erie, Pennsylvania?

If Erie, Pennsylvania ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Erie, Pennsylvania, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!

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