Conveniently located between Niagara Falls and Cleveland, the city of Erie, Pa. is one of the Keystone State's finest communities. Pennsylvania's fourth-largest city is often dubbed "Gem City" due to its location next to the shimmering bay near Lake Erie. Many commuters find themselves in Erie apartments for rent because of its ideal location near Interstates 79, 90 and 86, and its bustling manufacturing core. Many people also enjoying living in Erie because it is easy on their wallet. According to City-Data, the cost of living index in Erie is nearly 8 percent below the national average, making it a very affordable place to live.

Erie saw its beginning in 1795 after the Erie Triangle Purchase and grew quickly since it is the state's only lake port city. The city got its name after the Eriez Native Americans and literally means "raccoon." According to the city's website, Field Stream Magazine name Erie one of the top family-friendly fishing spots in the country, due to its lakefront location. A blue-collar community, one-fourth of the jobs in this city are in manufacturing, with General Electric Transportation Systems - one of the biggest locomotive-building industry leaders in the country - being the city's biggest employer. Despite having a population of more than 101,000 residents, according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau, the city still retains a small-town atmosphere than many families appreciate.

One of the city's most historical lakeside attractions is the Erie Land Light, the oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Servicing boats and ships since 1818, this city relic was permanently closed at the turn of the 20th century, but still remains a part of Dunn Park. After many restoration projects over the years, many residents take great pride in this physical representation of Erie's past.

To find your next rental apartment or house in Erie, take a look at our listings on Rent®.