Erie Warnings and Dangers

Please be careful downtown! This part of Erie just isn't what it used to be, and what was once a lovely neighborhood bustling with German families is now full of crack houses. Keep in mind that crime runs hand-in-hand with the city's high unemployment and urban decay.

If you should visit Erie on Amtrak, be especially vigilant in the vicinity of the train station. The only Amtrak trains servicing Erie both arrive and depart during the middle of the night, so the train station is only operational between 2:00 am - 6:00 am.

I'm from Ontario and on the way home I missed our exit and landed in Erie at 2am... I was downtown driving around looking for the highway, even stopping and getting out to spread a map and stretch our legs. There are places that look a little "run down", but it certainly didn't strike me as a dangerous place. And as a female with a confused tourist look and clearly out of town car, we were prime suspects for muggings/robbings :P We even asked for directions and were nicely pointed the right way and given a free map. The only warning I'd have is the lack of I-90 signs (jk). Nice little town and I'll come back and visit when the stores are open for sure.

I am from erie and will admit that we are not the town that is free of crime, but we do care very much about our travelers!! Erie has several things to down town and around erie. The places where many travelers visit are always well kept and in areas that are safe!! If you go into residential areas DOWN TOWN there is some crime,but those areas are not around the main tourist area. And if you travel into millcreek to summet township which is only about a 10 min drive with a straight shot up State St you will not see any crime. You really can enjoy the small town feel with a modern update!! Erie has done alot of improvements in the downtown area the past few years to make the area feel more welcoming!! We do take pride in the downtown area! We have weekly small events and many other events that attract people from all over the U.S.!!! We take pride in erie and what we have to offer! Im not sure said the city was run down but its not!!! they may have been around while road work was going on and if so i could see their point but this person needs to realize that the road work is only done to help make the visit more enjoyable!! My point is that if you are looking for a nice family vaca erie is a great place to chose with alot of activitys to keep you busy during your trip!!!!!!