Erie, PA

Erie, Pennsylvania’s third-largest city, is a major port and industrial center in the northwest corner of the state. The lake is a popular destination for fishing and boating, and Presque Isle State Park, Pennsylvania’s largest state park, offers water recreation and good beaches. The downtown area is plain but a new waterfront redevelopment project is taking root with a new convention center and park facilities. The city has some minor cultural amenities and museums and a minor-league baseball team. While only General Electric diesel-electric locomotive building remains from the ranks of the large manufacturers in the early 21st century, a more diverse mix of mid-sized industries has emerged. This broader economic base includes not only smaller and more agile steel and plastic plants, but also a vigorous service sector: health, insurance and tourism.