Edinboro is named after the city of Edinburgh, Scotland's capital, and the Edinboro University athletic teams are named the Fighting Scots. The university is unusual in that it has a pipe band and teaches bag-piping as part of its music program. Several streets in the town are named after parts of Scotland, including Banff Drive and Highland Drive.
Edinboro is a small, charming borough in Erie County. It covers just over two square miles and has a population of 6,438. The area is home to Edinboro University and Edinboro Lake, as well as the Mount Pleasant of Edinboro resort. The town is located 23 miles from Erie, and 110 miles from Pittsburgh.
Moving to Edinboro
Edinboro's housing market is fairly healthy, which is good news for anyone looking to buy a place. Sizeable houses with attractive gardens are sprinkled all over town at reasonable prices. Almost all of the owner-occupied places in Edinboro are detached houses.
In terms of rental properties, there are fewer options if you are hoping to find a house: they make up less than 25 percent of the rentals in Edinboro. It is worth looking around, but it is best to give yourself plenty of time.
On the other hand, if you are seeking an apartment to rent in Edinboro there are lots of options. You will find that many of the apartments for rent are geared towards students at the university and campus accessibility, but there are plenty of other buildings in the rest of the town. Most of these are condo rentals, but there are smaller buildings with one or two residences in each to consider, too. The best way to approach renting in Edinboro is to start looking early and consider whether or not you want to be close to the university campus.
Neighborhoods in Edinboro
Edinboro is a small town, but it can be divided into two neighborhoods: the central part of Edinboro, known as the Borough Center, and Franklin Center/Francis, which surrounds it.
Borough Center: Most of the real estate in this area is made up of studio apartments and smaller properties. The location is very convenient for travel: it is right on Route 6N and Route 99. Most people drive or walk to get around. This central area is close to many local amenities, including the local dentist, pharmacy, and chain restaurants like Pizza Hut.
Franklin Center/Francis: This is the slightly more rural part of town, but it is still easy to access local amenities here; it takes less than ten minutes to drive into the center of Edinboro and Route 79 runs right through Franklin Center. The most popular way to travel around here is by car, but cycling on the quiet roads is also an option. There are numerous stores and places to eat, including a few car dealerships and Charlie's Pub and Eatery.
Apartment Communities
Stonehaven Rentals: Located in the southeast of town, this community is made up of apartments with one, two, or three bedrooms as well as three-bedroom townhouses. Residents have access to free Wi-fi, a laundry facility, 24-hour emergency maintenance, and an exercise facility. It is also right next to Norman's Deli and Pizzeria if you don't feel like cooking. If you choose to live here you can be close to the town center while still having plenty of access to green spaces.
Country Square Apartments: This community in the northeast of Edinboro is close to the highway, easily accessible from the center of town, and near Edinboro Lake. Erie Mall is nearby for any other shopping needs. This complex offers one- or two-bedroom apartments for rent at a reasonable price that includes heat, water, and sewer costs so all you have to pay for is electricity. Management is based on-site and the entire area is thoroughly maintained. This is a great choice if you are looking for somewhere simple and convenient.
Living in Edinboro
It is easiest to get around town by car or on a bicycle. The town's proximity to Routes 79, 99, and 6N make it ideal for those who have to travel outside the town regularly. Within the town center and surrounding areas there is plenty of parking and streets are laid out in grids so it's easy to navigate. Cycling locally is also straightforward, and there are some great bike trails for the more adventurous; some lead all the way to Erie or go around Edinboro Lake.
In terms of public transport, the bus service is run by the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority. Buses are limited in the area, however, and the route tends to favor the university campus. If you need to take a train, the nearest Amtrak station can be found half an hour away in Erie.
There are a lot of fun things to do in Edinboro. If you don't feel like watching the Fighting Scots play, you can visit Mount Pleasant to go skiing or snowboarding. Mount Pleasant is also home to Edinboro's Annual Antique Extravaganza, where you can wander around antique stalls and enjoy food from the resort's Slope Side Grill.
For more day-to-day entertainment, try sailing and fishing on Edinboro Lake, or visit one of the many local parks. Triangle Park is ideal for picnics, and Chestnut Park is equipped with a kids' playground complex. The area's American Legion also maintains a heated swimming pool with swimming programs for all ages.
There are some great places to eat in Edinboro. The Flip Cafe and Bakery on Meadville Street offers great American cuisine at reasonable prices. If you are looking for a fine dining experience, the Edinboro Hotel Bar has been in business since the early 20th century. It offers a delicious range of steaks, pastas, and wines to suit even the most discerning palate.