Discover Your New Home in Crawford County.
Interested in turning in your hotel key for a house key? Crawford County is where a strong sense of community meets endless opportunity. Here, a rich history, a thriving local economy, and stunning natural beauty come together to create an exceptional quality of life.
Located just a two-hour drive from major metropolitan areas like Buffalo (NY), Cleveland (OH), and Pittsburgh (PA), our prime location offers the perfect balance—you can enjoy a peaceful, small-town lifestyle while staying connected to big-city opportunities.
Unbeatable Affordability: Your Homeownership Dream Starts Here
This is often the first thing people notice, and for good reason! In Crawford County, your hard-earned money goes significantly further, especially when it comes to housing. Forget competing for small, expensive apartments; here, the dream of homeownership is a tangible reality.
- Median Home Value in Meadville: Average from $115,000 – $145,000 (as of 2023 data). Compare that to the higher median prices in larger metropolitan areas, and you’ll see the immediate advantage. The average home value in Pittsburgh, PA is around $234,424.
- Rent Comparisons: While specific Meadville rent comparisons to Pittsburgh or Cleveland can vary, generally, you’ll find substantially more space and value for your rent dollar here. Pittsburgh’s average rent for a 3-bedroom single-family home was around $1,806 a month in Q3 2023. Imagine what that budget could get you in Crawford County! The current average rent in Crawford County ranges from $554 for a studio to $1,127 for a three bedroom.
- Safe, Family-Friendly Neighborhoods: Our communities are known for their low crime rates and welcoming atmosphere, providing peace of mind for you and your family. Enjoy quiet streets, community parks, and a strong sense of belonging.
The Commute You’ve Always Dreamed Of
Tired of endless traffic jams and soul-crushing commutes? In Crawford County, those are a distant memory.
- Average Commute Time: In Crawford County, the average commute time is an between 10-22 minutes. For Meadville specifically, the average commute time is an astonishing 14.2 minutes (as of 2023 data).
- Pennsylvania’s Best: Meadville boasts the 3rd best commuting time in all of Pennsylvania, with over 65% of workers enjoying a commute of less than 15 minutes! Imagine reclaiming hours of your day, every day, for yourself and your loved ones. This adds real, tangible value to your quality of life that big city living simply can’t match.
Endless Things to Do: A Vibrant Life Beyond the City Limits
Think small town means nothing to do? Think again! Crawford County offers a surprisingly rich and diverse array of activities and cultural experiences.
- Local Flavors & Fun: Explore vibrant downtowns with unique local restaurants and welcoming breweries. Enjoy seasonal festivals, captivating art events, and live music.
- Active Lifestyle: Hit the links at local golf courses, take a yoga class, or get your exercise in at local gyms or YMCAs. Join one of our many active social clubs to connect with like-minded individuals and build new relationships.
- Miles of Trails: Explore scenic trails like the Tsuga Trail at the Erie National Wildlife Refuge. The Ernst Trail offers 12 miles of paved and gravel trail from Meadville to Conneaut Lake, following French Creek, ideal for biking, walking, and running. Many other local parks and state game lands offer extensive hiking, biking, and exploring opportunities.
- Water Lover’s Paradise: With 8 beautiful lakes, including Pennsylvania’s largest natural lake (Conneaut Lake) and largest man-made reservoir (Pymatuning Lake), you’ll find endless opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, kayaking, and water skiing.
- Four Seasons of Fun: Embrace all four distinct seasons, each offering unique recreational activities and facilities accessible to everyone – from summer water sports to winter snowshoeing and ice skating.
- Easy Weekend Getaways: We’re ideally positioned for quick escapes! Enjoy a day trip to the beaches and attractions of Erie (PA), (approximately 45 minutes via I-79 to Presque Isle State Park, Splash Lagoon, Erie Zoo, and Waldameer Park) or immerse yourself in the cultural offerings of Pittsburgh, PA, Cleveland, OH, and Buffalo, NY (all within a 2-hour drive).
Schools & Safety
For families, peace of mind starts with a safe community and quality education. Crawford County delivers on both.
- Schools: Crawford County offers a variety of schooling options for all ages, from primary education to higher learning. The area has 24 public schools and 25 private schools, including the K-8 Learning Center. Many additional activities for students are available, not only in the schools and but also with other organizations in the area.
- Safe Communities: Experience the comfort of knowing your children can play freely in safe, friendly neighborhoods.
- Daycares & Early Education: A variety of licensed daycares and preschools in Meadville, such as Little Blessings Childcare Center, Cornerstone Child Care, and First Step Learning Center, provide nurturing environments and comprehensive early childhood programs.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Beyond school, enjoy local parks, kid friendly activities like bowling, roller skating, swimming and more plus several community events and programming.
Partnering Your Future: Spouse & Partner Employment
We understand that a move is a family decision. Crawford County offers a diverse economic landscape with opportunities across various sectors.
- Key Industries: Our economy is anchored by strong sectors including manufacturing, healthcare & social assistance, and retail trade.
- Leading Employers: In health care, Meadville Medical Center is a leading employer, frequently seeking talent in nursing, allied health, and other roles, often with sign-on bonuses. While this area is rich in manufacturing opportunities, Acutec Precision Aerospace is the leading employer in this field.
- Growing Opportunities: The County is actively investing in infrastructure, including expanded broadband access, to support commerce and attract new businesses.
- Resources for Spouses/Partners: While specific guides are being developed, our local Chamber of Commerce and workforce development agencies can provide valuable resources and connections to local job openings and industries. We are committed to helping all members of your household thrive.
- Community Involvement: Get involved and be part of what makes Crawford County shine—where community isn’t just where you live, it’s how you live. Join one of the many groups today.
A Well-Rounded & Connected Life
Crawford County offers far more than just a job; it offers a comprehensive lifestyle.
- Proximity to Urban Hubs & Airports: While offering rural charm, we’re not isolated. Meadville has its own Port Meadville Airport (GKJ) for general aviation, and larger airports like Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) are within easy driving distance. For international Travel, the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is within a 4 hour drive. Our location is within a 6-hour driving radius of major metropolitan areas, meaning easy access to a vast network of cities for business or leisure.
- College Town Charm: Home to Allegheny College, Meadville benefits from a vibrant intellectual atmosphere, offering educational and lifelong learning opportunities. You’ll find a higher level of civic engagement and a rich calendar of participative arts and cultural events. Also in Crawford County is Pitt Titusville, a two-year regional campus of the University of Pittsburgh and Crawford County Career and Technical Center, providing evening courses and certificates in several focuses.
- Quality Healthcare: Access top-tier medical care with an independent local hospital, Meadville Medical Center, and the added reassurance of proximity to the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic for specialized needs.
- Farm-to-Table Delights: Savor the freshest flavors with our thriving local food scene. Explore breweries, distilleries, and wineries, and enjoy direct access to farm-fresh meats, milk, honey, maple syrup, mushrooms, apples, berries, and other seasonal produce.
- Quiet Rural Escapes: Beyond our towns, discover quiet rural areas perfect for fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, and simply exploring the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Looking to plan a visit and to explore the county? Check out our website at https://visitcrawford.org/ to get started.
Are you ready to discover a better way of life? Connect with us to learn more about all that Crawford County has to offer. If you’re ready to make Crawford County your new home, connect with a local relator and we’ll see you soon.
