A rest stop between Philly and NYC.
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11/9/2010
Reading is a small mixed version of Philadelphia and New York City. It's hard to find any actual natives of Reading anymore because everyone seams to be from somewhere else? Only Ex-cons who fled their cities looking for new stomping grounds and immigrants who hideout here while in between jobs or crimes are what seem to have taken over this area. The city is not very appealing and claims to be on the rise but all I saw was that a few eyesores were knocked down and parking lots were built over the craters they left behind. There are more banks than anyone actually needs. Who in Reading has so much money anyway? Everyone here claims to be so broke and destitute? Crime is constant and cops look the otherway for fear of being a victim themselves. Also a major problem with bored teens who think they are gangsters who are above the law and go around committing crimes all in the name of trying to prove something to their peers. They are out of control and the parents don't seem to care? Most people here have negative attitudes and constantly cry the "poor me" woes,or walk around with a major chip on their shoulder. Only things I did like were the surrounding areas outside the inner city. Like Grings Mill park and the trail that bikers and walkers can enjoy during the seasons changing. Lots of good shopping at the outlets and the auctions/farmers markets in the areas of Boyertown,Leesport,and Ephrata. The cost of living isn't as high as other places but finding a permanent job around the city is not an easy task. This place seams to be monopolized by the temp agencies and no one ever delivers when they promise you a permanent position from any of the temp to perm jobs they advertise? Your best bet for work is looking to commute to the neighboring cities like Allentown area and Philadelphia areas. Over all. Reading is nothing more than a rest stop on anyone's journey to someplace else.
Sage | Upper West Side, NY