Reading, PA

Reading, Pennsylvania is located in the heart of Berks County and has been a thriving hub for culture and commerce since its founding in 1748. It's home to many museums and landmarks such as the Reading Public Museum or the Pagoda; visitors will also find plenty of great shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Small city - East-central Pennsylvania, 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

State: Pennsylvania
County: Berks County
Metro Area: Reading Metro Area
City: Reading

Zip Codes: 19601 19604 19602 19611
Cost of Living: -6.0% lower
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Elevation: 260 ft above sea level

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Pros
Historic interest
Attractive setting
Strategic location

Cons
Economy
Entertainment
Low educational attainment

What Bert Has To Say About Reading Metro Area

Reading is a declining industrial center in southwest Pennsylvania originally built on heavy industry, textiles, and anthracite coal. The heavy industry and Victorian wealth have left an imprint on the town, which has done a good job preserving its historic heritage. The city reached its nadir in the early 1970’s, first with industrial and downtown commercial closures and then with flooding from Hurricane Agnes in 1972. Among the first steps in recovery was the creation of a large outlet mall, supposedly among the first in the country, for which the area is well known today.

Highlights

ECONOMY

The unemployment rate in Reading is 14.8% (U.S. avg. is 6.0%). Recent job growth is Positive. Reading jobs have increased by 0.6%. More Economy

COST OF LIVING

Compared to the rest of the country, Reading's cost of living is 6.0% lower than the U.S. average. More Cost of Living or Compare Reading's Cost of Living

WEATHER & CLIMATE

June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Reading, while January and February are the least comfortable months. Today's Weather | Climate Averages

VOTING

In the last Presidential election, Berks county remained moderately Republican, 53.2% to 45.1%. More Voting Stats

POPULATION

Reading's population is 94,161 people. Since 2020, it has had a population growth of 1.0%. Learn More...

TRANSPORTATION

Average Commute time is 24.8 minutes. The National Average is 26.4 minutes. Learn More...

REAL ESTATE

The median home cost in Reading is . Home appreciation the last 10 years has been 11.3%.

SCHOOLS

Reading public schools spend $12,771 per student. The average school expenditure in the U.S. is $12,383. There are about 17.5 students per teacher in Reading. More Education

Reading Rankings

#21	America's Best and Worst Cities for Crime (Mid-Size Metro Areas)
#122	2005 Best Places to Live
#214	Best Green Cities

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Housing Market in Reading

It's a good time to buy in Reading. Home Appreciation is up 11.3% in the last 12 months.
The median home price in Reading is .

Schools: See Local Schools

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Reviews for Reading 15 Reviews

Reading realities - 3/27/2015
Having lived in Reading in the 1960's and early 1970's I can definitely say the city has gone downhill as it has in reality been a victim of two major forces; first... Read More

David | Reading, PA | Reply | 1 Reply

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Best Time of Year - 5/21/2014
Berks County is beautiful in the fall. Cool, crisp air and the trees are a pallet of... Read More

Lynn | Reading, PA | Reply | No Replies

Relocation - 4/14/2013
Well to start, in the past 8 years ive lived in 7 states, some pros and cons. Tucson I loved in all respects except its not as nice as living in a small town but it... Read More

David | Schwenksville, PA | Reply | No Replies

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ZIP CODES IN READING, PA

19601 19604 19602 19611

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United States / Pennsylvania / Reading Metro Area / Berks County / Reading / Zip Codes