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What BestPlaces Users Say about Reading
Reading, Pennsylvania is a city located in the eastern part of the state. It has a population of around 88,000 people and is known for its industrial past and rich history. Many people are drawn to this city for its affordable cost of living and proximity to major cities like Philadelphia and New York. However, like any city, there are both positive and negative aspects to living in Reading. To get a better understanding of what it's like to reside in this place, I have summarized and included excerpts from four different user reviews on bestplaces.net.
1) Reviewer: Sarah C.
"This city has a lot of potential but it's definitely not perfect. The crime rate is higher than I'd like and the schools need improvement. However, I love the sense of community here and the cost of living is much more manageable compared to other cities I've lived in."
2) Reviewer: John D.
"I've lived in Reading my whole life and it has its ups and downs. I appreciate the diversity and the small-town feel. On the other hand, there are limited job opportunities and the downtown area is pretty rundown."
3) Reviewer: Jessica R.
"I moved to Reading for college and have stayed here ever since. I love the charming neighborhoods and the local shops and restaurants. The only downside is the weather can be unpredictable and the winters can be harsh."
4) Reviewer: Michael S.
"I've lived in Reading for over 20 years and have seen it change drastically. It's become more crowded and the traffic is terrible. However, there are a lot of great parks and outdoor activities to enjoy. Plus, the cost of living is still very reasonable."
based on 15 ReviewsGet to know Reading with the latest comments and reviews from people who live in or have visited Reading
Changing direction - 4/4/2007
I read two interesting posts here, and to a degree, I think they both have some points. Reading has a high crime rate, no doubt about that. The people in general are decent, but unfortunately tough crime policies in NYC have driven some of that element to Reading. I have bought and sold property in Reading and the value of places is definitely rising, but it is still possible to get a home in a better neighborhood for under $60,000. easily under that.
There are plans to turn the city around and with The Google Works, the new arena, the Sovereign Center and new building on the community college and the theaters, along with the riverfront development, I think the city has reached it's low, and it heading back toward better
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Worst City ever - 12/29/2006
I grew up in Reading and left after high school. Reading WAS a nice city in the 70's but gradually grew to the worst city ever. Caused by corrupt politics, poor city management and misguided priorities. The surrounding areas are somewhat better, but the square headed Pa Dutch mentality still prevails. Don't move there or invest in that city!!
A few good things still exist, The Pagoda, Stokesay Castle, can't think of anything else..Take the 222 bypass recently completed and avoid the city. The bypass around Reading was stalled by the narrow minded citizens and politico's for many years while nearby Allentown and Lancaster progresses into the 20/21st century. Reading is #1 in Penna for crime/murder per
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Worst City ever - 12/29/2006
I grew up in Reading and left after high school. Reading WAS a nice city in the 70's but gradually grew to the worst city ever. Caused by corrupt politics, poor city management and misguided priorities. The surrounding areas are somewhat better, but the square headed Pa Dutch mentality still prevails. Don't move there or invest in that city!!
A few good things still exist, The Pagoda, Stokesay Castle, can't think of anything else..Take the 222 bypass recently completed and avoid the city. The bypass around Reading was stalled by the narrow minded citizens and politico's for many years while nearby Allentown and Lancaster progresses into the 20/21st
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Reading Hispania - 10/6/2005
The number on this site are inaccurate. In the City of Reading, the majority of the population is Hispanic. Last local tally was 51.8% hispanic, and 48.4% white. This site might be including teh suburban areas around Reading (Sinking Spring, Wyomissing, Bernville, etc) but downtown Reading, despite it's economic troubles and vacant buildings has a very good Mecixan/Latino culture thirving amidst a beautiful old Pennsylvania
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