Massachusetts / Middlesex County

Moving to Reading, MA

Thinking of making a move to Reading, MA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Reading, MA

Considering a move to Reading, MA? This welcoming community of 25,884 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $810,000 and average rents near $2,350. Commute times average 31 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Reading's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Reading, MA

Reading has a population of 25,884 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 42 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 85% White, 3% Black, and 9% Asian residents, and over 11% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
25,884
Density
3,250 per sq mi
Median Age
41.8
Gender Ratio
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
10.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
84.5%
Black
2.6%
Asian
8.7%
Others
4.2%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Reading, MA?

The cost of living in Reading is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 148.6. Median home values are around $810,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $2,350. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$810,000
Gross Rent
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges
$165
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$4,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$1,050
State Taxes
Low: 5.0%| High: 9.0%
Cost Of Living Index
148.6
Grocery
121.0
Housing
205.4
Utilities
118.3
Transportation
132.5
Health Care
112.4
Miscellaneous
118.0

Crime

Is Reading, MA a safe place to live?

Reading is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 78 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 88. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Massachusetts.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
78
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,140
Crime Index
1,218
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 1,282
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 88

Weather

What is the weather like in Reading, MA year-round?

Reading experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 20°F. The area receives about 48 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
20°F
Max
38°F

Summer

Min
66°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
47.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $142,000 and a low poverty rate of 4.8%. Over 96% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 58% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 31 minutes, and almost 12% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$64,500
Household Income
$142,000
Family Income
$168,000
Per Capita Income
$57,500
Income Male
$72,000
Income Female
$58,500
Poverty Rate
4.8%
Non English Speakers
14.2%
Rent
$2,350
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
Public Transport Usage
11.8%
Commute Time
31.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
95.6%
Bachelors or More
57.8%

Education

How are the schools in Reading, MA?

Reading offers quality education options, with public schools like Reading Memorial High School and Coolidge Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Bunker Hill Community College and University of Massachusetts Lowell. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Reading Memorial High School
Street
62 Oakland Rd
Phone
781-944-8200
Students
1,120
Student Teacher Ratio
12.8
Name
Coolidge Middle School
Street
90 Hopkinton Rd
Phone
781-944-8220
Students
760
Student Teacher Ratio
12.5

Private Schools

Name
St. Agnes School
Street
186 Woburn St
Phone
781-944-0215
Students
260

Colleges

Name
Bunker Hill Community College
City
Boston
State
MA
Distance
14 miles
Students
13,000
Name
University of Massachusetts Lowell
City
Lowell
State
MA
Distance
19 miles
Students
18,000

Healthcare

Reading residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MelroseWakefield Hospital and Lahey Hospital & Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.4 per 1,000 people and 97.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
MelroseWakefield Hospital
Address
585 Lebanon St, Melrose, MA 02176
Phone
(781) 979-3000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
Address
41 Mall Rd, Burlington, MA 01805
Phone
(781) 744-5100
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
3.4
Health Insurance Coverage
97.8%
Health Care Index
82.1

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Reading, MA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $810,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 82%. The market has seen a 6.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.1%. Reading offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$810,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate
82.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
6.2%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.2%

DMV Information

Residents of Reading handle vehicle services through the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in Chicopee. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Massachusetts
Department
Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles
Address
1011 Chicopee St, Chicopee, MA 01022
Phone
(857) 368-8000

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Reading, MA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Reading, review the core fields on this page: population 25,884, median home value $810,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $2,350, commute time 31.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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