Pennsylvania / Berks County

Moving to Reading, PA

Thinking of making a move to Reading, PA? 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, PA

Considering a move to Reading, PA? This welcoming community of 95,112 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $165,000 and average rents near $1,120. Commute times average 25 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% 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, PA

Reading has a population of 95,112 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 32 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 48% White, 11% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 50% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
95,112
Density
8,100 per sq mi
Median Age
32.4
Gender Ratio
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
50.2%

Ethnic Composition

White
48.0%
Black
10.8%
Asian
3.5%
Others
37.7%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Reading is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8. Median home values are around $165,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,120. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$165,000
Gross Rent
$1,120
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,720
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,420
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 3.07%| High: 3.07%
Cost Of Living Index
90.8
Grocery
97.5
Housing
67.0
Utilities
104.2
Transportation
101.3
Health Care
99.1
Miscellaneous
96.8

Crime

Is Reading, PA a safe place to live?

Reading is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 780 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 41. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Pennsylvania.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
780
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,420
Crime Index
3,200
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 128
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 41

Weather

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

Reading experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 22°F. The area receives about 43 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
22°F
Max
38°F

Summer

Min
64°F
Max
85°F

Spring

Min
43°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
42.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $56,800 and a low poverty rate of 22.8%. Over 82% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 17% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 25 minutes, and almost 12% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$35,500
Household Income
$56,800
Family Income
$67,200
Per Capita Income
$23,900
Income Male
$38,200
Income Female
$32,400
Poverty Rate
22.8%
Non English Speakers
45.0%
Rent
$1,120
Unemployment Rate
6.8%
Public Transport Usage
12.4%
Commute Time
24.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
81.5%
Bachelors or More
16.8%

Education

How are the schools in Reading, PA?

Reading offers quality education options, with public schools like Reading High School and Thirteenth and Green Elementary School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Reading Area Community College and Albright College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Reading High School
Street
800 Washington St
Phone
610-371-5800
Students
5,000
Student Teacher Ratio
15.6
Name
Thirteenth and Green Elementary School
Street
115 N 13th St
Phone
610-371-5915
Students
620
Student Teacher Ratio
14.9

Private Schools

Name
Holy Name of Jesus School
Street
2425 Pio Nono Ave
Phone
610-376-3700
Students
260

Colleges

Name
Reading Area Community College
City
Reading
State
PA
Distance
0 miles
Students
4,500
Name
Albright College
City
Reading
State
PA
Distance
2 miles
Students
1,700

Healthcare

Reading residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Reading Hospital and Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 90.6% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Reading Hospital
Address
420 S 5th Ave, West Reading, PA 19611
Phone
(484) 628-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center
Address
2500 Bernville Rd, Reading, PA 19605
Phone
(610) 378-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
90.6%
Health Care Index
71.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Reading, PA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $165,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 49%. The market has seen a 4.3% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Reading offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,120
Owner Occupied Rate
49.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.3%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Reading handle vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Harrisburg. 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
Pennsylvania
Department
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Address
1101 South Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone
1-717-412-5300

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, PA

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 95,112, median home value $165,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,120, commute time 24.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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