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C-
Overall Niche Grade
How are grades calculated?
  1. Public Schools
    D-
  2. Crime & Safety
    C-
  3. Housing
    C-
  4. Nightlife
    A-
  5. Good for Families
    C-
  6. Diversity
    A-
  7. Jobs
    C-
  8. Weather
    B-
  9. Cost of Living
    B
  10. Health & Fitness
    C-
  11. Outdoor Activities
    A-
  12. Commute
    A
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Population
87,899

Real Estate

Median Home Value
$68,400
National
$184,700
Median Rent
$752
National
$949
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Area Feel
Urban
Rent vs. Own
  • Rent
    59%
  • Own
    41%

Reading Rankings

Niche ranks thousands of places to live based on key statistics from the U.S. Census and and expert insights.

Crime & Safety

Crime & Safety
C-
Based on violent and property crime rates.
Violent Crimes
  • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
National
  • Assault
    350
    283
  • Murder
    11
    6
  • Rape
    42
    41
  • Robbery
    265
    136
Property Crimes
  • Calculated annually per 100,000 residents
National
  • Burglary
    780
    500
  • Theft
    1,613
    2,043
  • Motor Vehicle Theft
    216
    284

Residents

Diversity
A-
Based on ethnic and economic diversity.
Median Household Income
$27,247
National
$55,322
Children
25%
Education Levels
National
  • Master's degree or higher
    3%
    12%
  • Bachelor's degree
    6%
    19%
  • Some college or associate's degree
    21%
    29%
  • High school diploma or equivalent
    35%
    28%
  • Less than high school diploma
    35%
    13%
  • Public Schools
  • Private Schools
  • Colleges
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Reading Reviews

132 reviews
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I love Reading! I understand that Reading is known for many negative aspects, but I've lived here for about 17-18 years of my life and have created such beautiful memories! If you're all about furthering your own selfish ambitions, then you will never see the potential in all of the people around you. Essentially, if you're saying that Reading is garbage, you're saying its people are garbage, which would mean that you don't truly value life and people. Making progress in bettering the city of Reading would include acknowledging the importance of the lives of those in Reading. Everyone is truly valuable and has a God-given talent that can make the city thrive! It's all a matter of how you perceive things to be. We need to recognize how beautiful life is, no matter the current circumstances of the person. If we cannot love our neighbor, then that is the root of the problem. God has called us to love people and our Creator.
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Reading, Pennsylvania is like many other cities across the United States. There are several aspects of Reading that are very good, but also many things that must be changed. I've grown up in the suburban area of Reading, which is known to be very safe compared to the dangerous inner city. Reading has many restaurants, many of my favorite in the West Reading area. There are a plethora of places to choose among, ranging from Puerto Rican cuisine to Mediterranean food. West Reading is full of small businesses that are widely supported by the community. Reading has various shopping centers, fast food restaurants, and wonderful fitness facilities. There are not many recreational activities, especially for a younger crowd. The inner city of Reading is known to be rather dangerous, as it has been ranked among the most dangerous cities in the US for many years. Despite the dangerous aspects, Reading is a city that takes a lot of pride in culture.
Reading PA definitely has a high crime rate. It does however have certain areas that are trying to clean up and make a comeback. Such areas include West Reading, which includes artsy shops operated by small local business owners. Reading also has the Santander Arena and performing Arts Center, which hosts hockey games, and various kinds of shows and concerts. Another attraction is the Goggle Works Center for the Arts, which hosts art courses and other art opportunities and events for the public. Reading also has some interesting historical sites that visitors should check out!