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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

125 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 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!
There is so much potential in this city! There is so much history in this city; if only walls and buildings could talk. Unfortunately, there is crime that happens and young kids getting involved in the wrong things, but there are also great things too. Everyone here comes together as a community and if you live in the area you are close to everything you need!