Moving to Reading, PA: 2026 Living Guide

Reading is the county seat of Berks County and, with about 96,000 residents, the fourth-most populous city in Pennsylvania. It gave its name to the Reading Railroad (yes, the one on the Monopoly board), and a Japanese-style pagoda has watched over the city from Mount Penn since 1908. Today Reading has a minor league ballpark, an arts center in a former goggle factory, several colleges, and some of the lowest housing costs in southeastern Pennsylvania.

Reading suits people who want city amenities without Philadelphia prices. First-time buyers, students and staff at Albright and Alvernia, hospital workers, and families looking for a large, affordable home all find a fit here. It’s a young, diverse city. It also has real challenges, including a high poverty rate, so neighborhoods vary a lot. Take time to explore before you choose a street.

Planning a move to Reading? Call our Tri-State team at 410-499-8777 or get your price online.

Where Is Reading?

Reading sits on the Schuylkill River in Berks County, about 50 miles northwest of Philadelphia and 38.8 miles southwest of Allentown, according to Wikipedia. The city covers about 10 square miles, with Mount Penn rising along its eastern side.

Approximate driving distances from downtown Reading (OSRM routing, no traffic):

Lancaster: about 33.2 miles, roughly 47 minutes
Allentown: about 34.8 miles, roughly 53 minutes
Harrisburg: about 62.4 miles, roughly 81 minutes
Philadelphia City Hall: about 62.9 miles, roughly 79 minutes

Major roads include U.S. Route 422, which loops around the city’s western edge as the West Shore Bypass, U.S. Route 222, Interstate 176 (which connects to the Pennsylvania Turnpike), and Pennsylvania Routes 10, 12, 61 and 183. Reading Regional Airport serves general aviation, but commercial service ended in 2004, so for airline flights you’ll drive to a larger airport such as Philadelphia International.

Local bus service is provided by the Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA), which has run transit in Reading since 1973 and operates 50 buses on 20 routes.

Reading Population & Demographics

Reading is growing slowly. The 2020 Census counted 95,112 residents, and the Census Bureau estimates 95,832 in July 2025. It’s one of the youngest cities in the state, with a median age of 31.9 in the 2024 American Community Survey, and 28.4% of residents are under 18.

Measure	Reading	Pennsylvania	United States
Population (July 1, 2025 estimate)	95,832	13,059,432	341,784,857
Population (2020 Census)	95,112	—	331,449,281
Median age	31.9 (ACS 2024 1-year)	40.9 (ACS 2020–2024)	—
Residents under 18	28.4%	—	21.1%
Median household income (2020–2024)	$44,091	$77,971	$80,734
Bachelor’s degree or higher (age 25+)	11.4%	35.2%	35.7%
Foreign-born residents	25.4%	—	14.1%
Owner-occupied housing rate	40.6%	69.3%	65.2%
Mean travel time to work	24.1 min	26.3 min	26.4 min

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts (Vintage 2025 estimates and 2020–2024 American Community Survey); Reading median age from Census Reporter (ACS 2024 1-year); Pennsylvania median age from Census Reporter (ACS 2024 5-year).

About one in four residents was born outside the United States, which shows in the city’s food, churches and small businesses. The Census Bureau puts the poverty rate at 28.7% and per capita income at $21,406. The city has 33,164 households averaging 2.78 people, larger than the national average of 2.53, and 2,124 veterans call Reading home. Reading packs about 9,663 people into each square mile, so most neighborhoods are dense rowhome blocks, with larger single-family homes toward the city’s edges.

Is Reading Safe?

NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of 2024 FBI-reported data lists Reading’s violent crime rate at 2.11 per 1,000 residents and its property crime rate at 13.20 per 1,000. Both are below the national medians it cites (4 and 18 per 1,000). In total, that was 203 violent crimes and 1,267 property crimes for the year in a city of about 96,000 people.

As in any city, conditions vary from one neighborhood to the next. Visit at different times of day, talk to neighbors, and contact the Reading Police Department about specific blocks. The city’s Property and Codes Enforcement office is also a good resource if you’re buying an older home or renting.

Cost of Living in Reading

Home Prices

Reading is one of the most affordable cities in the region. The Census Bureau puts the median value of owner-occupied homes at $121,300 (2020–2024), less than half the Pennsylvania median of $254,500 and well under the national median of $332,700. Much of the city’s housing is older rowhomes, and prices vary widely by neighborhood. We weren’t able to pull a current Redfin or Zillow sale-price figure for this guide, so check those sites for the latest numbers.

Rent

Rents are also low by regional standards. Apartments.com’s September 2026 data shows an average of $885 for a studio, $1,242 for a one-bedroom, $1,561 for a two-bedroom and $1,873 for a three-bedroom, with rents up 1.8% over the past year. The Census Bureau’s median gross rent for the city is $1,067 (2020–2024), compared with $1,209 for Pennsylvania and $1,413 nationally. About 59% of Reading households rent.

Best Neighborhoods in Reading

Centre Park

Centre Park is one of Reading’s historic districts, close to downtown and known for large older homes. It suits buyers who love old-house character and want to be near downtown’s restaurants, GoggleWorks and Santander Arena. Older, multi-story houses mean stairs on moving day, so plan for them.

Oakbrook and Wyomissing Park

Oakbrook/Wyomissing Park is one of the 19 neighborhoods Wikipedia lists for the city, and as the name suggests it borders the borough of Wyomissing. It tends to appeal to families who want a quieter residential setting while staying within city limits, with the shops and restaurants of Wyomissing and West Reading close by.

West Reading (Neighboring Borough)

Just across the river, West Reading is its own small borough of 4,553 people (2020 Census), covering about 0.6 square miles. Its Penn Avenue is a walkable main street with shops and restaurants, and it’s home to Reading Hospital, one of Berks County’s top employers. It’s a good option for hospital staff and anyone who wants a walkable small-town feel right next to the city. Note that West Reading has its own government, taxes and school district.

Weather & Climate

Reading has four distinct seasons. According to the climate table on Wikipedia’s Reading page, January averages a high of 38.6°F and a low of 23.0°F, and July averages a high of 86.5°F and a low of 65.8°F. The city gets 45.21 inches of precipitation and about 28.5 inches of snow a year.

Snow is a real factor from December through March, and Reading’s hills make icy streets trickier for trucks. The best moving months are usually May and September through October. Summer is hot, humid and busy for movers, so book ahead and plan an early start.

Things to Do in Reading

The Reading Pagoda

Completed in 1908, the Pagoda stands 72 feet tall atop the south end of Mount Penn, 620 feet above the city and 886 feet above sea level. It’s owned by the city and managed by the Foundation for the Reading Pagoda. The views over Reading are the best in town, especially at sunset. About a mile away on Skyline Drive, the 120-foot William Penn Memorial Fire Tower offers another lookout.

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts

GoggleWorks, at 201 Washington Street, fills a historic former goggle factory with artist studios, galleries, the Boscov Theater for films, and 11 making studios for ceramics, glass, metalsmithing, woodworking and more. Its galleries are open 9am to 9pm daily, and it offers classes for all ages.

Reading Fightin Phils

The Reading Fightin Phils, a Double-A team in the Eastern League, play at FirstEnergy Stadium, 1900 Centre Avenue. The 10,000-seat ballpark opened in 1951 and is a summer tradition for local families.

Reading Public Museum

The Reading Public Museum, at 500 Museum Road, combines a museum with exhibitions and permanent galleries, the Neag Planetarium, and an arboretum that’s open daily from sunrise to sunset. The museum is open 11am to 5pm daily.

Trails and Preserves

Wikipedia notes that Reading has more than 125 miles of trails in five major preserves, many of them on and around Mount Penn. The Schuylkill River Trail also connects Reading to Pottstown along a 19.5-mile finished section.

Where to Eat in Reading

Judy’s On Cherry

Judy’s On Cherry, at 30 South 4th Street downtown, is a Mediterranean-inspired fine dining restaurant with a hearth-fired oven turning out pizzas, pastas, focaccia and small plates. It’s open Wednesday through Saturday evenings, a good choice for a celebration dinner once you’ve settled in.

Anthony’s Trattoria

Anthony’s Trattoria, at 900 Byram Street, serves Italian food inspired by the Campania region, with house-made desserts and a curated wine list. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from noon until 10pm.

Ugly Oyster Drafthaus

The Ugly Oyster Drafthaus, at 21 South 5th Street downtown, is a seafood-focused pub. It’s a handy spot near the center of the city for a casual meal.

Jobs & Economy

Healthcare and manufacturing anchor the Reading-area economy. According to Wikipedia, the region’s top employers are Reading Hospital, with 6,878 employees, and East Penn Manufacturing Co., with 6,851. Reading Hospital, founded in 1867, has 697 beds and is the anchor of Tower Health. Local colleges and county and city government add more jobs in the city.

Reading has a long commercial history. It was one of the first places where outlet shopping became a tourist industry, and the Reading Company railroad once hauled anthracite coal east from the region. Allentown and Lancaster are each under an hour’s drive, which widens the job search for people who live here. The average commute is just 24.1 minutes, shorter than the state and national averages.

Schools in Reading

The Reading School District runs the city’s public schools: 13 elementary schools (pre-K through grade 4), 5 middle schools (grades 5 through 8) and one high school. Reading Senior High School was reported in 2023 as the largest traditional high school in Pennsylvania, with 5,498 students.

Reading is also a college town. Albright College, which traces its roots to 1856, had 1,652 students in fall 2023 on a 118-acre campus at the base of Mount Penn. Alvernia University, Reading Area Community College and Penn State Berks are also in the area. Neighboring boroughs such as West Reading and Wyomissing have their own school districts, so confirm the district for any address you’re considering.

Reading Quick Facts

County	Berks County (county seat)
ZIP codes	19601–19612 (some serve surrounding municipalities)
Area codes	610, 484
Land area	9.84 square miles
Population (2025 estimate)	95,832
Local airport	Reading Regional Airport (general aviation only)
Transit	BARTA buses, 20 routes
Main roads	US 422 (West Shore Bypass), US 222, I-176, PA 10, 12, 61, 183
Landmark	The Pagoda on Mount Penn (1908)
School district	Reading School District

Moving to Reading: Tips From Our Crew

These are the things we’d tell a friend before moving day in Reading. If you’d like help planning the details, our Reading movers can walk you through access, parking and timing when you call for your quote.

Plan for rowhome parking. Most city blocks have on-street parking only, often on both sides. Contact the City of Reading’s permits office ahead of time about reserving space for a truck, and let neighbors know your moving date.
Expect steep, narrow stairs. Reading’s rowhomes and Victorians often have tight staircases and small doorways. Measure large furniture in advance so we can plan to take items apart or bring them through a window if needed.
Watch the hills in winter. Streets climbing toward Mount Penn can be slick after snow. For December through March moves, keep a backup date and make sure steps and sidewalks are cleared.
Check your municipality. A Reading-area ZIP code might put you in the city, West Reading, Wyomissing or another township. Trash, taxes, permits and schools all follow the municipality.
Avoid event traffic downtown. Games at FirstEnergy Stadium and events at Santander Arena bring crowds. Check the calendars before booking a downtown move date.
Ask about a certificate of insurance. Apartment buildings often require a COI from your mover. We provide them free; just send us the building’s requirements.

Your first-week checklist in Reading: If your address is in West Reading, Wyomissing or another neighboring municipality, contact that borough or township instead of the City of Reading.

Set up trash and recycling service and learn your pickup days.
Transfer or start electric, gas, water and internet service, and schedule it to begin the day before you arrive.
Update your address with PennDOT for your driver’s license and vehicle registration, and with the post office.
Register to vote at your new address and look up your polling place.
Enroll your children with the school district early, since registration often requires proof of residency such as a lease or settlement papers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Reading

Is Reading, PA a good place to live?

Reading offers city amenities, colleges, a minor league ballpark, and some of the lowest housing costs in southeastern Pennsylvania, with a median home value of $121,300. It also has a high poverty rate and neighborhoods that vary widely. Visit several areas, including nearby West Reading and Wyomissing, before deciding.

How far is Reading from Philadelphia?

Reading is about 50 miles northwest of Philadelphia. By car it’s roughly 63 miles and about 79 minutes to City Hall without traffic. There’s no passenger rail between the two cities today, so most people drive via Route 422 or the Turnpike.

What school district serves Reading?

The Reading School District serves the city, with 13 elementary schools, 5 middle schools and Reading Senior High School. Surrounding boroughs and townships, such as West Reading and Wyomissing, have their own districts, so check each address.

How much does it cost to hire movers in Reading?

Your price depends on the size of your home, how far you’re going, stairs, parking and whether you need packing or storage. A three-story rowhome with street parking takes more time than a single-level home with a driveway. Call 410-499-8777 for a free quote; an owner calls you back within 15 minutes, 8am to 8pm. You can also read more about local service on our Reading movers page.

What is rent like in Reading?

As of September 2026, Apartments.com reports average rents of $885 for a studio, $1,242 for a one-bedroom and $1,561 for a two-bedroom. The Census Bureau’s median gross rent for the city is $1,067, lower than both the state and national medians.

Move to Reading With A & M Friendly Movers

A & M Friendly Movers has been family-owned since 2015. Every crew member is a background-checked, drug-tested W-2 employee, never a subcontractor. With our Owner’s Promise, you talk to an owner, not a call center. If anything is damaged, an owner calls you the same day, and claims are resolved in 60 to 90 days.

We handle local moves in Berks County and long-distance moves with a binding estimate, a dedicated truck and a guaranteed delivery date. Moving a piano or safe up rowhome steps? We do heavy item moving too. Learn more about our Reading movers or call our Tri-State team at 410-499-8777.

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Moving to Reading, PA: Living in Reading Guide