Pennsylvania Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Reading, Pennsylvania

Population: 78,000

Located in Berks County

The European settlement of Reading did not begin until the 1730's, when it was first divided into six tracts of land. These parcels later became part of a plan for the "Towne of Reading" proposed in 1743 by William Penn's sons Richard and Thomas. The Penn brothers named the town after Reading in Berkshire, England, the ancestral "shrine" of the Penn family.

In the late 1970's and early 1980's, three historic districts were established in Reading: Callowhill, Centre Park and Prince. To protect the districts' historic resources, a Historic District Ordinance was adopted and a Historical Architecture Review Board (HARB) was established.

In 1998, Reading celebrated its 250th Anniversary, based on the year that Thomas and Richard Penn first laid out the City. The year-long bicenquinquagenary celebration included a combined 250th Anniversary-Armed Forces Day Parade, various projects by individual schools, celebration by various ethnic groups, a commemorative train trip to Philadelphia, and the burying of a time capsule to be opened in 2048.

Reading is not only a great city, it is conveniently located to many recreational areas in and around Berks County. One of these areas is the Blue Marsh Ski Area. Located just north of Reading, Blue Marsh has snow activities for everyone: skiing, snowboarding and tubing for all ages and skill levels.

Come explore the 30-mile long trails that wind around Blue Marsh Lake. There are multi-use trails, smaller loop trails, and nature trails, and a complete tour around the entire lake often takes an entire day! So be prepared: these trails are not for beginners. Bring plenty of water and wear your hiking boots for this all-day athletic outdoor challenge. When you finish your hike, cool down by taking a swim in the lake. Or rent a boat and sail across it. Whatever you do, you are sure to have a full day of outdoor fun. And for those of you who are really adventurous, extend your hike or bike ride by another four and a half miles by traveling down the road a ways to the Union Canal Towpath.

Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center is another popular place for families. Come enjoy more than 665 acres of woodlands and several miles of trails at Nolde Forest, an Education Center dedicated to environmental education and conservation. Hike or bike on the various trails. You can even bring your pet, as long as it is kept on a leash. Relax in the beautiful setting and observe the nature that surrounds you.

If you’re looking for a place to hang your hat and call home, look no further than Reading! With apartments, condominiums, houses, terrace flats and garden flats, there are plenty of choices, and plenty of varieties to suit every budget, style and taste. Condo’s can sell for as little as $80,000, while the average home will sell for around $110,000, depending on size and neighborhood. With many sub-divisions in this fine city, you are guaranteed to find one that fits your lifestyle perfectly!

Reading is the “Green Diamond” of Pennsylvania – and there are lots of reasons. Our setting in the midst of the East Coast metropolitan corridor, our rolling hills and farmland, our gorgeous city, and our great people all add up to a gem of a place that people call home. Just click on these