Live Here

# 150
Top 150 Best Places to Live in the U.S.
# 8
Top 8 Best Places to Live in PA
# 25
Top 25 Safest Places to Live in the U.S.
Greater Reading is more than just a place where you live; it’s a place where you make your home. There’s a reason this area is diverse and rich in culture – it’s because of the varied housing options, affordable prices, great schools and strong communities. This means that everyone from families to young professionals to empty-nesters can find a place for themselves here. Greater Reading has so much to offer to its residents, so keep reading to learn more about why this might be the perfect place for you to call home.

Cost of Living

It pays to live in Greater Reading. Choosing an area with a cost of living that fits your budget is more important now than ever, outweighing many other factors in the choice of where to live. Do you ever wonder how far your dollar goes in your area compared to everywhere else? In Greater Reading, we know the answer.

Greater Reading is the most affordable place to live, work, learn and play compared to our neighbors, based on real data from the 2021 Cost of Living Index (COLI) conducted by the Council for Community and Economic Research. The area is 2% lower than the U.S. average. Living in Greater Reading is the smart choice when it comes to making your money count. Median

Neighborhoods

The Greater Reading community boasts beautifully diverse neighborhoods across the county. From old-fashioned charm and rich history to hip, up-and-coming areas with walkable layouts, there’s something for everyone here. Finding your perfect fit for housing is easy, with everything from condos, loft apartments, and townhomes to historic houses and new homes.

Wonder which of Greater Reading’s neighbors best matches with your lifestyle and personality? Take our neighborhood quiz to help you determine the best options for you

The Boyertown experience is where the past meets the present. If you’ve ever wanted to take a historic railroad into the secret valley (yep, that exists), Boyertown is the place for you. But maybe you also want to explore quaint shops framed in Victorian architecture, or see a movie at a theater that boasts a 100-plus-year history.

Competition can’t match this area’s architectural beauty. A friendly and diverse neighborhood with a close-knit community. Young professionals, longtime residents and leafy urban charm. If you’re looking for a neighborhood where you can buy a historic mansion for under $250,000 or a charming row home for less than $150,000, look no further than the Centre Park Historic District in Reading.

Hamburg is a cozy town located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. It provides residents with both unmatched scenery and a walkable town center whenever you need to get out of the house. It also features a community garden and local attractions galore. The annual Hamburger Festival draws thousands, all dedicated to the culinary delight of the hamburger.

Kutztown has a rustic backdrop, a state university force and charming people. Kutztown’s welcoming community, unique shops, annual festivals and block parties range from a nationally-known folk festival to art crawls. With over 200 businesses in town, you’ll find your new neighborhood happy hour spot, specialty store, and favorite restaurant in no time.
Diversity is a central theme of West Reading. You can easily own property, rent, have enough space for your own yard and visit nearby parks. Simply choose to walk or drive and take your pick of a brewpub or casual brunch location.

Meet the Locals

We know you can find your people here. Greater Reading is made up of many wonderful communities full of kind and interesting people. We interviewed some locals from different areas, occupations and backgrounds to give you a sense of who calls Greater Reading home. Meet the locals to learn what they love about living in Greater Reading.

Ready to relocate? Check out our resources here

“There is a feeling of pride being a part of the Centre Park community. We love the architecture of the historic district and the sense of community. We also just love the people that live around us.” – The VanWyngardens