Alsace: A small, steady community in rural Berks County
Alsace—or, as it’s officially known, Alsace Township—is a rural farming community in the northeastern outskirts of Reading. Founded in the mid-1700s, it has kept a modest and stable population over the centuries, which was reported to be just below 4,000 as of the 2020 U.S. Census. Alsace’s economy was historically influenced by agriculture and mining, and these industries continue to play important roles in the region today. A few small suburban developments have cropped up around the township over time, but local officials have been careful to preserve Alsace’s pastoral identity through regulation and the issuing of protective orders for natural areas.
Housing options that balance value and space
If you’re searching for a new home in Alsace Township, you’ll find that properties tend to hit the market and sell at a steady, reliable pace. Most listings are single-family homes, and there’s something for everyone: from cozy, modest houses to spacious properties on multi-acre lots, options here appeal to a wide range of buyers looking for suburban and semi-rural living in the Reading metropolitan area. Fixer uppers and properties in need of renovation are often listed in the $100,000s, while most move-in-ready homes cost between $200,000 and $600,000. Houses built during the mid- to late 20th century are common, but you’ll also find historic builds and new construction across the township.
Small school district, big opportunities for students
Alsace Township falls entirely within the Oley Valley School District, which is comprised of three schools serving K-12 students. Oley Valley High School has a S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Academy for students interested in post-grad-related studies or careers. High schoolers can enroll in the general STEM program or more specific pathways that come with distinguished honors, such as computer science, biomedical engineering, architecture and design and earth and space science. For further and continuing education, the Berks Career and Technology Center (BCTC) offers more than 30 career-specific programs across industries like business, healthcare, construction and transportation.
Enjoying the outdoors, the Alsace way
Parks and outdoor recreation are a big part of what makes Alsace a great place to enjoy the outdoors, whether you’re looking for scenic views, peaceful trails or family-friendly fun.
Alsace Manor Park is a local favorite, offering open green space, picnic areas and walking paths that are perfect for leisurely afternoons or community gatherings. Nature lovers gravitate toward the Ruth Zimmerman Natural Area, where wooded trails and wildlife sightings create a quiet escape into the township’s natural beauty. Just a short drive away, Antietam Lake Park provides boating, fishing, hiking and stunning lake views, making it one of the region’s top spots for outdoor recreation year-round. For a more playful outing, Gasser’s Golf Driving Range & Miniature Golf adds a fun twist with its casual atmosphere, driving range, and mini golf course that’s popular with both kids and adults.
Small-town dining with big-city convenience nearby
While the township itself maintains a quiet, residential feel, residents are just minutes from the shopping centers, grocery stores and locally owned businesses found in neighboring communities like Reading and Exeter. The dining scene in Alsace offers casual eateries, takeout spots and coffee shops like Dunkin’ and takeout spots. Other popular spots include:
- Giannotti’s Country Manor, a local restaurant offering classic American comfort food in a casual sit-down dining experience
- Zola’s Pizzeria, a neighborhood favorite serving pizza, sandwiches and Italian-style takeout
- Chatty’s, a casual, family-style eatery known for breakfast and American comfort dishes
Easy connections to Reading, Philadelphia and beyond
Alsace is about 6 miles from downtown Reading, while Philadelphia is roughly 59 miles southeast, or about a one-hour drive, depending on traffic. Major routes serving the area include Pennsylvania Route 12—also known as Princeton Road—which runs directly through the township and connects to Reading, as well as U.S. Route 222, U.S. Route 422 and Interstate 176, all of which provide fast connections to Interstate 76. For air travel, Lehigh Valley International Airport offers regular commercial flights and is approximately 37 miles away.
