$178,734Average Value$122Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
Reading city life with park access
Penn’s Common is a bustling community near the heart of Reading, Pennsylvania. “If you like inner city walkability, you’re in the right area — it’s probably the busiest part of the city,” says Jerry Buffa, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty who has lived in Reading since 1996. “Reading used to be a great place. It’s slowly trying to rebuild, but it’s not quite where it should be.” The neighborhood's streets flank Reading’s City Park, a hillside green space that was established by the grandsons of Pennsylvania founder William Penn in the 18th century. In the years since then, the space has housed everything from fairgrounds to a prison. Today, the nearly 50-acre park once again serves its purpose as an outdoor recreation facility.
City Park sits at the edge of Penn's Common, with an extensive mix of amenities.
City Park offers many beautiful and quiet places to reflect.
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Accessible playground at City Park and the nearby GoggleWorks
The neighborhood’s biggest draw is its grassy centerpiece. In 2022, the city launched a $1 million renovation, expanding the park and adding walking trails, sports courts and an accessible playground with a splash zone. Sports leagues can play into the evening here, thanks to ample lighting. Locals can watch the Reading Royals hockey team play at the Santander Arena, just a few blocks west, or catch musicals at the nearby Genesius Theatre. Another nearby attraction, Buffa says, is the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, about 1 mile west of the community. This former safety glasses factory now hosts holiday art markets, glassblowing studios and lessons for the community. A few blocks south of the community is the southeast branch of the Reading Public Library, which hosts weekly crochet classes and chess meetups. The iconic Reading Pagoda rests on top of Mount Penn, overlooking Penn’s Common and the rest of the city. Each summer, amateur drivers compete in the Pagoda Hillclimb, a race up the winding roads to the pagoda.
Kids of all ages love the playground at City Park.
City Park includes historic statues and serene walking trails.
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Early 1900s row homes in varied styles
The residential streets of Penn’s Common are packed tightly with early-1900s row homes that stand two and three stories high. “It has some great architecture and spacious row houses,” Buffa says. The facades vary widely, from red brick and stone siding to brownstone styles with Victorian-era bay windows and covered porches. There are a few detached homes as well, but row houses are most common. Prices start around $140,000 and may top out at $365,000. Most homes directly front the city sidewalks, and yards are rare. The CAP Index crime score for Penn's Common is 8 out of 10, which is double the national average of 4. Local organizations like the Community Prevention Partnership on the north side of town offer a variety of prevention services to help mitigate future risks.
In Penn's Common row houses are located directly on the sidewalk with no front yards.
Larger row houses in Penn's Common can include five bedrooms.
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Mom-and-pop shops and corner markets
Sidewalks lead from the row houses to the many eateries lining the neighborhood’s namesake street. Franklyn's Breakfast Burgers & Shakes is a family-run diner, and Florino’s Pizza & Bar specializes in cheesesteaks. Residents can fill their prescriptions at Penn Pharmacy. There are several pubs within a 1-mile radius as well, including Saucony Creek, located in the old Reading train station, and The Ugly Oyster Drafthaus, where diners can have fish and chips with their expertly poured Guinness. While West Reading has several grocery chains, such as Giant and Redner's Warehouse Markets, “there are mostly mom-and-pop shops in Penn’s Common,” Buffa says. “If you’re in the city, you go to bodegas.” Neighborhood markets like Santa Rita Grocery and Karen Food Market dot many street corners on this side of town.
Penn's Common includes a plethora of corner markets for convenient shopping.
Local businesses comprise the majority of retail offerings in Penn's Common.
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High school at the Castle on the Hill
Penn’s Common is zoned for the Reading School District, which carries an overall D-plus rating on Niche. The neighborhood is split into two zones for elementary and middle school. Some students attend 10th and Penn Elementary School, while others attend 16th and Haak Elementary School — both score D-plus on Niche. Southern Middle School and Central Middle School both earn D ratings. The C-minus-rated Reading Senior High is a prominent city landmark known locally as “The Castle on the Hill” for its towering early 20th-century building. There are also several private schools in the city. Fairview Christian School is less than 1 mile south of Penn’s Common, and it serves students in kindergarten through 12th grade. Niche notes that 100% of Fairview graduates go on to four-year colleges.
Reading Senior High School in Northeast Reading is fondly nicknamed 'The Castle on the Hill'.
Tenth and Penn Elementary School serves 345 students in grades PK-4.
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A world-class hospital and plans to improve Reading’s transportation
Reading residents live roughly 65 miles from both Philadelphia and Harrisburg. U.S. Route 222 Business passes along the southern edge of the neighborhood, linking commuters with U.S. Route 422 toward Philadelphia. The Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority, or BARTA, buses serve the community for car-free trips around town. While Reading was once a railroad hub, Amtrak now only provides a bus connection to and from Philadelphia. The Schuykill River Passenger Rail Authority has a proposal in the works to reinstate rail service to Reading. The Reading Regional Airport currently only offers flight lessons and a runway for private planes, but there are plans to add commercial flights to Orlando. Reading Hospital is less than 3 miles west, and Newsweek named it one of the World’s Best Hospitals in 2024.
BARTA buses serve residents throughout Penn's Common.
Plentiful BARTA bus stops make Penn's Common an easy place to get around.
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Penn's Common Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Penn's Common, Reading sell after 39 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Penn's Common, Reading over the last 12 months is $169,000, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Property to be auctioned September 10th at 5:00 PM. Opportunity abounds in this 3-bedroom, 1 bath city row home. Looking for a property ready to move into or rent immediately look no further. Main level boasts an eat-in kitchen and living room. Second level consists of 2 bedrooms and a full bath. You will find a third bedroom on the finished third level. The fully finished basement family room
Recently renovated triplex in the heart of Reading offering a prime investment opportunity with strong income potential. This turnkey property features two of the three units with modern finishes throughout, including new flooring, fresh paint, upgraded kitchens with contemporary cabinetry and countertops. Major improvements provide peace of mind for investors and owner-occupants alike. Each unit
Calling all investors! 5 Residential Units now available on Walnut St. High traffic count and Central location makes residential units easy to rent. Excellent cash flow for the savvy investor. Current Rental / Lease Income Per Unit/Per Month: Unit/Apartment 1: $900 Unit/Apartment 2: $1200 Unit/Apartment 3: $750 Unit/Apartment 4: $850 Unit/Apartment 5: $850. Can be purchased individually or in a
This 4 unit is located in the Penn's Common Historic District and it is a real gem. All of the units have been upgraded and the tenant's love living here. There are 4 off street parking spots and that is a big plus. They also share the washer and dryer in the basement. The total rent for the year is $52,200. The expenses total $13,780 per year. The owner pays gas heat and gas hot water and water,
Luxury Living at Park Place at Penn Discover a stunning collection of luxurious 2-story condominiums offering 2-bedroom layouts The residences redefine urban living in the heart of Reading, combining modern elegance with everyday convenience. Nestled in a unique, gated community, Park Place at Penn offers an unmatched lifestyle just minutes from City Park, the Santander Arena, and the DoubleTree
Excellent investment opportunity! Multi-Family with three residential units. The property features a tenant-occupied 1-bedroom unit currently rented for $800/month, with the tenant paying electric heat, hot water, and electric stove. The 1st floor rear studio unit is vacant, recently updated, and has a projected rent of approximately $1,100/month. The 2nd floor host a spacious vacant 2-bedroom
Property Id: 293037 NEW: promotional rate of $925 monthly rent for the first three months, for leases signed before 9/15. After that, lease returns to regular $975 rate. 2nd fl studio apartment in a well maintained building. This large & bright studio has a large main room with two nice windows and a door leading onto a balcony; equally bright & spacious kitchen with plenty of cabinets
nice sized ONE bedroom apartment with a BONUS room; one block from Penn St and City park. The apartment takes up the second and third floor of this beautiful Reading townhouse. Freshly painted rooms throughout, brand new bathroom, large eat in kitchen! Well qualified tenants will have income of at least 2.5x rent and have excellent references. Please call to schedule a sowing today! This will go
Spacious one bedroom apartment in the heart of Reading. Large living room and large bedroom on the 3rd floor. Close to City Park and downtown Reading. Rent includes water, sewer, and trash. Tenant pays electric and gas for cooking. RPA parking permits may be available for nearby lots.
Address: 1216 Perkiomen Ave Reading PAProperty includes all utilities: water, sewer, trash, electric, hot water, heat and Internet.mini -refrigerator, bed frame and flat screen TVIt also has Shared kitchen, laundry facilities on the 1st floor of buildings and lounge area.Weekly cleaning of common areas.We require a new mattress that we provide on move in with a
Welcome to your new home in Reading, Pa. This cozy and inviting 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom residence is the perfect place for those seeking a peaceful and comfortable living environment. With a convenient location and a range of amenities, this property is sure to meet all your needs.Step inside this charming home and be greeted by a spacious living area, perfect for relaxing after a long day. The
This 3/4 Bedroom house could be yours!New paint. New flooring!Extra clean.Tenant pays: Electric, Water, Sewer and Trash.We work with all government programs.Poorly qualified applicants may be required to pay an additional deposit if approved. Free online rent payment options.To fill out an application visit and click on the “Residential
Welcome home to this newly renovated 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath rental located in the heart of Reading, PA. This inviting property offers a comfortable layout with spacious bedrooms, a bright living area, and an updated kitchen with plenty of cabinet space. For added convenience, washer and dryer are added to the unit. Conveniently located across the street from a park, and close to shopping, dining,
Welcome home to this newly renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bath rental located in the heart of Reading, PA. This inviting property offers a comfortable layout with spacious bedrooms, a bright living area, and an updated kitchen with plenty of cabinet space. For added convenience, washer and dryer are added to the unit. Conveniently located across the street from a park, and close to shopping, dining,
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