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Reading

Reading

Located in Middlesex County

$985,400 Average Value
$460 Average Price per Sq Ft
29 Homes For Sale

Location and community keep people coming to Reading

The town of Reading is popular for its proximity to Boston and a wide variety of amenities. Community initiatives have enlivened downtown, while the farther reaches of Reading offer large green spaces that frequently host concerts and sporting events for adult and youth leagues. “Reading is the kind of place that you can grow up in, then move away for school or work, but you always end up moving back because it is that kind of community that you want to return to and share with your own family,” says Susan Gormady, a Realtor with Classified Realty Group who has lived in Reading since 2008.

Town Hall sits at the top of Main Street in Reading.
Town Hall sits at the top of Main Street in Reading.
Welcome to Reading sign greets visitors entering the town.
Welcome to Reading sign greets visitors entering the town.
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Historic Queen Annes and new condos in Reading

Houses in Reading span several sizes and time periods. Gormady says the town has “some of the most gorgeous 1920s homes.” Many estates are listed on the Woburn Street Historic District, which hugs its eponymous road. This affluent area is notable for its colorful Colonial Revival and Queen Anne builds, which date from the end of the 1800s through the early 1900s. Ranch-style and raised ranch-style homes sit closer to the town’s edges, accompanied by midcentury Colonial Revivals and the occasional 21st-century New Traditional.
The median home price in Reading hovers around $775,000, almost double the national median of $410,000. In addition to single-family homes, buyers can also choose from townhouses and condos, some of which are in 55+ communities. Homes remain on the market for an average of 19 days, compared to the national average of 45 days.

Older homes still occupy space in the heart of Reading.
Older homes still occupy space in the heart of Reading.
Rows of bright color architecture are seen on the streets of Reading.
Rows of bright color architecture are seen on the streets of Reading.
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Community initiatives help downtown Reading

Local restaurants adorn Main Street, running from the Town Common down to the railroad tracks. Most serve American fare, though a few offer Japanese and Italian dishes. A group comprised of local businesses and residents is working on designating downtown as a business improvement district, or BID, where property owners pool funds together to create projects and programs to benefit Reading. In the past, the city has launched successful initiatives, including constructing Haven Street Pocket Park and installing bistro tables outside of local restaurants. Shopping centers lie east of downtown along Walkers Brook Drive. Jordan’s Furniture Reading puts a fun spin on shopping, offering an IMAX theater and a rope course called It at Beantown. Many Reading locals are employed in the health and manufacturing sectors, and others commute to Boston.

Don't forget to stop by a cocktail at Veneian Moon in Reading.
Don't forget to stop by a cocktail at Veneian Moon in Reading.
Fun character glasses are a staple at  Public Kitchen in Reading.
Fun character glasses are a staple at Public Kitchen in Reading.
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Ice skating at Memorial Park, dog walking at Reading Town Forest

The Reading Recreation Division manages about a dozen parks, fields and sports complexes. Located near the center of Reading, Memorial Park offers tennis and basketball courts along with a playset. “In the winter, they flood and freeze the park for ice skating,” Gormady says. “Reading is a big hockey town.” Memorial Park is the location of the free Kids Summer Concert Series which runs on Wednesdays from July through August. For indoor activities, residents can participate in programs at the Burbank YMCA from youth and teen development to aquatics lessons. The facility also features a gym, computer lab and roller-skating rink.

Large green spaces buttress the city to the north, including Reading Town Forest, which Gormady says is “great for walking and hiking, as well as a huge dog walking spot. I don’t have any dogs yet, but if I did, that is where I would take them.” The members-only Meadow Brook Golf Club offers 9 challenging holes, plus a 6-lane pool and a clubhouse with dining services.


You'll enjoy taking the dog for a walk in Reading's Washington Park.
You'll enjoy taking the dog for a walk in Reading's Washington Park.
Reading friends meet up to skate at the Burbank Ice Arena in Reading.
Reading friends meet up to skate at the Burbank Ice Arena in Reading.
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The Haverhill line and highways take commuters to Boston

Reading is a mix of suburban and urban, with Gormady noting that residents on the west side can walk downtown while people on the north side prefer driving.
Downtown Boston is 14 miles down Interstate 93. This expressway runs perpendicular to Interstate 95, which forms a partial beltway around Boston. Alternatively, commuters can hop on the Massachusetts Bay Area Transportation Authority’s Haverhill line from the Reading commuter rail station all the way to downtown’s North station. Boston Logan International Airport lies 15 miles south, while Reading Medical Center, a clinic managed by Tufts Medicine, sits on the east side of town.

A musical Porchfest and the Reading Fall Street Faire

Porches become stages, and front lawns become amphitheaters during Porchfest, a city-wide music event that invites local and regional acts to perform for a day in June. Each early September, the Reading Fall Street Faire provides a full day’s worth of fun, from vendors and car shows to a pie-eating contest and live music. Gormady also highlights the annual Tree Lighting at the beginning of Christmas and the Downtown Trick or Treat, where costumed kids can get candy and goodies from local businesses.

Beautiful weathervanes grace the skyline of Reading.
Beautiful weathervanes grace the skyline of Reading.
Stroll down Main Street and stop by the Children's Shop in Reading.
Stroll down Main Street and stop by the Children's Shop in Reading.
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Reading Public Schools is highly rated

Nearly 4,000 students attend Reading Public Schools, a district which earns an A-minus on Niche. A-rated Reading Memorial High offers Innovation Career Pathways in manufacturing and computer science, where students visit work sites and meet with individuals from industry partners.

Walter S. Parker Middle School is one of 2 Middle schools located in Reading.
Walter S. Parker Middle School is one of 2 Middle schools located in Reading.
Cheer on the home team at Reading High School.
Cheer on the home team at Reading High School.
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Crime and climate in Reading

According to FBI crime statistics, violent crimes increased by 75% between 2022 and 2023, while property crimes decreased by 17% over the same period. Both violent and property crimes have been trending down since the mid-2000s. The Citizens Police Academy familiarizes residents with police proceedings and offers them a chance to participate in a ride-along.
Reading experiences four seasons with warm summers, cold winters and high humidity year-round. Residents can expect an average of five feet of snow each year.

Alexander Breuhan
Written By
Alexander Breuhan
Amanda Beattie
Photography Contributed By
Amanda Beattie
Ellie Brown
Video By
Ellie Brown

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Beverlee Vidoli, an experienced agent in this area.

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Reading Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$799,000
Median Sale Price
$820,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$900,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$905,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$585,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
279
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
5%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$460

Area Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
7,965
Number of Homes for Sale
29
Median Year Built
1956
Months of Supply
1.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,953
On par with the national average
1,925
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,570
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,465
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
872
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
377
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
13,068

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Sep 13
    Open Sat 12PM - 1:30PM

    863 Main St, Reading, MA 01867

    $1,790,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 3,250 Sq Ft
    • 863 Main St
    • New 2 days ago

    Reading's newest 2025 build delivers approx. 3,250 sq ft at 863 Main St. Four generous bedrooms and four spa-like full baths—each equally stunning with tasteful, unique aesthetics—feature Italian stone and tile. Sunlit open living/dining flows to a large deck, patio and yard—perfect for entertaining. Chef's kitchen: high-end Forno Alta Qualita appliances, two dishwashers, Pella windows, designer

    Steve Novak Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Park Plaza

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  • Sunday, Sep 14
    Open Sun 12PM - 2PM

    66 Colburn Rd, Reading, MA 01867

    $1,175,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,321 Sq Ft
    • 66 Colburn Rd
    • New 2 days ago

    Nestled at 66 COLBURN ROAD, Reading, MA, is this EXTRA LARGE SPLIT ENTRY, located so close to the BIRCH MEADOW/READING HIGH SCHOOL & Athletic complex, presents an attractive property in great condition.The heart of this home resides in its thoughtfully designed kitchen, featuring CABICO CABINETS complemented by granite countertops & a large center kitchen island complete with a stovetop & range

    Jan Triglione Premier Realty Group, Inc.

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  • Saturday, Sep 13
    Open Sat 11AM - 12:30PM

    29 Belmont St, Reading, MA 01867

    $774,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,736 Sq Ft
    • 29 Belmont St
    • New 2 days ago

    Quintessential and charming cape. Situated on 10,000 sq foot level lot on a picturesque street in Reading. This home has three bedrooms and two full baths. First floor includes an eat-in kitchen, a dining room a fire-placed living room and a large family room with many windows and natural sunlight. One of the bedrooms is located on the first floor. The second floor has two large bedrooms and a

    Mary Ann Quinn Wilson Wolfe Real Estate

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Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Weather

Annual Precipitation
48''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
26''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

29 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

42 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Reading