Reading

Structurally speaking, the Reading neighborhood of 18th and Cotton looks broadly similar to how it appeared in the early 1900s. Turn-of-the-century brownstones and townhouses comprise the bulk of the residential real estate in this southeastern section of the city. The Japanese-style Reading Pagoda, erected in 1908, looms over the neighborhood atop Mount Penn. Local preservation efforts have maintained the heavily wooded nature escapes that flank the neighborhood to the north and south. Today, over 3,000 people populate this longstanding neighborhood, enjoying its proximity to some of Reading’s most recognizable attractions. Its convenience continues with a public elementary school and U.S. Route 422 just a few turns away. Countless rows of traditional townhouses and brownstones pack 18th and Cotton’s urban streets, sharing blocks with pubs, eateries and stop-and-shops. These feature facades of various materials, between brown-and-gray stone masonry, red brick and multicolor vinyl siding. Some have clay roofs punctuated by dormers. A small handful of single-family homes, primarily ranch-style abodes, appear in the neighborhood. Three-bedroom raised ramblers can cost up to $230,000, while even spectacularly maintained brownstones tend to stay below $200,000. DIY enthusiasts can spend around $50,000 for a three-bedroom townhouse needing top-to-bottom fixes. Mount Penn towers over 18th and Cotton to the north, home to several of Reading’s most prominent outdoor hotspots. Among these is the Reading Pagoda, the city’s de facto symbol, visible from several points in the neighborhood. Originally planned as a luxury hotel, this Shogun Dynasty-inspired tower eventually became city property and a seminal part of local culture. “It used to flash lights in Morse code to let firefighters know where to go for emergencies. It would beam baseball scores. It would even flash red and green on Christmas Eve to let kids know Santa was going to be there soon,” says Reading & Berks County Visitors Bureau Marketing Director Lisa Haggerty. “Unfortunately, it’s closed for repairs, but you can still get great views from the ground level.” About 1 mile north, visitors can climb a historic fire tower one Sunday monthly to enjoy a 60-mile, 360-degree view from the top. Mount Penn also features one of Reading’s many well-maintained mountain biking trails. “The Berks Area Mountain Biking Association takes incredible care of our trails, placing trail heads, repair stations and pumps,” Haggerty says. Haggerty adds that mountain bikers can conveniently pass through the quaint borough of Mt. Penn, 18th and Cotton’s neighbor to the east, in the middle of a bike ride. “You can come off the mountain, stop for something to eat, then get on another trail,” she says. Popular Mt. Penn establishments include The Suburban Tavern & Restaurant, which has served elegantly plated surf-and-turf fare for 70 years. Eateries in 18th and Cotton include The Blue Farm (La Granja Azul), a Peruvian restaurant serving roast chicken, lomo saltado and other standards. Two blocks west, La Niña Fresa treats customers to Mexican ice cream and other delectable dishes. Locals can pay an in-and-out visit to 15th and Cotton Market for household essentials and groceries. Pre-K through fourth grade students in 18th and Cotton are zoned for 16th and Haak Elementary School. This public school operates two blocks north of the neighborhood, accommodates roughly 450 kids and has a D from Niche. Also rated a D is Central Middle School, where fifth through eighth graders join a considerable population of 1,900-plus peers. Even more formidable is the nearly 5,500-student Reading Senior High School, which Niche gives a C-minus and calls Pennsylvania’s largest brick-and-mortar high school. Its campus, locally called the “Castle on the Hill,” matches its sizeable student body, having served the community since 1927. Despite its urban trappings, little to no public transportation serves 18th and Cotton. Locals are about a mile from central Reading, typically a 30-minute walk or a five-minute drive. Drivers can also hop on U.S. 422 East to reach Philadelphia in as little as an hour, depending on traffic.

Among Reading residents, College Heights is known by one fun fact, students can make their way from pre-K to college all within a walkable stretch of 13th Street. This academic enclave is home to Albright College, which happens to be the neighborhood’s namesake. Early 20th-century homes and grand old trees fill this north-side suburb, positioned right next door to the lush Mount Penn Preserve, where locals can run, walk or ride through miles of woodsy trails. “It’s one of the nicer areas in Reading, and affordable compared to the rest of the county,” says Jerry Buffa, real estate professional at Coldwell Banker Realty and 30-year Berks County local. College Heights housing developments line either side of Hampden Boulevard, the neighborhood’s main connector. Homes on the east side, closest to the nature preserve, typically have wider lots and more tree coverage, while those on the west side sit closer together on grassy hillsides. These single-family styles range from ranch homes and split-levels to Colonials, Tudors and Cape Cods. “It has a very European feel,” Buffa says. For something with storybook character, buyers look along the preserve, where prices tend to be higher. Properties start around $150,000 for a modest townhome and reach $375,000 for a spacious turn-of-the-20th-century charmer. “It’s priced at the higher end for Reading, but much lower if you’re looking anywhere else in the county,” Buffa says. “It’s a more family-oriented area than the rest of the city,” Buffa says. The neighborhood’s public schools line 13th Street, its sidewalks often busy with backpack-wearing students. Many start at Thirteenth & Union Elementary and continue to Northeast Middle, each carrying a D-plus rating on Niche. The C-minus-rated Reading Senior High is hard to miss, its towering 1927 structure locally referred to as “The Castle on the Hill.” Albright College sits at the northern end of town and offers the “13th Street Educational Partnership,” a mentorship program connecting college students to the neighborhood schools. The prominent college is also known for its success in helping undergrads continue to graduate programs - about 90% who apply to medical and law school are accepted, according to the school site. Mount Penn Preserve is a 4,000-acre swathe of lakes, wetlands, parks, and trails. Some College Heights homeowners can step out the front door right onto its brushy pathways. The hilly dirt trails are popular for mountain biking, hosting athletic riders regularly for a challenging spin. The Park’s scenic Skyline Drive is most striking when the leaves change, a north-to-south corridor leading to the famed Reading Pagoda, a historic city landmark. The kids can hang out at 11th and Pike Playground after school and cool off on the splash pad during Reading’s warm summer months. College Heights locals can also head to the FirstEnergy Stadium, less than 2 miles away, to cheer on the Fightin Phils minor league baseball team in their free time. College Heights is home to local eateries like neighborhood staple Pizza Italia, a family-owned spot in a Dutch colonial home, or Pike Café, another mainstay that’s busiest when the Eagles game is on. Rockland Street’s shopping areas are convenient for grocery shops at Weis Markets or picking up take-out from one of the many surrounding restaurants. Living in College Heights also puts homeowners 2 miles from downtown Reading’s nightlife and culture. College Heights commuters can take the 2-mile trip into downtown Reading via Route 222 or opt for a non-highway ride on 13th Street. Reading locals live roughly 60 miles from Philadelphia and Harrisburg via Route 422. Baltimore, Washington, D.C., or New York City can all be reached in under 150 miles. The Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority, BARTA, buses make stops throughout town for those who prefer to get around car-free.

District 6 is a neighborhood in the heart of Reading characterized by its historic row houses and closeness to the area's only public high school. Home prices are a big draw to new homebuyers, and the area’s central location in the city makes reaching amenities more accessible. District 6’s row houses can cost between $100,000 and $190,000, with some options listing as low as $50,000. Marjorie DeJesus, a seasoned Reading-area Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty, says, “More people are moving into the area because of the affordability of housing. I have clients from New York and New Jersey who couldn’t ever afford to buy a home, but here they can buy a five-bedroom 1,600 square foot home for $180,000.” Most homes were built around 1900 and maintain their original brick exterior architecture, while others have been remodeled with colorful siding. Covered porches and short concrete stoops lead directly onto paved sidewalks and wide two-way streets. Parking is usually on-street, but some homes have short gravel driveways or a detached garage. Students can attend 13th & Green Elementary, which has a D-plus rating from Niche. The school serves primarily students from low-income families and ranks among the top 10% of public schools in Pennsylvania that have students eligible for free lunch. Central Middle School earns a D rating from Niche, and through the Every Student Succeeds Act, it is one of 100 schools statewide designated for Comprehensive Support and Improvement. This designation allocates additional resources and stakeholder partnership opportunities to the school so its administration can address its most pressing needs. High schoolers can attend Reading Senior High School, which earns a C-minus on Niche. The school offers students a variety of AP courses and has a gifted program called Red Knight Accelerated Academy. City Park is considered Reading’s central green space and is about 1 mile away from District 6. Nearly 50 acres, the park features an all-abilities playground and splash pad, a paved walking path, benches and trash cans. The play area has a music station, a lemonade stand, language panels, rock climbing steps and a surface spinner. Beyond the playground are many walking trails and historic statues, as well as basketball and tennis courts. The park also houses the Veteran's Grove Memorial Park. Egelman's Ball Park is 2 miles away and a favorite for local baseball games. Situated on a hill, the area has a large baseball diamond with viewing benches, a parking lot, a pavilion area and a few restrooms. Beside it is Mineral Spring Park, a quiet wooded area where locals can escape from city life and go on nature walks with their dogs. While not enforced, it is recommended that visiting pets stay leashed. District 6 residents can access a few dining and grocery options within the area. Loncheria & Panaderia Doña Tere is where locals go to order traditional Mexican dishes that can’t usually be found on the menus of chain Mexican restaurants. It’s described as a friendly and warm atmosphere that serves large portions for as low as $10. Ivy Leaf Association is a favorite spot for the community to come together. The bar serves inexpensive beer locals like to share with friends, but it also has a darts team and hosts karaoke nights. For groceries, there are various mini marts scattered throughout the neighborhood where residents can buy essentials at low prices, such as Buenavista Grocery Store and Greenwich Food Market. However, Weiss Markets is about 2 miles away and the closest big box grocery store offering a wider selection of produce, as well as an Amazon shipment receiving locker. Berks Area Reading Transportation Authority, also known as BARTA, serves the public transportation needs of District 6. While there are bus stops around the neighborhood, residents can travel 2 miles to the BARTA Transportation Center to either wait for their bus to arrive or transfer between bus routes. District 6 locals are roughly 57 miles from Philadelphia and can arrive there by car within an hour via U.S. Route 422 and Interstate 76. Lehigh Valley International Airport is the nearest airport to the area at around 40 miles away.

District 8 is one of the quieter neighborhoods of downtown Reading despite being made up of the signature densely packed row houses that characterize the city. The area is nestled between many of the city’s natural areas, and it is situated farther away from downtown’s epicenter, leading to less noise and road traffic. Its residential streets also surround 16th and Haak Elementary School, which is why so many families with small children choose to move to the area. District 8’s row houses were all built around the early 1900s; some maintain their original red brick exteriors, while some have been updated with colorful siding. Despite homes being typically under 1,300 square feet, most listings have four to five bedrooms and multiple levels. Prices range from $110,000 to $160,000, while some go for above $200,000. The homes generally have small, covered porches and short stoops that lead directly onto the city’s wide sidewalks. Parking is usually on-street. Students can attend 16th and Haak Elementary, which has a D-plus rating on Niche. Most local children can walk to school every morning because the school sits right at the center of District 8. Students can move on to Southern Middle School, which has a D grade on Niche and is under 1 mile away. High schoolers can attend Reading Senior High School 1 1/2 miles away, which earns a C-minus on Niche. While the staff works hard to best serve all of Reading’s high schoolers, Marjorie DeJesus, a seasoned Reading-area Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty, sheds some light on the school district’s struggles and development plans. “The fact that there’s only one high school is a downside of the area,” she says. “There’s definitely an overpopulation issue at Reading High, but the school district is planning on building a new STEM school soon. That will take some of the pressure off Reading High, and it’s going to be so good for the kids and the community.” Pendora Park runs parallel to District 8 and offers plenty of after-school amenities. Over 6 acres wide, the park has a playground and various sports facilities that are free to the public. Family gatherings are common at the park’s pavilion and field house, and residents can rent out sports equipment or even the venue itself for events. Many local children spend their free time at the Olivet Boy's & Girl's Club, which can also be found at Pendora Park. City Park is considered Reading’s central green space and is a 1/2 mile from District 8. Nearly 50 acres, the park features an all-abilities playground, a splash pad and benches. Beyond the playground are many walking trails and historic statues, as well as basketball and tennis courts. The park also houses the Veteran's Grove Memorial Park and the Volunteer Fireman’s Memorial Amphitheater where community and seasonal events will occasionally take place. There are a few nearby supermarkets where residents can get groceries. On the other side of U.S. Route 422 is Shop Smart Supermarket, while Guru Sub and Grocery Store is two streets down. For a sit-down meal, locals love The Blue Farm Chicken & Ceviche Shop, a nearby Peruvian restaurant serving authentic Latin American eats. Customers appreciate how large the portions are and how flavorful each dish is for prices that don’t break the bank. Or locals head over to Tambora Restaurant, a cozy Spanish restaurant only a couple streets away. Around the corner is Traveler’s Pub, a well-loved hole-in-the-wall bar where residents like to grab drinks together and play darts. La Niña Fresa is a favorite among children and adults alike to stop by for a sweet treat. The shop is known for its creamy and refreshing ice cream and aguas frescas, as well as familiar Mexican candies and snacks like horchata and spicy street corn. Generally, the Berks Area Reading Transportation Authority, also known as BARTA, would provide the area with public transportation. However, the closest BARTA bus stop to the area is the RDI stop, which is a little over 1 mile away. Therefore, most locals travel by car, and some even work outside the city. Residents are about 56 miles from Philadelphia and can arrive there by car in under two hours via 422 and Interstate 76. Lehigh Valley International Airport is the nearest airport to the area at 40 miles away.

With its dense tree-lined streets, open green spaces and proximity to the Schuylkill River, Glenside offers its residents a balance of tranquil suburban living with easy access to city life. With an area of 1.3 square miles, Glenside is divided into two townships: Abington Township and Cheltenham Township. Pennsylvania Route 12 Warren Street Bypass splits the boundary, delineating where the urban environment becomes more suburban. South of the bypass, there are older bungalows and ranch-style homes from the early 1900s interspersed with low-slung commercial buildings and apartment complexes. In the northern section, "you'll find midcentury subdivisions and lots with split-levels, Colonial revivals and Tudor revivals that have stone exteriors," says Katie Broskey, a Realtor with Keller Williams Platinum Realty, who lives in Reading. There are also bungalows and ranch-style homes sprinkled throughout. Prices range between $167,000 and $601,000 and can go as high as $995,000. A three-bedroom rambler to the south costs around $185,000, while a six-bedroom home to the north costs around $925,000. Yard sizes are a wide range, anywhere from 1/3 acre to 5 acres. Most of the smaller homes do not have garages and require driveway or street parking. Streets are wide, winding and lack sidewalks. Depending on where a home is located, Glenside students attend school in either the Reading or Schuylkill Valley School districts. Schuylkill Valley Elementary School and Schuylkill Valley Middle School have B scores from Niche. Schuylkill Valley High School has a B score and a rigorous athletics program that includes football, golf, tennis and wrestling. For recreation during the warmer months, Broskey recommends Blue Marsh Lake, a 6,100-acre natural area with a variety of amenities and 30 miles of walking and biking trails. "I like Blue Marsh because it's nice for hiking, and there are different dock areas if you have a boat. There's also a beach for swimming." Another popular destination is Gring's Mill Recreation Area, which includes six tennis courts, a softball field, an 18-station exercise course, a sand volleyball court and a children's play area. Summer concerts are held at the amphitheater on select evenings, and the Holiday Lights Program is held along the parkway each December. The Berkshire Country Club is located in the center of the neighborhood. Established in 1899, the country club features an 18-hole golf course, a pool, tennis courts and a fine dining restaurant with a certified wine sommelier on staff. Locals can do their grocery shopping at Weis Markets, a 4-mile drive on back roads. Home Depot and Best Buy are about a 3-mile drive on local streets. Locals can also shop and dine at Berkshire Shopping Mall, a 2.7-mile drive on back streets. The mall features major brand retail stores like Hollister and Hot Topic. Broskey recommends several eateries in nearby Shillington. Flanagan's Pub is an Irish-American restaurant that has been serving patrons for over 40 years. Windsor Inn at Shillington is a community staple, serving the community since 1987, 201 West is housed in a building dating back to the 1920's. Sweet Ride is a family-favorite ice cream parlor and soda fountain that serves 40 plus rotating flavors of ice cream. There are several Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA) stops throughout the area; however, Broskey says that most residents prefer to use their cars. The Pennsylvania Turnpike and U.S. routes 222 and 422 are easily accessible to commuters. Reading Regional-Carl A. Spaatz Field Airport is a 2.3-mile drive via Pennsylvania Route 183.