18th and Cotton
Neighborhood in Reading, Pennsylvania
Berks County 19602, 19606
Brownstones under $200,000
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.
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Making memories on the mountain
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.
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High-school classrooms in a castle
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.
An easy trip to Philly
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.
Down the street from Mt. Penn
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.
Written By
Sarah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Danny Lambert
Video By
Matthew Link
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Melanie Hughes
Melanie Hughes
Crescent Real Estate
(717) 420-8166
71 Total Sales
1 in 18th and Cotton
$110,000 Price
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Jerry Buffa
Jerry Buffa
Responds QuicklyColdwell Banker Realty
(484) 878-3654
148 Total Sales
2 in 18th and Cotton
$43K - $65K Price Range
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Dino D'Orazio
Dino D'Orazio
Responds QuicklyKeller Williams Real Estate-Blue Bell
(484) 922-8473
167 Total Sales
5 in 18th and Cotton
$65K - $83K Price Range
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Johanna Castaneda
JC
Johanna Castaneda
Responds QuicklyColdwell Banker Realty
(484) 878-4298
94 Total Sales
5 in 18th and Cotton
$95K - $200K Price Range
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Scott Jaraczewski
Scott Jaraczewski
Responds QuicklyIron Valley Real Estate of Berks
(484) 755-3522
220 Total Sales
2 in 18th and Cotton
$135K - $150K Price Range
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Jason Miller
Jason Miller
Responds QuicklyColdwell Banker Realty
(484) 755-3624
60 Total Sales
1 in 18th and Cotton
$68,000 Price
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
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 8th
- Public
- Pre-K to 4th
- Public
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Parks in this Area
Pendora Park
- Picnic Area
- Playground
- Waterpark
Egelman Park
City Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Picnic Area
- Playground
16th & Haak Playground
Riverfront Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Skateboard
E.J. Dives Field
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Playground
Transit
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | 18th and Cotton | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 8 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 5 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 7 | 4 |
| Robbery | 7 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 5 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
18th and Cotton Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in 18th and Cotton, Reading sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in 18th and Cotton, Reading over the last 12 months is $153,000, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$154,999
Median Sale Price
$153,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$154,999
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$189,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
42
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
14%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$120
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,041
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Median Year Built
1900
Months of Supply
1.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,279
Significantly below the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
949
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,306
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
3,517
Median Age
32
Population Density
32 ppl/acre
Population under 18
32%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.3%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$47,909
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,216
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
80.8%
College Graduates
5.1%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1.5%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
18''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
24
/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
64
/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Nearby Neighborhoods
District 8
Quiet urban neighborhood right outside downtown Reading with historic row houses
Hillside
Row house residences right next to City Park, Reading’s central green space
Mount Penn
Comfortable living at the foothills of Mount Penn
Penn's Common
Parkside community steps from downtown Reading
Southeast Community
An urban neighborhood with a residential feel and corner stores
Southeast Reading
A lively downtown Reading neighborhood right by the Santander Arena
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