$131,131Average Value$120Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Life below the Pagoda
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.
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.
Many of 18th and Cotton's streets are on considerable inclines.
A few single-family homes appear in and around 18th and Cotton's urban streets.
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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.
The Reading Pagoda offers miles of Reading-area views.
The 16th and Haak Playground features a colorful play structure.
Athletes can work up a sweat at East Reading Boxing Club near 18th and Cotton.
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Mittie Mae's is one of several 18th and Cotton convenience stores.
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.
16th and Haak Elementary School accommodates pre-K through fourth grade near 18th and Cotton.
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.
Cotton Street runs the length of the neighborhood.
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.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jerry Buffa,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
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
Airport
Lehigh Valley International
62 min drive
Bus
Perkiomen Ave. & 17th St. Farside Eb
Bus
15th St. & Cotton St. Farside Wb
Bus
Perkiomen Ave. & 19th St. Farside Eb
Bus
Perkiomen Ave. & 15th St. Farside Eb
Bus
Perkiomen Ave. & 16th St. Farside Eb
Bus
Perkiomen Ave. & 18th St. Nearside Eb
Bus
19th St & Cotton St Farside Wb
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
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in 18th and Cotton, Reading sell after 22 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in 18th and Cotton, Reading over the last 12 months is $150,787, up 19% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great opportunity to own a well cared for property with lots of space! The first floor of this home has a large living room and a huge eat in kitchen/dining area. The second floor has two nice sized private bedrooms and a full bathroom. The third floor has two more nice sized private bedrooms. There is a small yard with alley access, and natural gas heat. Schedule your showing today!
Investor Opportunity – Turnkey Rental in East Reading!Solid 3-bedroom, 1-bath East Reading rowhome—an excellent opportunity for investors! Currently occupied by a reliable long-term tenant who would like to stay, offering immediate income and tenant stability. Rents have remained under market value due to a long-standing tenant relationship, leaving room for increased cash flow
Mike KopernaKeller Williams Real Estate - West Chester
This property offers a unique opportunity for development in a desirable neighborhood. Location Highlights: Convenient Access: Situated near major roadways, providing easy access to local amenities and neighboring communities. Community Amenities: Close proximity to schools, parks, shopping centers, and dining options, enhancing the appeal for potential residents.? Development
This is a very nice 2nd floor 2 bedroom unit on the outskirts of the city (it's almost in Mt. Penn) which has just been remodeled head to toe! The apartment features 2 private bedrooms (main bedroom has huge closet), very large living room, kitchen and bath. New flooring in kitchen and bath as well as new carpeting in the bedrooms and living room. Brand new never used before kitchen and
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jerry Buffa,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
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.
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.
