$144,305Average Value$123Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes 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
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
18th and Cotton
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
18th and Cotton Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in 18th and Cotton, Reading sell after 17 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in 18th and Cotton, Reading over the last 12 months is $160,000, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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