$265,107Average Value$227Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Storybook charm, natural scenery and scholarly streets in north Reading
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 Manor pool is a neighborhood pool in College Heights with yearly membership available.
The Reading Pagoda in Mount Penn Preserve is a wonderful place to admire breathtaking views.
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Character-rich homes face Mount Penn Preserve
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.
Tudor style homes can be found throughout College Heights.
Large lots offer space for families in College Heights.
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Public schools line 13th Street
“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.
13th and Union Elementary School is one of several Northeast Reading schools located on 13th St.
Reading Senior High School in Northeast Reading is fondly nicknamed 'The Castle on the Hill'.
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Mountain biking in Mount Penn Preserve
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.
Mount Penn Preserve provides College Heights residents with miles of trails.
Antietam Reservoir is a popular place to fish for College Heights residents.
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Local mainstays and downtown proximity
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.
Residents of College Heights shop at the local Weis Markets.
Built in 1908, the Reading Pagoda sits 620 feet above College Heights offering great views.
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Commuting on the BART
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.
BARTA has several bus lines that run through College Heights.
Locals in College Heights use BARTA busses to access nearby communities and amenities.
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
Erica Fair,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Centre Park
Egelman Park
City Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Playground
Eleventh and Pike Playground
Keffer Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Playground
Hyde Park Playground
Mount Penn Preserve
Transit
Airport
Lehigh Valley International
59 min drive
Bus
Hampden Blvd. & Bern St. Farside Nb
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Hampden Blvd. & Union St. Farside Nb
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Hampden Blvd. & Exeter St. Far Side Nb
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Hampden Blvd. & College Ave. Far Side Nb
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Hampden Blvd. & Rockland St. Sb
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15th St. & College Ave. Farside Wb
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Rockland & Olive St. Farside Wb
College Heights Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in College Heights, Reading sell after 120 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in College Heights, Reading over the last 12 months is $580,000, up 61% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this charming 2-story, 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath brick home located in the desirable Hampden Heights neighborhood. This well-maintained property offers classic curb appeal and a peaceful setting backing to trees and wooded walking trails—perfect for nature lovers. Inside, you'll find hardwood flooring, spacious room sizes and large dining areas that include the eat-in kitchen. The second
Welcome Home to Historical Hampden Heights! Your search is now over! 1320 N 13th embodies all the traditional architectural gems of The Reading of Yester year. This newly renovated five-bedroom 2 bath Victorian style home is a Sun-drenched gem. The home showcases traditional Hardwood Flooring, High Ceilings, Eat in Kitchen and Extra-Large rooms makes this home. Large bedrooms with ample closet
Pride of ownership exhibited in this beautiful brick 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home in Hampden Heights location, situated on a large corner lot and offers an Ideal blend of space, style, and functionality. As you enter the foyer, off to the right is the generously sized living room with a wood burning fireplace, and the dining room situated off the kitchen, which offers a delightful space for
Buyer's financing fell through lucky for you!!I wanted to share details about a charming new listing that is sure to catch your eye. This beautiful 3-bedroom brick colonial home boasts an array of desirable features. As you step inside, you'll immediately notice the cozy fireplace that adds a warm and inviting touch to the living area. The home includes a spacious garage, providing ample
Welcome to 1321 Birch St, a beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom home located on a quiet residential street in Reading, PA. This thoughtfully updated property offers the perfect combination of historic charm and modern upgrades—ideal for tenants looking for comfort, convenience, and style. The home features three spacious bedrooms filled with natural light and brand-new luxury vinyl plank
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Erica Fair,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
4,666
Median Age
30
Population Density
17 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$70,981
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$79,477
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.6%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
23.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.3%
% Population in Labor Force
64.6%
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®
25/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
58/ 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.
