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Northwest Reading

Northwest Reading

Neighborhood in Reading, Pennsylvania

Berks County 19601, 19605

$184,106 Average Value
$121 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

A densely populated urban neighborhood in the heart of Reading

Northwest Reading sits inside Pennsylvania's fourth largest city. The city of Reading was named for a railroad company that once saw colossal success during the Industrial Revolution. Today, the company is long gone, and there's no passenger rail in the city. But that could soon change. "There has been a lot of talk to restore rail service between Reading and Philadelphia," says Brad Smith, an archivist and associate director at Berks History Center and an adjunct professor at Alvernia University. "It will be really exciting and help stimulate growth for our city. Reading is certainly not without its challenges. We are still finding our footing, but I think there is a lot of reason for optimism," Smith says. Katie Broskey, a Realtor with Keller Williams Platinum Realty, who has been selling homes in the area for nearly a decade, says revitalization is happening in the city, including removing blighted properties to bring new housing, city programs to support residents and efforts to build back up 10th Street's retail and restaurant offerings.

Victorian row homes and multi-family twin homes dominate Northwest Reading

Northwest Reading's wide sidewalks make it a very walkable neighborhood. Locals can sift through free little libraries around the neighborhood on their walks. Smith doesn't live in Reading but has strong family ties to the city. "My dad's family is from Reading. My grandfather grew up two blocks from my office," Smith says. In Northwest Reading, many live in Victorian-style row homes with small front yards. Most row homes have three or five bedrooms. Twin homes — two-family homes that share a wall — are also available in the neighborhood. While single-family homes in the neighborhood aren't common, those who live in them are provided more space and larger lots. Homes in Northwest Reading typically cost between $100,000 and $300,000. "Reading is very affordable compared to the areas around it, including the counties," says Liz Egner, the team leader and owner of The Liz Egner Group at Re/MAX of Reading.

Twin Homes are found throughout Northwest Reading.
Twin Homes are found throughout Northwest Reading.
Rows of Victorian Row Homes line the streets of Northwest Reading.
Rows of Victorian Row Homes line the streets of Northwest Reading.
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U.S. Routes 422, 222 serve as main thoroughfares for the city

While no passenger rail exists in the city, Northwest Reading residents can get around by car and public transportation. U.S. Route 422 and U.S. Route 222 are major thoroughfares in the city. The Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA) operates a fleet of hybrid electric buses from the BARTA center in downtown.

Get to downtown Reading from Bethany on a Barta bus.
Get to downtown Reading from Bethany on a Barta bus.
BARTA busses run throughout Northwest Reading, providing easy access to downtown.
BARTA busses run throughout Northwest Reading, providing easy access to downtown.
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Reading High serves nearly 6,000 students

Kids can attend the Reading School District. They can begin at one of several elementary schools like Northwest Elementary School, which has an overall D-plus rating from Niche. Students can then attend Northwest Middle School, which has an overall D rating from Niche. Reading Senior High School is the largest high school in the state, with roughly 5,500 students in the entire school. Reading Senior High has an overall C-minus rating from Niche. Reading is a sister city with Reutlingen, Germany, which allows high schoolers to apply to be part of a student exchange program. Reading students can apply and, if chosen, will travel to Reutlingen for two weeks in the fall, while German exchange students will come to Reading in the spring.

Reading Senior High School in Northeast Reading is fondly nicknamed 'The Castle on the Hill'.
Reading Senior High School in Northeast Reading is fondly nicknamed 'The Castle on the Hill'.
Central Middle School serves 2,000 students in grades 5-8.
Central Middle School serves 2,000 students in grades 5-8.
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Northwest Reading is the birthplace of The Legendary Cheese Steak

A Northwest Reading gem is Mike's Sandwich Shop. A neighborhood establishment for over 60 years, Mike's is known for its Legendary Cheese Steak and custom-made sandwiches. The Legendary Cheese Steak has over a pound of ribeye with American cheese melted into it, with the option of adding sautéed onions and peppers. The cheese steak is topped with the shop's famous sauce. Another neighborhood spot is Mike's Tavern. It's a local watering hole where residents meet and catch up over drinks and live music. For quick groceries, locals can pop into several corner stores around the neighborhood, like Eli's Corner. Larger grocery stores near Northwest include CTown Supermarket and Fine Fare Supermarket.

Northwest Reading residents run to the corner grocery stores for needed essentials.
Northwest Reading residents run to the corner grocery stores for needed essentials.
The bar at Mike's Tavern in Northwest Reading is a must visit for cold beer and greta music.
The bar at Mike's Tavern in Northwest Reading is a must visit for cold beer and greta music.
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Small neighborhood parks offer athletic fields and playgrounds

Neighborhood kids can play together at Keffer Park and Baer Park, two small neighborhood parks. Both parks have playgrounds, basketball courts and ball fields. At the Olivet Boys & Girls Club, neighborhood kids can join sports teams like flag football, soccer, baseball and basketball. Kids also receive homework assistance and support for achieving academic success in school. Northwest Reading residents can get their steps daily along the paved Schuylkill River Trail while taking in river views. Locals can cool off and swim on the river bank on hot summer days.

The baseball field at Keffer Park in Northwest Reading is a great place to practice your swing.
The baseball field at Keffer Park in Northwest Reading is a great place to practice your swing.
The playground at Baer Park in Northwest Reading is loved by neighborhood kids.
The playground at Baer Park in Northwest Reading is loved by neighborhood kids.
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Jess Nocera
Written By
Jess Nocera
Jay Ratchford
Photography Contributed By
Jay Ratchford
Alex Jacobsen
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Alex Jacobsen

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Richard Sachetta, an experienced agent in this area.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Lehigh Valley International

58 min drive

Bus

Centre Ave. & Bern St. Farside Nb

Bus

Centre Ave & Bern St Nearside Eb

Bus

Centre Ave. & Evans St. Nearside Sb

Bus

5th St. HWY & Richmond St. Nearside Sb

Bus

Schuylkill & Blair Ave. - Far Side - Nb

Bus

Centre Ave & Cathedral St Farside Wb

Bus

Windsor & Weiser St. - Far Side - Wb

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Northwest Reading US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$200,000
Median Single Family Price
$200,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$121
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
28
Months of Supply
0.90
Median List Price
$200,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
18%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,215
Median Year Built
1905
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,669
Below the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,922
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,742

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 3
    12 - 3pm

    117 Amity St, Reading, PA 19601

    $209,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,240 Sq Ft
    • 117 Amity St
    • New 1 day ago

    Welcome to 117 Amity St, a delightful home that offers a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and charm. This beautiful 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is located in a highly sought-after neighborhood and is ready for its next owners to move in and enjoy. With a spacious garage and a welcoming atmosphere, this property is truly a gem!

    Kelvin Rodriguez Iron Valley Real Estate of Berks

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood? Reach out to Richard Sachetta, an experienced agent in this area.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,758
Median Age
35
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
29.1%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.6%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$40,674
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$52,948

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
69%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
6.1%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.2%

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®

35 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

47 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Northwest Reading