$125,457Average Value$122Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
Living close to Reading's city center in Southeast Community
Just under a mile from downtown Reading, Southeast Community offers a residential feel at the heart of the city. The streets are lined with houses, with the occasional corner store or market. With downtown so close, residents are just minutes from Reading’s best restaurants and sports venues. As part of a smaller city, Southeast Community doesn’t have to go far to connect with nature and the hiking opportunities surrounding the city. The community also offers more affordable housing that attracts a lot of buyers to the area, especially when the cost of living increases further from the city center and closer to Pennsylvania’s other major cities.
Turn-of-the-century rowhomes with Italianate detailing
Southeast Community features streets with lines and lines of traditional rowhomes dating back to the early 1900s. Many have front porches covered with awnings, bay windows and a dormer window at the top. Other options are simplistic Italianate options with a flatter façade. People with the front porches individualize this space with different awning designs and materials and furniture. Sidewalks run along both sides of the street. Most houses only offer street parking, but most residential streets are one-way, so people can park on both sides of the road. Some properties do have gravel driveways, but these are uncommon. Southeast Community homes typically list between $75,000 and $150,000, but a large percentage of people living here are renters, making this a great opportunity for investors.
Reading's historic pubs and Amish markets
Because Southwest Community is so close to downtown Reading, residents can easily get to some of Reading’s best restaurants. Ugly Oyster Drafthouse boasts being the oldest pub in Berks County, originally established in the 1700s. In the renovated building, people can enjoy standard Irish and pub food like wings and fish and chips. Saucony Creek’s Franklin Street location is housed in an old bus station and preserves much of the original structure. On Sunday mornings, people listen to jazz during brunch. La Niña Fresa is a local ice cream shop with a neon sign inside setting the fun atmosphere. When shopping for groceries, people can head to Berkshire Square, about 5 miles away, for Walmart. Pennsylvania Dutch Farmer’s Market of Wyomissing features authentic and fresh Amish goods, just 4.3 miles from Southeast Community. “There are some corner stores within walking distance,” says Realtor Joan Antosy with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Homesale Realt, highlighting options like Santa Rita Grocery and Tung Chengo Grocery.
Reading hockey games and samll-town festivals
Every June, West Reading hosts Art on the Avenue, an art and music festival along Penn Avenue. Penn Street Market is the community’s local open-air farmers market that takes place every Thursday from June through September. Here, residents can shop locally sourced fresh produce, baked foods and meat products while enjoying live music and food trucks. Out of the city of Kutztown, the Kutztown Folk Festival has been featured in USA Today and National Geographic for its nine-day summer celebration of Pennsylvania Dutch culture. It also features the largest quilt sale featuring traditional quilts made by local artisans. In the winter, the Reading Royals, the city’s hockey team, play at Santander Area in downtown Reading.
Students can learn trades at the Castle on the Hill
Amanda E. Stout Elementary School sits at the center of Southeast Community, serving grades kindergarten through fourth grade and receiving a D-plus from Niche. For fifth through eighth grade, students attend Southern Middle School, which Niche grants a D. Dubbed The Castle on the Hill by locals, Reading Senior High School offers trade education for careers like construction, health sciences and IT through Reading-Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center (RMCTC). Niche awards the high school a C-minus ranking.
Hiking opportunities and scenic overlooks around Reading
At City Park, residents can stroll through the rolling hills and trees along the paved walking path. Veteran’s Grove celebrates local members of the military with monuments. The playground features a musical station where kids can play the chimes and the xylophone and a splash pad in the summer. Antosy says that the five basketball courts are always busy, but people can play in the evenings thanks to ample lighting. Reading Iron Playground offers another space for kids to play alongside basketball courts. Hikers can head up Neversink Mountain along Upper Glen Trail, which leads to Witches Hat. This stone pavilion looks a bit like a Halloween witch hat and overlooks the city’s skyline.
Walkable amenities and restaurants along Penn Street
Southeast Community lacks public transportation throughout the neighborhood, but with the local grocery marts and bodegas on the corners of residential streets, residents can walk to these amenities. When driving, Penn Street connects to downtown Reading and its restaurants, as well as the Benjamin Franklin Highway. Reading doesn’t have its own airport, so residents will have to travel beyond the city when flying within the U.S. and beyond. All airports are about an hour away, with Lehigh Valley International Airport 43 miles away and Philadelphia International Airport 72 miles away. Reading Hospital is just 2.6 miles from Southeast Community via Penn Street.
Important to know about living in Reading
Southeast Community has a CAP Index Crime Score of 7 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. The overall crime score is driven by higher-than-average scores for violent crime. Organizations like Berks Community Action Program and Olivet Boys and Girls Club are working to promote safety and support people throughout Berks County. Penn State Berks also received a grant $1.62 million grant in 2023 from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for a new program focusing on supporting the county’s youth and preventing violence in the community.
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
Are you familiar with the Southeast Community neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Southeast Community
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
8
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
8
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Southeast Community Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Southeast Community, Reading sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Southeast Community, Reading over the last 12 months is $135,000, up 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Move-in-ready home located in the City of Reading offering 4 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. The interior features all-new flooring, fresh paint in warm, neutral tones, and updated fixtures throughout, creating a clean and inviting living space. The layout offers ample room with flexibility for bedrooms, a home office, or additional living areas. Efficient gas heat and convenient washer/dryer hookups
Welcome to 135A S 10th Street, a spacious brick row home offering 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and over 1,600 sq ft of living space. This property features generously sized rooms and a functional layout. The home offers ample bedroom space, large living room and a basement providing additional storage. With solid bones and room for customization, this property is ideal for an owner-occupant looking to
Welcome to 431 S 11th Street! This charming 5-bedroom townhouse, built in 1900, exudes timeless appeal with its traditional brick and block construction. The inviting layout features a spacious living area, perfect for gatherings and creating lasting memories. The kitchen comes equipped with a ample counter space, making meal prep a breeze. With 1.5 bathrooms, morning routines are simplified,
Fully updated from top to bottom within the past year, this 4-bedroom home is move-in ready and packed with recent improvements. Enjoy peace of mind with a recently replaced roof, a brand new furnace, and efficient gas heat—all completed within the last 12 months. Every detail has been refreshed, offering a clean, modern living space ideal for homeowners looking for low-maintenance comfort. With
Welcome to your cozy retreat at 1156 Franklin St! This charming fully renovated studio apartment offers comfortable living in a convenient location. Nestled in the heart of Reading, PA, this 2nd floor front unit provides beautiful high ceilings, upgraded appliances and nearby amenities, parks, schools, and transportation options as well as beautiful views of Pagoda. Our dedicated management team
Zylkia RiveraKeller Williams Platinum Realty - Wyomissing
Welcome to your cozy retreat at 1156 Franklin St! This charming fully renovated studio apartment offers comfortable living in a convenient location. Nestled in the heart of Reading, PA, this 1st floor unit provides beautiful high ceilings, upgraded appliances and nearby amenities, parks, schools, and transportation options. Our dedicated management team is committed to providing prompt assistance
Barbara LopezKeller Williams Platinum Realty - Wyomissing
Welcome to your cozy retreat at 1156 Franklin St! This charming fully renovated 1 bedroom apartment offers comfortable living in a convenient location. Nestled in the heart of Reading, PA, this 1st floor unit provides beautiful high ceilings, private deck, upgraded appliances and nearby amenities, parks, schools, and transportation options. Our dedicated management team is committed to providing
Barbara LopezKeller Williams Platinum Realty - Wyomissing
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