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South Heidelberg

South Heidelberg

$392,767 Average Value
$304 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

Strong community and semi-rural living west of Reading

South Heidelberg is a township in western Berks County made up of sprawling farmland and neat subdivisions in the land surrounding the borough of Wernersville. First settled in the 1700s, the township has a mix of historic homes and new residential developments that have grown as more people move west of Reading in search of a slower pace of living. "South Heidelberg is a close-knit and generous community," says Maria Gerasklis-Long, director of the Wernersville Public Library. "So many organizations and programs invest in the community here — you've got the library, but also the Girl Scouts, the Rotary Club and the local YMCA, to name a few.” This area has been attracting development thanks to the space for larger lots near U.S. Route 422 and plentiful outdoor recreation. With country traditions like the Apple Dumpling Festival just 10 miles from Reading, South Heidelberg bridges rural and suburban living.

Ranch-style homes from the 1960s and new construction subdivisions

Most development in South Heidelberg began mid-to-late-20th century and continued through the 2000s around the area’s major thoroughfares. Here, the Colonial Revivals and ranch-style homes near the more historic heart of the borough evolve into modern subdivisions with New Traditional homes on tidy quarter-acre lots. Prices start at around $250,000 and can climb to $550,000. New construction homes have been sprouting up around Wernersville and along the township's east side and tend to be priced between $500,000 and $600,000. "It can be a little more affordable to get a bigger house here than in, say, Sinking Spring or Wyomissing or one of the other suburbs," says Tyler Miller, a Realtor with Keller Williams Platinum Realty who has sold homes in the area. "That's because the school district isn't quite as sought-after, and it's a little further away. But there's also more land." Some townhouses can also be found near Wernersville, selling from $200,000 to $300,000. At the more rural edges of the South Heidelberg township, lots get bigger, and houses are separated from their neighbors by stretches of farmland or forest. These secluded properties typically sell between $350,000 and $500,000, though homes with extra acreage can list above $800,000.
This brick farmhouse sits on a corner lot in the center of South Heidelberg.
This brick farmhouse sits on a corner lot in the center of South Heidelberg.
Ranch such as these are a familiar site throughout South Heidelberg.
Ranch such as these are a familiar site throughout South Heidelberg.
Different styles of colonial homes can be found sitting side-by-side in South Heidelberg.
Different styles of colonial homes can be found sitting side-by-side in South Heidelberg.
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Community connections and seasonal fun at South Mountain Park

South Heidelberg hosts its major community events at South Mountain Park and Preserve, which has an open green space for seasonal egg hunts, fall festivals and holiday light celebrations. In the summer, the park is the site of a summer playground program, where kids ages 6 to 15 can enjoy daily planned activities supervised by playground leaders. Within the township, The South Mountain YMCA Camps are popular summer programs for all ages. From day camps to overnight stays, the center offers horseback riding intensives, school trips and women's retreats. Closer to town, the Wernersville Public Library hosts community events, including teen trivia nights, adult writing clubs and children's cooking classes. The library is also taking strides to adapt to the digital age. Gerasklis-Long notes that some of the library’s most-used resources are its digital media platforms, such as Hoopla. For more rugged outdoor adventures, some residents head to the Pennsylvania State Game Lands No. 280 for hiking and hunting or up to Blue Marsh Lake to relax on the swimming beach. Galen Hall Golf Course grants 9 holes of greens for a quick round, while Sittler’s Golf specializes in golf of the miniature variety for family outings.
South Mountain Park is the place to go for all sorts of outdoor activities in South Heidelberg.
South Mountain Park is the place to go for all sorts of outdoor activities in South Heidelberg.
Various outdoor activities are featured at South Heidelberg's South Mountain Park.
Various outdoor activities are featured at South Heidelberg's South Mountain Park.
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Fair rides and fried food at the Apple Dumpling Festival

For more than 60 years, the Apple Dumpling Festival has brought together folks from across Berks County to celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage each May at Willow Glen Park. Carnival rides and games line the midway, with the sweet, cinnamon smell of hot apple dumplings wafting through the air. Live music and a pageant provide weekend entertainment, with many local vendors to shop from. Even after the festival packs up for the year, the Willow Glen Flea Market keeps the momentum going all summer with fresh produce and artisan wares every Sunday morning. Come October, the park grounds transform into Shocktoberfest, a sprawling haunted house attraction.

Agricultural science at Conrad Weiser High

South Heidelberg is part of the Conrad Weiser Area School District. Conrad Weiser East Elementary scores a B from Niche, while Conrad Weiser Middle earns a C-plus. The middle school is known for a sixth-grade environmental program that culminates in a weeklong trip to a camp in Blue Mountain. Conrad Weiser High receives a B-minus and has a robust agricultural science program that provides hands-on experience in its wet lab, greenhouse and barn. "We also have a lot of homeschooled kids in the area," Gerasklis-Long says. "The library offers special privileges to parents who homeschool, like the ability to check out up to 100 books at one time."
Conrad Weiser West Elementary School provides education in the neighborhood. 
Lower Heidelberg.
Conrad Weiser West Elementary School provides education in the neighborhood. Lower Heidelberg.
Older students attend Conrad Weiser High School in Robesonia.
Older students attend Conrad Weiser High School in Robesonia.
Local students attend Conrad Weiser Middle School in Robesonia.
Local students attend Conrad Weiser Middle School in Robesonia.
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Shop and dine near the highway or in Wernersville

Most of South Heidelberg is residential and rural, with few businesses. However, spots to shop and dine are nearby in Wernersville or along its nearby thoroughfares. Juliana’s is a popular choice for Italian fare, best enjoyed while lounging on the back patio surrounded by flower beds and string lights. Red Plate Diner is another local spot known for its retro feel and homestyle cooking. During the warmer months, the Cone serves sundaes and scoops from its giant cone-shaped counter and is a family favorite for its railroad-themed play area. Groceries are nearby at Redner’s Warehouse Markets, while Berkshire Mall is roughly 7 miles east.
Juliana's is a well-know place for tasty Italian cuisine in South Heidelberg.
Juliana's is a well-know place for tasty Italian cuisine in South Heidelberg.
This South Heidelberg bowler anticipates a strike at Berks Lanes.
This South Heidelberg bowler anticipates a strike at Berks Lanes.
South Heidelberg folks gather at Berks Lanes to have some fun after a day's work.
South Heidelberg folks gather at Berks Lanes to have some fun after a day's work.
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U.S. Route 422 leads 10 miles east to Reading

U.S. Route 422 runs along the township to the north, giving residents nearby highway access. Reading is about 10 miles east, a drive that can take 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. As the fourth-largest city in Pennsylvania, Reading is home to the nearest hospital, airport and shopping districts, such as West Reading. Lancaster is about 30 miles south, and Philadelphia is 70 miles east. Berks Area Reading Transit Authority buses stop along Penn Avenue in Wernersville and provide service to Downtown Reading. However, much of South Heidelberg is car-dependent.
Elliot Schorr
Written By
Elliot Schorr
Joe Pulcinella
Photography Contributed By
Joe Pulcinella
Barry Ridgeway
Video By
Barry Ridgeway

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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

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Parks in this Area

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime South Heidelberg US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

South Heidelberg Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$450,000
Median Sale Price
$335,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$599,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$549,900
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$311,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
5%
Last 12 months Home Sales
42
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-40%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$304

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,299
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Median Year Built
1993
Months of Supply
1.40
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,120
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,579
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,126
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,173
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,196

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
7,754
Median Age
46
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
20.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$80,199
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$109,199

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.9%
College Graduates
25.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.9%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
66.6%

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®

1 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

2 / 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
South Heidelberg
James Gonzalez
American Homes Realty Group
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