Reading PA neighborhoods (Allentown, Lancaster, Wyomissing: car insurance, crime, home)

[BMS00]

Hi all, I am from Pennsylvania and somehow ended up stuck in N.C. I am interested in buying a row home in Reading and moving back to the state in the next year.

Living in the city, it is important to be in the right neighborhood and even on the right street. Does anyone have any information on neighborhoods in Reading?

I have seen many previous threads where people recommended Wyomissing, Sinking Spring, etc. This is not what I am looking for. I am looking for a working-class neighborhood in the city, basically not the projects. I don't care about the racial makeup of the area except that I would prefer to be in a neighborhood where at least a majority of people/businesses speak English. Ideally there would be some businesses within walking distance.

[leadfoot6454]

I was born and raised in Reading but the last time I was back for a visit about a year ago it was bad. The NE section of the city at one time was the place to live but even there things did not look too inviting. Everywhere you looked there was trash around. I really don't think you want to buy a home within the city.

[Marodi]

The closer to penn street the better.

I personally would recommend some where other than inner reading though. There is affordable housing with less crime elsewhere.

[Jaremy]

What are your recommendations for the "better" living areas near Reading?

[loose cannon]

You can't be in your right mind! Reading is a dump. I would advise you move to Allentown which is also a dump before Reading. My gosh! What are you thinking?

[davidpcaughill]

Reading is like any other city: there are good spots and bad spots. If you are going to live in the city, I would stick to the Northeast part of the city. The Centre Park Historic District is really nice, among others. If you are thinking about moving outside of the city, there are very few bad areas in the county, and there is some very affordable places to live.

Hope this helps!

[allis]

Dear BMS00,

Where are you now? We need you and opportunity abounds in Reading.

Allis

[kf70]

Nice areas in center city Reading, my opinions, having lived there 7 of the last 9 years:
Penns Commons (part. historic near City Park),
East Reading towards Mt. Penn (13th St and eastward/south of Chestnut),
Northeast north of the high school, east of 11th (and around Albright College),
Northwest - north of Buttonwood St./east of Schuylkill Ave.
Centre Park (historic),
South of Bingamin St. Bridge - "outside" the city (not really) Millmont or Brookline on either side of Bus. 222/Lancaster Ave.

From personal experience - East Reading, zip 19606 inside the city from S.16th St. to S.19th/20th near Perkiomen Ave. and Cotton St. was a few hundred dollars cheaper for car insurance than just a few blocks on Good & Clymer Sts. near Central Catholic HS, zip 19602 (which ends near S.15th St.) - if that is a factor in your move.