Relocate to Wyomissing? (Reading, Wilson, West Reading: transplants, new home, neighborhood)

[John115]

Hi,

My wife and I are relocating to Berks county and we are torn between which Town and School District to move to. We have a 2 year old and 3 year old, both boys. I've read a lot on these forums about schools and community but I'm hoping someone can help with my specific questions. Need to decide in the next two weeks, so your advice is much appreciated!

Our price point for a new home is up to about $300k max. We are comfortable, but not rich by any means. Most people have recommended Wyomissing or Sinking Springs, especially for the schools -which is a huge priority for us.

First, can anyone tell me the real difference between Wyomissing schools and Sinking Springs? Whether it's academics, culture, population, etc. Also, are other districts basically just as good (Gov. Milf, etc?). I'd love some land to plant some gardens, etc - but not if it puts me in a bad district. Also, my priority for our children is academics with some sports, not the other way around.

Second, we are from a big City and appreciate a fairly diverse, down to earth community. We are not looking for a uber-rich, exclusive community where our kids have to wear the best clothes, and only one parent works in every house. We'd rather teach our children what it means to work hard and save, then take great a vacation, etc instead of buying that BMW and $50 shirt. In fact, we plan to buy used cars when we move. Some of the posts I've read seem to indicate that Wyomissing and Wyomissing school district have a bit of condescending upper class attitude, and most people are rich. Can anyone with experience give me their opinion on that? If you think another town might be better for what I've described, please says so and tell me why. Feel free to PM too.

Thanks!

[Jeanie Beanie]

Wyomissing or Sinking Spring (no S, one spring) would be wonderful places to live, and yes, you could get a terrific home for under $300,000 either place.

You're mostly concerned about education for your sons, so here is my take on the two school districts:

Wyomissing School District is the second smallest school district in the county. There are 1,960 students from k thru 12 according to greatschools.org in the 2 elementary schools and one junior/senior high school. The school district encompasses West Reading Borough and most of Wyomissing Borough. Wyomissing is wealthy and West Reading is middle class/working class. To my knowledge there is no friction between the haves and have-mores. The focus in the schools is educational excellence. The school is top-rated academically in Berks County and very high in state rankings.

Sinking Spring is a borough that feeds into the huge Wilson School District. The high school alone has 1451 students according to greatschools.org, and then there are 2 junior high schools and several elementary schools. The school district encompasses Sinking Spring Borough, Spring Township, West Lawn, West Wyomissing and part of Wyomissing. The school is also well regarded academically. (As are all Berks County Schools, actually, except for the City of Reading, which has challenges due to poverty - some great teachers, though, but its a challenge.) Anyway, Wilson School District is an athletic powerhouse, especially their football program. Kerry Collins (QB Carolina Panthers and many other teams), John Gilmore (tight end-New Orleans Saints & others), and Chad Henne (QB-Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville, and others) all graduated from Wilson.

Both school districts are diverse. Your sons are small, so they'd start at a neighborhood elementary school but then track through to a small high school or a large high school. These school districts are next to each other so you'd be shopping at the same stores and you'd have the convenience of Reading to go to a show or sporting event only 10-15 minutes away.

Go to realtor.com and type in your needs for a home in the Wyomissing School District (19610, or 19611) or the Wilson School District (19608, 19609, and some parts of 19610, but nevermind) and see what sort of houses your money can buy.

When you come to visit, tour the communities and trust your instincts. If people are out in their yards, pull over and say: "I'm looking to buy a home in this area. Are you happy here?" They'll likely be VERY honest. Berks County has a reputation for being rather cold, but it is more reserved, I think.

Good luck in your home search and welcome to Berks!

[NYMD67]

We recently moved to the Sinking Sping are ( a year ago) and are in the Wilson School district.
We absolutely love our children's school!
My husband & children have had a much easier time adjusting to the area probably because of work & school.
No offense to any local, born & raised here , but it is EXTREMELY difficult to get to know them. Most people that have reached out to me are not from here. It seems that many people have their entire families here, the kids leave for college, but they come back here.

We have moved often and I do have to say honestly, This has been the most difficult trying to get to know people. It is happening, but very slowly.
Alot of Wilson Alumni who think they are still the " hot shots" they were when they graduated from high school in the 80's !

Do not let this discourage you though because there are many transplants here and it is a wonderful place to raise a family!

[HeidiS]

I love Wyomissing... I have had a great time in such a wonderful neighborhood. I have found some people to be a little on the nosey side but that is ok I dont mind. There is so much for the kids to do the schools are great and very close to a top ranking hospital and medical system.

If you need a Realtor I would recommend Joelle Stephens with Century 21 Gold she is awesome and will get down and dirty with you and show you the neighborhood....

Enjoy!