Frederickburg, PA (Reading, Harrisburg, Lebanon: real estate, low crime, schools)

[jeny305]

My husband and I are moving there. Is this a good place to live? Thank you!

[bolillo_loco]

Fredericksburg… Would you be speaking of Fredericksburg, Pa. 17026? There’s more than one in Pennsylvania. Since you’ve asked about Fleetwood, I’m guessing that you’re asking about 17026.

Fredericksburg is a very small town. There’s a town square of sorts and the surrounding area has grown considerably in the past twenty years, but it’s still quite small and undeveloped.

Without getting into a lot of detail, one thing I strongly dislike about Fredericksburg is that there are three chicken plants and a rendering factory close by. If it rains at all, the entire town stinks. If it rains and the sun comes out immediately, it’s unbearable!

Where are you coming from? It’s a pretty vague question that you’re asking…

[jeny305]

My husband and I are coming from L.A. We need to be somewhere near reading but away from the danger. Thank you so much for your response!

[bolillo_loco]

I have no idea what you’re coming from. I don’t know if you mean Louisiana or Los Angeles.

Fredericksburg, Pa. 17026 is what you’re asking about. It’s extremely small town. Crime consists of the usual childhood pranks, and is nothing more than a nuisance. The town doesn’t even have a police force because there’s really no need for one. The State Police barracks in Jonestown, 3-4 miles east, handles all the problems that rarely arise. If you fish around, you’ll note that there has been a murder here and there. Don’t be alarmed by this. Like any place on earth, there are domestic troubles. Of all the murders I’ve heard of, it’s always some jealous husband, wife, or some troubled love triangle. I can think of maybe two or three that have occurred over the past twenty years.

Within the actual town of Fredericksburg, you may have to lock your doors. I live four miles away between Lickdale and Fredericksburg. I am beyond “small town” and in the proper country. I have no need to lock anything. Outside of town, the only crime that’s committed is the occasional piece of litter thrown in my yard or some kid pealing down the street on his motorcycle/car.

The drive to Reading isn’t much fun. It’s far easier to commute to Harrisburg than Reading. The reason is because there are no direct interstates that run to Reading. Without any traffic, I believe it takes forty-five minutes to drive to Reading. That’s some twenty minutes longer than it takes to get to Harrisburg despite the fact that the distance is the same.

I can’t say this for sure, but Lebanon County is probably cheaper to live in than Berks County. Again, I’m only guessing, but I believe that taxes and property are both lower in Lebanon County. Schuylkill County would probably be cheaper still.

If I were you, I’d do a little more footwork and look into locations just a bit closer to Reading. I’m not very familiar with Berks County, other than Reading. I see that you’ve asked about Fleetwood. I’ve been through the town of Fleetwood quite a bit and it seems to be the same as where I live. It’s like most small Pennsylvania towns, quiet, low crime, and not much to offer if you’re one of the artsy-fartsy liberal types. If you’re not into this supposed culture, and making a fortune flipping real estate in some burgeoning metropolis, then you’ll enjoy the tranquility that these areas offer.

Wernersville, Myerstown, Newmanstown, and the surrounding area aren’t bad. It’s a bit closer to the city, more convenient shopping, and the like, but not far at all from downtown Reading.

While I don’t find downtown Reading dangerous, and I’ve been there quite a bit, I wouldn’t want to raise a family there, or have my children attend the city schools. Keep poking about and you’ll probably find something palpable.

P/S I'm not joking about the chicken plant smell in Fredericksburg. I'd suggest keeping at least a mile and a half away from the town. During the summer, when it rains, and the sun immediately comes out, the putrid odor is quite invasive! If I have to go through the town under these conditions, I hold my breath. By the way, I'm not easily offended by many things, but to me this smell is quite bad.

[jeny305]

I am coming from Los Angeles. Thank you so much!

[CosmicWizard]

If you are coming from Los Angeles, be prepared for a major culture shock! Berks county is a VERY different world than LA. I have lived in both places.