Reading & surroundings (Wernersville, Robesonia: to live in, farm, area)

[Negotiator75]

Originally Posted by hc7612

A lot of the towns around Reading are affordable and safe. Obviously, I push Exeter Township, because it is what I know. But there are other small towns like Birdsboro. Morgantown is another one that springs to mind. It is at the end of the 176, which is only about 12 miles to Reading and a pretty straight shot. Oley and Fleetwood are other smallish communites that are nice. I think that you will find that there is quite of bit reasonably priced housing in nice, safe areas. Besides the City of Reading itself, I believe all of the surrounding schools are good. I hope that helps.

What would you say you LIKE and DISLIKE about the people in the Reading, Philly area?

[hc7612]

I am originally from the Midwest, and when we moved here from NE Wisconsin, driving in traffic, esp. in Philly was a shock. I really had to get used to people in a seemingly big hurry and tailgating. I have adapted over the last 3 1/2 years. Outside of their cars, people, esp. in Berks. County are very, very friendly. I had someone tell me that Berks. County is about 50 years behind in mindset. Hey, that's ok with me. I have the most wonderful neighbors ever. Not that everyone is a ray of sunshine, LOL. These aren't just neighbors who wave when you drive by, these are neighbors who help you at the drop of a hat. Now, I can only speak of where I live (Exeter). It is considered somewhat rural Suburban. You are close to everything, but surrounded by rolling hills and countryside. I live very near the Oley Township line. So, to sum up your question, there is not alot that I don't like about the people here. I will miss living here very much.

[ChrisatDuke]

I'll agree with the previous post in that the old timer Pennsylvania Dutch folk that were born and raised in the area are a little behind the times and have a bit of an attitude if you ask me. However, they're quickly being diluted by transplants from Philly, Jersey, New York, etc. Overall, I'd say it's a pretty friendly area.

I'll also add that if you're coming from metro Seattle, you might be a little disappointed with the amount of entertainment/things to do. Don't get me wrong, the Reading area has really taken off in the last 10 years, but it still doesn't compare to a big city. Philly is relatively close-by, but at the same time, it's probably not as close as you are to Seattle now. I guess this can be a good or bad thing. If you're looking to settle down and raise a family, I would definately recommend the Reading area.

[Negotiator75]

Originally Posted by ChrisatDuke

I'll agree with the previous post in that the old timer Pennsylvania Dutch folk that were born and raised in the area are a little behind the times and have a bit of an attitude if you ask me. However, they're quickly being diluted by transplants from Philly, Jersey, New York, etc. Overall, I'd say it's a pretty friendly area.

I'll also add that if you're coming from metro Seattle, you might be a little disappointed with the amount of entertainment/things to do. Don't get me wrong, the Reading area has really taken off in the last 10 years, but it still doesn't compare to a big city. Philly is relatively close-by, but at the same time, it's probably not as close as you are to Seattle now. I guess this can be a good or bad thing. If you're looking to settle down and raise a family, I would definately recommend the Reading area.

Very good information. I am definitely looking to settle down with my wife and 3 kids - and the Reading area seems promising. Seattle is expensive so doing anything is next to impossible - especially as a family with kids, bills etc.

How are those cheese steaks over there? Any outstanding places to get a cheese steak or beef dip? I cant wait to go to Dunkin Donuts again and Friendly's. I miss that from back home in Boston.

[ChrisatDuke]

Pat's and Tony Luke's in Philly are the best for cheesesteaks....my mouth is watering....too bad I'm in NC

[killyforever]

It's a quick trip from Reading to Philly (or Lancaster) for things to do. And there are lots of things to do with kids right here in Berks County. The county libraries are everywhere and always have free activities. There's a Gymboree, tons of parks and playgrounds, the Reading Phillies (Baseball) and the Reading Royals (Hockey), Chuckie Cheese, lots of shopping and restaurants.

[mrh5103]

The best elementary schools in the Reading area would be in the Wilson and Wyomissing school districts. Living in those districts is rather affordable and very safe.

[lhiddemen]

Ok so far all I have read is positive things about the Reading area. Im not trying to bash Reading but there are also negatives. Yes the surounding areas of Reading are decent (Exeter, Sinking Spring, Wyomissing) however I have lived in the Reading area all my life until recently moving to Atlanta. I have always found people to be very rude and stuck up. There is also a lot of crime. Gangs are becoming more of a problem and the city is expanding into the nearby suburbs. This is just my opinion but I hated living in the area and thank god I finally made the decision to get out and believe me I couldnt do it fast enough.

[danwxman]

Originally Posted by lhiddemen

Ok so far all I have read is positive things about the Reading area. Im not trying to bash Reading but there are also negatives. Yes the surounding areas of Reading are decent (Exeter, Sinking Spring, Wyomissing) however I have lived in the Reading area all my life until recently moving to Atlanta. I have always found people to be very rude and stuck up. There is also a lot of crime. Gangs are becoming more of a problem and the city is expanding into the nearby suburbs. This is just my opinion but I hated living in the area and thank god I finally made the decision to get out and believe me I couldnt do it fast enough.

Many of Atlanta's suburbs are more dangerous than the city itself. Have fun down there.

[lhiddemen]

Yeah like Kennesaw with no murders for 25 years