Relocation Advice - Reading Area (Wyomissing, West Reading: real estate, apartment complexes, rentals)

[Librarianatlarge]

Hi everyone. I'm currently looking into the possibility of taking a new job near Reading, PA. I'm hoping someone can give me some advice on what areas to look for an apartment in.

I'm moving with my wife. We're both young(ish), professionals, very white-collar. The most important things to us are safety and reasonable peace and quiet. We're not fuddy duddys, but we are also not terribly loud and we don't really like neighborhoods that are teeming with activity or noise. As for crime, we're not shrinking violets and we've lived in cities the same size as Reading, but I don't want to worry every night that my car is being broken into or that I'm going to be acosted in the street.

The position that I might take is near "Kenhorst," according to Google maps. My wife and I have read a number of good things about West Reading (compared to Reading itself), Wyomissing, West Lawn and Sinking Spring so that is where we're most interested in searching for an apartment. Does anyone have any thoughts on these areas? The Sperling's website claims that the property crime in Wyomissing is a 7/8. Is this accurate?

Also, if anyone knows anything about any of the apartments in the area, please let me know. I've looked at a lot of the websites and they all seem pretty comparable, but if any of them have poor reputations locally, that would be nice to know.

Thanks everyone!

[happimedium]

Hi -- I've moved here recently so can't advise on commute times to Kenhorst, but I do know that Wyomissing, West Lawn and Sinking Spring are pretty sedate. I really doubt Wyomissing's crime rate is that high (it's a wealthy suburb) -- I'm guessing that's the Reading city crime average.

West Reading is my fave part of town for restaurants and unique shops; however, the surrounding streets are mostly rowhomes, which might be more crowded than you'd like. The near side of Wyomissing could give you access to the culture of West Reading and amenities of Wyomissing (shopping, parks, museum, etc.)

Can't help with complexes, as I've found private rentals. But I will say I feel very safe in the outlying communities and reasonably so in the city itself (with reasonable precautions). There are some nice restaurants and entertainment venues in the city, so you should find a lot to do here. Good luck with the potential move!

[gypsiechavi]

You can look for rentals on any of the real estate sites for Reading companies. Just run a mls home search and choose rentals or lease.

There are plenty of apartment complexes in all different areas. Do you have any specific ones in mind?

The Wyomissing crime rate is probably accurate as there are a great deal of theft crimes. Most recently auto break-ins to get gps units and whatnot. You can see the police and district justice reports on the Reading Eagle (newspaper) site. You can also use that site to search for rentals as well.

Your best bet is to find a few rentals you like, then spend time going to the local supermarket or any local shopping area. It will give you an idea of the people in any given suburb or community.