Reading/Wyomissing/Sinking Spring for Young Family? (Philadelphia, King of Prussia: real estate, home)

[JakeinChina]

My wife and I are in our late 30's and have lived in Asia for the last 15 years. My wife is from China, and I'm from Northern New Jersey. We have a beautiful 3 yr old daughter and we are looking to move back to the U.S. next year. My mother lives in Wernersville and my brother in Wyomissing, and as much as I'd love to live near them, the Reading area concerns me on the lack of decent paying managerial jobs, as well as activities and things to do as a family. I work in China for a company based out of Cleveland, so that will be my first preference as it would be an easier transition to move back with a job, but if my Cleveland company doesn't have a position for me, then I'll move to PA to be close to family.


Have any young families moved from a larger populated area into the Reading/Wyomissing area and loved it? How has your experiences been? I've only visited my mother and brother and I really like the area. Its slow paced compared to say Jersey or Philly, but the surrounding countryside is beautiful. There certainly are enough restaurants and shopping places for us, as were not really into going out all the time, but at the same time we don't want to be bored. What about other areas in PA with an easy commute to Wernersville/Wyomissing like Phoenixville or other suburbs closer to Philly? Seems the Philly suburbs are more expensive, but are the amenities and job opportunities that much better? Wife and I are financially blessed, so even if it takes a year to find a job, we have plenty of income from real estate to cover our monthly costs. That being said, I really don't want to move back to Bergen County NJ, as the cost of living is not worth what you get in my opinion (even though lots of jobs) Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated.....Thanks

[E-Z-B]

Well, Reading is a dump, so just forget that. Sinking Spring is nice from my limited experience. Commuting from the Philly direction might be a bad idea, but I'll let the locals comment on that.

[Jeanie Beanie]

If you're moving back to be near family, be near family. Both Wyomissing and Sinking Spring are lovely choices. Could you stay with family while you job hunted? The city of Reading is not that bad. It is poor. The people are poor in money, but rich in spirit. Never mind, though, because you're not relocating there.

The pay scale in Berks is surely less than the Philadelphia metro area, however the cost of living is also less, so it's a wash. Many people who work in King of Prussia or Philly live in Berks County because you get more bang for your buck.

I'm sure you will love being home with family. As to where you should live, I'd say let your job site be your guide. Live mid-way between family and job. Good luck on your next chapter!

[JakeinChina]

Thanks Jeanie. Good point. I'm moving all this way from Asia back to the U.S. for family reasons, so it makes sense to move near family.

[JohnZ963]

I would not move to that area unless I had a job offer in hand.

[JakeinChina]

Thanks John. That's by far my biggest concern, which I think is while we would probably end of closer to Philly. I believe the only area that generates decent jobs is Wyomissing, and there's not really that many good size companies in that area. Reading has been headed down hill for a while now, and there isn't another city with jobs besides Wyomissing. Perhaps I live with family in the Reading area first, and while job searching I accept both Philly and Reading area offers.

[Jeanie Beanie]

Yeah, this is what I was thinking. Sometimes a job will find you where you least expect it. Nevertheless, having a local address makes job hunting easier. Good luck!

[JakeinChina]

Thanks Jeanie....