Reading (pronounced “Red-ing”) is a city steeped in history. Founded in 1748 in southeastern Pennsylvania, it was once home to one of the largest railway systems in the country (where the Reading Railroad from the Monopoly board game comes from). More recently, it’s been known as “The Pretzel City,” because numerous local pretzel bakeries are based here. Lying across 10 square miles, its median age is 30.6 (2022). The city’s main industries include manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare and social assistance.

Reading’s real estate features houses built in Victorian, Italianate, Queen Anne, and Reading German architectural styles. The typical home value is $222,807, up 14.9% over the past year (Zillow, 2022). Various events fill the city’s calendar year-round, such as the Reading Fair, the Chile Pepper Food Festival, and the Kutztown Folk Festival.

U.S. Route 422, Pennsylvania Routes 10 and 12, and U.S. Route 222 Business all serve Reading. The Centre Park Historic District, which lies along U.S. Route 222 Business, offers rowhouses, large mansions, and semi-detached houses. South of the city, Flying Hills is a designed community of single homes, townhouses, condominiums, and apartments. It’s nestled in the scenic green hills of southern Berks County, and provides beautiful views of the woods or golf course.

Reading’s suburbs are booming, offering potential homebuyers safety, and some of the top school systems in the state.