Reading, PA

Reading, Pennsylvania

Introduction to Reading, Pennsylvania

Reading is situated in the southeastern portion of Pennsylvania in Berks County. The Schuylkill River, Mount Penn and Neversink Mountain are nearby. The Reading Railroad took its name from the city and is featured in the popular Monopoly board game.

History

The city was laid out in 1743 by Richard and Thomas Penn, the sons of William Penn, who established the state of Pennsylvania. The name was given to the city in tribute to Reading, England their former home. The city was utilized as a military base during the French and Indian War. During this era, a large number of people were migrating to the region from Germany. Reading played a significant role during the American Revolution. The iron industry in the area was constructing cannons, ammunition, rifles and other items for George Washington's soldiers.

The Philadelphia and Reading Railroad was incorporated in the year 1883 and thrived for more than a century; however due to a steep reduction in profits from transporting coal and tight government regulations, the company filed for bankruptcy protection in 1971. Beginning with the 1940's and for most of the 1970's the city's economy significantly declined, primarily attributed to the downturn for heavy industries as well as the railroads. In the 1970's, former textile mills near Reading were utilized to produce the VF Outlet Village which has been recognized as the first outlet mall in the country.

Transportation

The Berks Area Reading Transit Authority provides bus transportation for the area. The city is primarily served by the airport in Philadelphia.

Attractions

• Reading Public Museum has numerous collections of artifacts from all over the world, including a mummy.
• Mount Penn offers great views of the city.
• The noteworthy Pagoda on Mount Penn showcases a variety of artwork.
• Goggle Works Center for the Arts hosts numerous exhibitions and includes a small theater.
• VF Outlet Complex is very popular for shoppers.
• Sovereign Center hosts numerous sporting events including hockey games played by the Reading Royals.
• The Reading Phillies is a local baseball team.
• Mid-Atlantic Air Museum.
• Arts & Antiques Fair.
• African-American Museum.
• Sovereign Performing Arts Center.
• Apple Dumpling Festival.
• Center Park Victorian Historic District.
• Reading Railroad Heritage Museum.
• Berks Jazz Fest.
• Daniel Boone Homestead.
• Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center.

Higher Education

Reading is home to numerous colleges including:

• Albright College
• Pace Institute
• Berks Technical Institute
• Reading Area Community College
• Alvernia College

High Points

Reading strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Pennsylvania):

Category	Trophy
Racial Diversity (vs. State)	Top 1%
Walking and Biking to Work (vs. Peers)	Top 7%
Public Transportation Use (vs. State)	Top 8%
Affordability of Rents (vs. Peers)	Top 11%

Comparative Profile of Reading, PA

Comparing Reading to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Pennsylvania (State):

Ratings range from (lowest) to (highest).

The People

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Racial Diversity
Children Under 5 Years Old
Female Share of the Population
Senior Citizens
Male Share of the Population
Age of the Population
Well-Paid Single Men

Families

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Average Household Size
Portion of People Married

Wealth

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
People Above Poverty
People in Middle Class or Better
College Educated Adults
Median Family Income

Commute & Sprawl

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Walking and Biking to Work
Public Transportation Use
Short Commute Times
Working at Home

Housing

Characteristic	Compared to Peers	Compared to State
Affordability of Rents
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals
People Living Alone
Affordability of Property Taxes
Seasonal and Vacation Housing
Housing Recently Built

Reading Almanac

Reading Climate

Nearest Weather Stations

• Temp ranges are avg daily min and max for the month
• Precipitation is rainfall (and rainfall equiv of snowfall)

Reading Public Libraries

More Information for Librarians

Reading Population (2000)

(From 2000 Census, as reported by individuals)

Political Contributions (2004)

Money donated by Reading residents to parties and candidates for the 2004 elections.

by Political Party

by Presidential Candidate

Neighborhood and Nearby Area Names

According to the US Postal Service, Reading, its neighborhoods, and/or surrounding areas are also referred to as:

Note that not all alternate names are acceptable for use in US Post Office addresses.

Nearby Cities and Towns

Reading Hospitals

READING HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER
(Voluntary non-profit - Other)
6TH AVE AND SPRUCE ST
(610) 988-8000
Emergency Service: Yes

ST JOSEPH MEDICAL CENTER
(Voluntary non-profit - Other)
2500 BERNVILLE ROAD
(610) 378-2000
Emergency Service: Yes

Wal-Mart in Reading

Reading High Schools (2004)

READING SHS
610-371-5710
Serves 3,993 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 19

EXETER TWP SHS
610-779-3060
Serves 908 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 15.7

ANTIETAM MS/HS
610-779-3545
Serves 544 students.
Student/teacher ratio: 13.5

Reading Colleges

Click school name for a detailed profile.

Albright College

Alvernia College

Harrison Career Institute - Reading

Pace Institute

Penn State Berks

Reading Area Community College

St Joseph's Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology

(List of All Pennsylvania Colleges)

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