Reading is a city and the county seat of Berks County in the southeastern part of Pennsylvania. It is the center of the Greater Reading Area. It's the fifth largest city in Pennsylvania after Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Erie, and the sixth largest municipality after Upper Darby Township.
Overlooking the city on Mount Penn is Reading's symbol, a Japanese-style pagoda visible from everywhere in town and referred to locally as "the Pagoda." It was built in 1908 as a hotel and restaurant, but was never used for that purpose. It remains a tourist attraction. In 2007, plans were announced to renovate the area surrounding the Pagoda. The vision is to include walking paths and, possibly, a new mountaintop restaurant.
Come explore the 30-mile long trails that wind around Blue Marsh Lake. There are multi-use trails, smaller loop trails, and nature trails, and a complete tour around the entire lake often takes an entire day! So be prepared: these trails are not for beginners. Bring plenty of water and wear your hiking boots for this all-day athletic outdoor challenge. When you finish your hike, cool down by taking a swim in the lake. Or rent a boat and sail across it. Whatever you do, you are sure to have a full day of outdoor fun. And for those of you who are really adventurous, extend your hike or bike ride by another four and a half miles by traveling down the road a ways to the Union Canal Towpath.
Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center is another popular place for families. Come enjoy more than 665 acres of woodlands and several miles of trails at Nolde Forest, an Education Center dedicated to environmental education and conservation. Hike or bike on the various trails. You can even bring your pet, as long as it is kept on a leash. Relax in the beautiful setting and observe the nature that surrounds you.
Public Schools - Number of Schools: 28 - Number of Students: 23,934 -Number of Teachers: 1,279 - Student:Teacher Ratio: 18.7:1
Private Schools - Number of Schools: 23 - Number of Students: 2,860 - Number of teachers 169 - Student:Teacher Ration: 16.9.1
Reading is the “Green Diamond” of Pennsylvania – and there are lots of reasons. Our setting in the midst of the East Coast metropolitan corridor, our rolling hills and farmland, our gorgeous city, and our great people all add up to a gem of a place that people call home.
Housing Cost
If you’re looking for a place to hang your hat and call home, look no further than Reading! With apartments, condominiums, houses, terrace flats and garden flats, there are plenty of choices, and plenty of varieties to suit every budget, style and taste. Condo’s can sell for as little as $80,000, while the average home will sell for around $110,000, depending on size and neighborhood. With many sub-divisions in this fine city, you are guaranteed to find one that fits your lifestyle perfectly.
Estimated median house or condo value in 2007: $66,200
Mean prices in 2007: All housing units: $85,148; Detached houses: $133,861; Townhouses or other attached units: $62,830; In 2-unit structures: $65,346; In 3-to-4-unit structures: $112,342; In 5-or-more-unit structures: $152,663.
Demographics
Population in July 2008: 80,506. Reading covers 9.82 square miles. It sits at an elevation of 266 feet above sea level. Area codes: 610, 484
Weather
Reading, PA climate is warm during summer when temperatures tend to be in the 70's and very cold during winter when temperatures tend to be in the 30's.
The warmest month of the year is July with an average maximum temperature of 84.70 degrees Fahrenheit, while the coldest month of the year is January with an average minimum temperature of 20.60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature variations between night and day tend to be moderate during summer with a difference that can reach 21 degrees Fahrenheit, and fairly limited during winter with an average difference of 18 degrees Fahrenheit.
The annual average precipitation at Reading is 44.82 Inches. Rainfall in is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The wettest month of the year is May with an average rainfall of 4.52 Inches.
Information provided by idcide.com and city data.com
