Commute
An elevated score in the commute category points to excellent public transit accessibility and shorter-than-average work commute times in this area.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
Higher than average median household income, income per capita and lower unemployment rates are seen in this area. The result is a high score in the employment category.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Cost Of Living
Living in this region comes with a high cost of living, translating to elevated costs for homes, goods and services, groceries, utilities, health care and transportation.
Reading is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Massachusetts. The city has a population of 26,111 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (90% White). Given that fact, Reading could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you are looking for a family friendly city, Reading might be a good fit as 70% of the population over 15 years old are married, and 48% have kids who are 18 years old or younger. Long, unnecessary commutes can be both frustrating and inconvenient when heading to work. Nationwide, the average one-way commute time takes 26 minutes, but regrettably, residing in Reading entails a longer-than-average one-way commute time, averaging 34 minutes.
Whether you’re moving to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Reading could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Massachusetts if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. The best areas in Reading and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Massachusetts and national averages.
Reading, MA receives 86 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #10 in Massachusetts and #339 in the USA. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Reading could be a great choice! Reading has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Reading has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+). Reading does not do well for the following: amenities (F) and cost of living (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 39 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Reading boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Reading has an unemployment rate of 2% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Reading, the average school test scores are an impressive 66%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Reading can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Reading is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Reading come in at $1,079,231, which is 72.9% higher than the Massachusetts average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Reading, the home price to income ratio is 5.5, which is 6.8% lower than the Massachusetts average.
| Statistic | Reading | Massachusetts | National |
| Average one way commute | 34min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 69.2% | 71.1% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.8% | 7.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 9.4% | 9.9% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.9% | 4.9% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 13.5% | 4.7% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Massachusetts
These are the largest cities in Massachusetts
Safest Cities In The US
Check out the 10 safest cities in Massachusetts