West Reading 83 Exceptional
West Reading Livability #121 ranked city in Pennsylvania#957 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in West Reading

PROS
  • Amenities Amenities

    Conveniently located, the area boasts a variety of amenities, including grocery stores, shopping, coffee shops and entertainment options all within walking distance.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Accessible health facilities like hospitals, doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes as well as good air quality are all factors that have led to a high score in this category.

  • Schools Schools

    The high score in the schools category can be attributed to outstanding test scores, elevated graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • Crime Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

What's it like Living in West Reading?

West Reading is a smaller city located in the state of Pennsylvania. The city has a population of 4,455 people. With a population density of 7,539 people per square mile, West Reading is well above the nation's average density level. The majority of West Reading residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of West Reading are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 22% of the population also speak Spanish. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in West Reading, only 47% of the population is married. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in West Reading, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 23 minutes.

Living in West Reading can be a positive experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Pennsylvania, there are many desirable places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. The best areas in West Reading and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, commute, health & safety, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Pennsylvania and national averages.

The livability score in West Reading is 84 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 98th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in West Reading could be a great choice! West Reading has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. West Reading scores well for amenities (A-), crime (B+), cost of living (A+), education (B+) and housing (A+)

West Reading has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that West Reading has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives.

The unemployment rate in West Reading has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 0.6%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In West Reading, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 68%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in West 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 West Reading is actually affordable. The median home price for West Reading homes is $219,758, which is 25.9% lower than the Pennsylvania average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in West Reading, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 18.9% lower than the Pennsylvania average.

Best Places to Live in and Around West Reading

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Compare West Reading, PA Livability

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      West Reading transportation information

      Statistic West Reading Pennsylvania National
      Average one way commute23min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work78.7%76.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.8%8.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.7%5.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk6.6%3.8%2.8%
      Working from home8.3%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The West Reading, PA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.