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 medium-sized city located in the state of Massachusetts. The city has a population of 25,236 residents. 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 finding a family friendly city is important to you, look no further. With more than 70% of the population considered married and 48% with kids under the age of 18, Reading could be considered a very suitable city for families. 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.
Are you trying to decide if living in Reading is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before moving to any new city in Massachusetts, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Reading and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from cost of living, commute, education, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Massachusetts and national averages.
Reading has a livability score of 85 out of 100 and is ranked #11 in Massachusetts and #329 in the USA. Compared to the national average, Reading ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Reading also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Reading ranks very well for crime (A+), education (A+) and housing (A). There is at least one category that you should be aware of in Reading. The following was graded with a disappointing score: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).
Crime rates can be the deciding factor for anyone looking to relocate to a new area, as the result is often a greater level of safety and security as well as an improved quality of life. Reading gets top scores for their low violent crime rates of 16 crimes per 100,000 residents, which are significantly lower than the national average.
The unemployment rate in Reading has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 1.92%. 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.
Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Reading schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 66%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Reading an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.
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.
Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Reading. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Reading are affordable. The median home price for Reading homes is $594,000, which is 74.2% higher than the Massachusetts average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Reading, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.5, which is 6.3% 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 10 cheapest cities in Massachusetts
Check out the 10 most dangerous cities in Massachusetts
Safest States In The US