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
Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.
Crime
This area boasts a crime rate that is far below the national average, making it a very safe place to live. These crime statistics encompass both property and violent offenses.
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
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.
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.
West Reading, Pennsylvania is a smaller city with a population of 4,293 people. In West Reading, there are 7,223 people per square mile, which is well above the national population density average. 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. In West Reading, only 47% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in West Reading, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 23 minutes.
Living in West Reading can be a positive experience for anyone relocating to the area. 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. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like cost of living, commute, education, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in West Reading and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare West Reading to Pennsylvania and the national average.
West Reading has a livability score of 80/100 and is ranked #117 in Pennsylvania and #1,301 in the USA. Based on this score, West Reading would be considered a very livable city! West Reading is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that West Reading has higher than average rankings for the following: amenities (A-), cost of living (A+), education (B+), employment (B-) and housing (B+). West Reading does not fare well for the following: crime (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
If you're living in West Reading, you can expect to enjoy a multitude of local amenities, mostly thanks to the strategic placement of essential services such as grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, parks and various shops. If you're contemplating a move to this locale with the intent of establishing it as your permanent residence, you'll be pleased to find an extensive array of amenities and recreational opportunities within easy reach, either on foot or via a brief commute. This wealth of accessible amenities not only enhances the livability of the area but also ensures that you can enjoy a rich and fulfilling lifestyle, making West Reading an attractive destination for those seeking a vibrant and well-served community to call home.
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In West Reading, the unemployment rate stands at 0.53%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing 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 West Reading, the average school test scores are an impressive 68%, 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.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their West Reading apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Assuming that West Reading meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in West Reading. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in West Reading are simply unattainable. The median home price for West Reading homes is $122,400, which is 27% 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 2.5, which is 19.4% lower than the Pennsylvania average.
| Statistic | West Reading | Pennsylvania | National |
| Average one way commute | 23min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 78.7% | 76.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 3.8% | 8.5% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.7% | 5.6% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.6% | 3.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 8.3% | 4.2% | 4.6% |
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