College Heights - Reading, PA Area Guide

Reading is situated along the Schuylkill River and was once a hub for the coal trade in Pennsylvania. Coal would be carried by the Reading Railroad to Philadelphia and supplied the east coast of the United States with this bountiful resource.

In 1929, Albright College relocated to its current location in College Heights, and the neighborhood grew from that point on. The addition of this institution created an atmosphere of community and led to the building of affordable housing and a move away from the mansions characteristic of the previous era.

College Heights is also home to a museum funded by Albright College. Located on Albright's campus, the Freedman Gallery provides the neighborhood with rotating artistic displays year long.

Most restaurants in College Heights serve typical American cuisine. William's Family Restaurant, located on Kutztown Road, provides a perfect example. Its menu includes standard American diner food, such as omelets, burgers, and club sandwiches.

For a more unique dining experience, you can visit Cafe Sweet Street just northwest of College Heights on Hiesters Lanes. It is attached to the building of its parent company, Sweet Street Desserts, and has the company's selection of original desserts. Along with these delectable arrangements, the restaurant's menu includes 12 must-try signature pizza dishes.

If you are looking for a local tavern with an impressive beer selection, then Northeast Tap Room should be your choice. Located at the southern end of the neighborhood on N 12 Street, this bar has special local Pennsylvanian brews, including Victory Headwaters Pale Ale, Yuengling Porter and Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin Ale.

For fans of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal, College Heights is also home to Reverb Concerts, a venue for such types of late night entertainment. Located on N 9th Street at the western edge of the neighborhood, Reverb Concerts hosts local Pennsylvania bands to perform on their stage every weekend. Local hip-hop artists also grace the stage of Reverb Concerts from times to time.

BARTA provides transportation in and around the city, while Greyhound Express has routes outside the city to places such as Philadelphia, Allentown and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Otherwise, walking, biking and driving around this beautiful neighborhood are the preferable modes of transportation.

There are no parking garages or lots in the neighborhood, so street parking is the only option. And, as the area is home to a college campus, and its scenery is a wonderful example of Pennsylvania cityscape, walking and biking in the neighborhood is safe, practical and enjoyable.

There are also several highways which access College Heights. Route 12 and PA-222 are north and west of the neighborhood respectively, and PA-422 runs along the Schuylkill river connecting the city to the suburbs of Philadelphia.

College Heights is home to two public parks, both free of charge and kid and dog friendly. The 11th and Pike Park, in the middle of the neighborhood, has a playground and is geared towards kids. Hampden Park, located on the eastern edge near Oak Lane, is connected to the larger Berks County Park and features wooded trails of forests and Antietam Lake.

For avid Jazz fans, Reading is home to the Berks Jazz Fest every April. It takes place on Washington Street in Center City and is easily accessible from College Heights.

College Heights is one of the more expensive areas in Reading. The cost of monthly rent averages around $710, whereas other Reading locations are in the range of $550 per month.

The cost of living in Reading is around 12 percent lower than Pennsylvania's average and that of the nation. A beer will cost you six percent more in Reading than other places in the United States, and a cup of coffee is usually around $3.75. Reading gas prices average 11 percent higher than the national average. To get around the city, BARTA charges $1.70 per trip and has a $3 day pass if purchased in advance.

Fairgrounds Square Mall is the major shopping attraction in the city of Reading, located just off PA-222 northwest of College Heights. It includes stores such as Boscov's, Limerick Furniture, New York Department Store and Schuylkill Valley Sporting Goods.

However, because College Heights is mostly a residential area, there are few shops in the neighborhood for speciality interests. There are a number of automobile garages, including Ralph Elia's Auto Body Shop, and a pet food and supplies store called 12th & Spring Pet Shop. Other than that, you'll want to wander out of the neighborhood for shopping.

If you do venture outside College Heights into West Reading or Center City, you will find several stores worth a visit. 1up Collectibles, located on Penn Avenue west of PA-422, sells collectors graphic novels and action figures for the comic book fans in all of us. Closer to the center of town on South 6th Street, Iron Horse Hobby House sells items to satisfy your recreational needs. You can purchase anything from kits to build model airplanes to tracks for your model train collections.

Fortunately, College Heights includes a variety of locally owned grocery marts, such as Zapata Mexican Deli on North 9th Street, High Class Grocery on North 10th Street, and Mari Angel Groceries on North 11th Street. The closest farmers' market, Fairgrounds Farmers Market, is located north of the city along Route 61 and is open only on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Giant and Ralph's also service the area.