Reading

Background Image

Reading, PA

Area Guide

Historic charm abounds on the Schuylkill River

Affordable Historic Quaint Scenic Diverse Active Riverside

Welcome to Reading, Pennsylvania, a historic city in the scenic Schuylkill River Valley. From downtown apartments to residential communities, Reading offers diverse housing options for renters. One-bedroom units average $1,219, while two-bedroom homes average $1,479. The city's landmarks include the distinctive Pagoda atop Mount Penn, which provides sweeping views of the area, and the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, housed in a restored factory building.

Reading's heritage as the "Pretzel Capital of the World" remains strong today. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore more than 125 miles of trails across five major preserves, earning the city recognition from the International Mountain Bicycling Association. The Reading Public Museum offers year-round exhibits and programs, while Albright College and Alvernia University contribute to the city's educational landscape. Notable areas include the Centre Park Historic District, showcasing preserved Victorian architecture, and College Heights. Penn's Commons and the Outlet District feature renovated historic buildings adapted for contemporary living.

Explore the City

West Reading Fall Fest attracts thousands of locals to shop local vendors.

Some of the residential streets in Downtown Reading are tree lined with wide sidewalks.

The Schuylkill River runs along the western boundary of Northwest Reading.

Rent Trends

As of January 2026, the average apartment rent in Reading, PA is $756 for a studio, $1,220 for one bedroom, $1,485 for two bedrooms, and $1,877 for three bedrooms. Apartment rent in Reading has increased by 2.6% in the past year.

Property Type
Average Rent
Average Sq Ft
Apartment
$1,220/month
654 Sq Ft
House
$1,706/month
726 Sq Ft
Townhome
$1,849/month
888 Sq Ft
See Rental Market Trends in Reading, PA

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Reading, PA is 1.0% higher than the national average. Generally, housing in Reading is 6.2% less expensive than the national average, with rent falling between $756 - $1,897. You can expect to pay 3.3% less for groceries, 4.3% more for utilities, and 1.8% more for transportation.

Compare Cities

$

Transportation

63

Somewhat Walkable

out of 100 WalkScore® Rating

You might be able to get out and walk when living in this area. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, but for others you’ll need a car.

42

Somewhat Bikeable

out of 100 BikeScore® Rating

You might be able to find places to ride your bike in this area, but you’ll most likely want your car for most errands.

Schools

Owatin Creek Elementary School

Public

Grades K-4

551 Students

Reiffton School

Public

Grades 5-6

612 Students

Lorane Elementary School

Public

Grades K-4

451 Students

Jacksonwald Elementary School

Public

Grades K-4

369 Students

Millmont Elementary School

Public

Grades PK-4

593 Students

Northwest Middle School

Public

Grades 5-8

869 Students

Exeter Twp Junior High School

Public

Grades 7-8

637 Students

Central Middle School

Public

Grades 5-8

1,865 Students

Northeast Middle School

Public

Grades 5-8

938 Students

Southern Middle School

Public

Grades 5-8

759 Students

Exeter Twp Senior High School

Public

Grades 9-12

1,286 Students

Muhlenberg High School

Public

Grades 10-12

1,151 Students

Antietam Middle School/High School

Public

Grades 7-12

548 Students

Reading Senior High School

Public

Grades 9-12

5,213 Students

Points of Interest

Parks and Recreation

  • Naeg Planetarium
  • Reading Public Museum
  • Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center

Airports

  • Lehigh Valley International

Top Apartments in Reading

Houses for Rent in Reading

Property Management Companies in Reading, PA

Living in Reading

Restaurants

-

If you love good food, you will be happy with the selection of eateries in Reading. The Ugly Oyster Drafthaus has over 80 beers in an Irish Pub setting and a hearty food menu. Third and Spruce Cafe offers casual dining with an outdoor patio during summer months. For Italian fare and pizza, visit GNA Ristorante. The Works has a broad menu for kids and adults that you can relax in after playing numerous games in their gaming area. For delicious French dining and fresh ingredients visit Papillon Brasserie. And if you like a good wine or beer with German and Scottish foods such as Wienerschnitzel and seafood, you will enjoy a meal at the West Reading Tavern.

Shopping

-

Fairgrounds Square Mall is the place to go for up-to-date shops and fashion including restaurants when you need a break from trying on shoes and clothing. For bargain hunters, visit the many outlet stores in Reading including the popular VF Outlet with clothing for all family members from children to adults. Other factory shops include Dooney & Bourke, Van Heusen and Osh Kosh.

For high-fashion trendy boutiques, New York City is only a short car or train ride away, about two to three hours.

Search Nearby Rentals

Methodology

† Our analysis of utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, home prices, and other goods and services is sourced from the Cost of Living Index, a respected benchmark published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) that provides a thorough overview of living expenses across different regions.

Rent data is provided by CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As the industry leader in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar conducts extensive research to produce and maintain a comprehensive database of commercial real estate information. We combine this data with public record to provide the most up-to-date rental information available.

Consumer goods, services, and home prices are sourced from the Cost of Living Index published by the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER). The data on this page is updated quarterly. It was last published in November 2025.