Reading PA

Reading, Pennsylvania – Nestled in the heart of Berks County, Reading blends small-town charm with rich history and a growing arts scene. From its roots as a hub of industry to its rebirth as a center for culture and outdoor recreation, this city offers a welcoming mix of old and new. Whether you're strolling through historic districts, hiking scenic trails, or enjoying local festivals, Reading is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

• Population: ~95,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; winters can be snowy (20-40°F), summers are warm (70-90°F), spring and fall are crisp and pleasant.
• Places To Visit: Reading Public Museum, Pagoda on Mount Penn, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Santander Arena, and the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum.
• Top Activities: Hiking the Appalachian Trail, exploring art exhibits, catching a Reading Royals hockey game, antique shopping, and enjoying live music events.
• Famous Food: Pennsylvania Dutch specialties like scrapple and shoofly pie, local pretzels, Berks hot dogs, and cheesesteaks.

Reading, Pennsylvania, located in Berks County, is known for its strong manufacturing heritage, healthcare services, and logistics network. As the city continues to grow and evolve, certain careers are proving to be high in demand, offering stable employment and competitive wages for residents.

Top 5 Jobs in Reading, PA

Reading, PA, is a charming city with plenty of spots where students can unwind, have fun, and forget about their studies for a bit. Whether you love outdoor adventures, food, or cultural activities, Reading has it all.

The Pagoda – This iconic landmark offers breathtaking views over the city. It's a peaceful place to relax, meditate, or snap some amazing photos. The history and architecture add to its unique charm.

West Reading’s Penn Avenue – Stroll down Penn Avenue for a delightful mix of shops, cafes, and art galleries. It's the perfect spot to grab a coffee, check out some local art, or simply people-watch.

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts – Dive into the creative world at GoggleWorks, where you can explore galleries, attend workshops, or watch a movie in the theater. It's a great place for artistic inspiration and relaxation.

Nolde Forest – For those who love nature, Nolde Forest offers trails and a chance to escape into the tranquility of the woods. It's perfect for hiking, picnicking, or simply lounging with a good book.

The Works – This entertainment complex is packed with fun activities including go-karting, arcade games, and a fantastic American grill. It's a lively spot to hang out with friends and unleash your inner kid.

Berks Lanes – Whether you are into bowling or just want a fun night out with friends, Berks Lanes offers both. With plenty of lanes, snacks, and an arcade, it's an easy choice for entertainment.

Neag Planetarium – Located at the Reading Public Museum, this planetarium is a wonderful spot for those fascinated by stars and constellations. It's an educational and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon or evening.

Reading, PA, located in Berks County, is known for its mix of urban charm and educational opportunities. The city and its surrounding area offer both public and private institutions that provide quality education and career-focused training programs.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Reading, PA

Reading Area Community College (RACC) – A leading public community college offering associate degrees, certificate programs, and workforce training. RACC is known for its affordable tuition and strong programs in healthcare, business, and liberal arts.

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania – Located just outside Reading, this public university is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in education, business, visual arts, and the sciences.

Penn State Berks – A suburban campus of Pennsylvania State University, Penn State Berks provides bachelor’s degrees in disciplines like engineering, business, criminal justice, and information sciences and technology. Students benefit from smaller class sizes and close faculty interaction.

Montgomery County Community College – West Campus – Located nearby in Pottstown, this campus serves students from the greater Reading area. It provides flexible learning options, associate degree programs, and workforce development courses.

Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC) – Lancaster Campus – Though not in Reading, HACC's Lancaster campus is accessible and offers academic, technical, and continuing education programs for students in the Reading area.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Reading, PA

Alvernia University – A private Franciscan university in Reading, known for its strong programs in nursing, business, education, and criminal justice. Alvernia emphasizes ethical leadership and community service.

Albright College – A highly regarded private liberal arts college in Reading that offers interdisciplinary programs in the arts, sciences, and professional studies. Students benefit from small class sizes and a strong alumni network.

Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences – Though located in nearby Lancaster, many Reading students attend this private, healthcare-focused college. It offers top-tier nursing and allied health programs with strong clinical partnerships.

Phoenixville Hospital School of Nursing (Tower Health) – Located close to Reading, this private nursing diploma program is highly respected for its hands-on training and affiliation with Tower Health network.

Reading Hospital School of Health Sciences – A respected private institution operated by Tower Health. It offers diploma and associate-level programs in nursing, radiologic technology, and other allied health fields.

Reading, PA is home to several high-performing high schools that focus on helping students succeed in college and in life. Whether families are looking for top-ranked public or private institutions, the area offers great choices with strong academic programs, extracurricular options, and supportive environments.

Top Public High Schools In Reading, PA

• Exeter Township Senior High School – Known for its strong academics and advanced placement courses, Exeter prepares students well for college and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities.
• Wilson High School – Located in West Lawn, Wilson High is recognized for its rigorous courses, competitive athletics, and strong community involvement.
• Governor Mifflin High School – This school offers a solid curriculum, including honors and AP classes, as well as technical education options for college and career readiness.
• Reading Senior High School – As one of the largest high schools in the state, it provides diverse educational pathways, including arts, business, and STEM programs.
• Muhlenberg High School – Offers a supportive learning environment and a focus on helping students grow both academically and personally.

Top Private High Schools In Reading, PA

• Berks Catholic High School – A top-tier private school grounded in faith-based education with a strong academic curriculum and college prep focus.
• The Hill School (nearby in Pottstown) – Though technically outside Reading, this prestigious private boarding and day school is highly regarded for its excellence in academics and leadership development.
• High Point Baptist Academy – Offers a Christ-centered education with small class sizes and individualized attention to help each student thrive.
• Sacred Heart School – A private Catholic school offering quality education from pre-K to 12th grade with a focus on values, service, and community.
• Fairview Christian School – Provides a smaller, nurturing learning atmosphere with strong academics and a faith-based approach to education.

Reading, Pennsylvania is a mid-sized city known for its rich history and community spirit. While it does not have major league professional sports teams like in larger cities, Reading proudly hosts several minor league and semi-professional teams that offer exciting sports entertainment and play a vital role in the city’s sports culture.

⚾ Baseball – Reading Fightin Phils (MiLB)

• Reading Fightin Phils – The Fightin Phils are a Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and have been part of the city since 1967. They play at FirstEnergy Stadium, one of the oldest ballparks in Minor League Baseball. Many future MLB stars have played for the team during their development, making it a great destination for fans who enjoy watching rising talent.

🏒 Hockey – Reading Royals (ECHL)

• Reading Royals – The Royals compete in the ECHL, a mid-level professional ice hockey league. They are affiliated with the Philadelphia Flyers of the NHL. Since their founding in 2001, the Royals have built a strong fan base and won their first Kelly Cup championship in 2013, showcasing high-level hockey in an intimate setting.

🏀 Basketball – Reading Rebels (TBL)

• Reading Rebels – The Rebels play in The Basketball League (TBL), a professional basketball league that features talented players from across the country. Founded in 2021, the team has quickly earned a following in Reading, emphasizing community involvement and competitive play.

🏈 Football – Minor League and Semi-Pro Teams

• While Reading does not have a professional football team, the area is home to several semi-professional and youth football programs that contribute to local sports culture. Additionally, nearby cities like Philadelphia offer NFL action for fans willing to make a short trip.

⚽ Soccer – Local and Amateur Clubs

• Soccer is growing in popularity in Reading, with various amateur and youth clubs active throughout the city. These programs help build skills and community pride and serve as a foundation for future growth in the sport.

Reading, Pennsylvania is a city rich in history, culture, and charm. Located in the heart of Berks County, this city has many unique and exciting facts that may surprise you. From famous inventions to exciting events, here are some fun facts about Reading, PA:

1. Monopoly Fame – Reading got nationwide recognition thanks to the Reading Railroad, proudly featured in the classic Monopoly board game.
2. Pagoda on a Mountain – Reading has a real Japanese-style pagoda on top of Mount Penn. Built in 1908, it offers amazing views of the city and functions as a local landmark.
3. Outlet Capital – In the 1970s and 1980s, Reading was known as the "Outlet Capital of the World", with thousands shopping at factory outlets downtown.
4. Home of the Pretzel – Reading has strong ties to Pennsylvania Dutch culture and is known for producing lots of pretzels. In fact, some of the oldest pretzel bakeries in the U.S. started here.
5. Fire Tower Views – The William Penn Memorial Fire Tower is over 120 feet tall and offers panoramic views of Berks County from the top of Mount Penn.
6. Lindy's Hometown – Charles Lindbergh once landed his plane near Reading and became an instant sensation, with thousands of residents coming out to greet him in the 1920s.
7. Baseball Tradition – The city is home to the Reading Fightin Phils, the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. FirstEnergy Stadium, their ballpark, is one of the oldest in Minor League Baseball.
8. Santander Arena Stars – The Santander Arena hosts concerts, hockey games, and big entertainment events. Famous stars like Elton John and KISS have performed there.
9. Oldest Farmer’s Market – Reading is home to the Reading Terminal Market’s cousin, the historic Fairgrounds Market and other local markets, offering fresh goods since the 1800s.
10. Steel Roots – Reading was once a major manufacturing center and was ranked as one of the richest cities per capita in America in 1910, during the height of the steel and textile industries.