Overview of Reading

Reading apartments for rent are home to a successful, industrial city. As of a 2010 Census report, Reading is the fifth most populous city in the state of Pennsylvania. The history of Reading dates back to 1743 when when Thomas Lawrence made the first attempt to establish the city's limits. The town's name originates from Lawrence's own county seat from his home in Reading, in Berkshire, England. Reading played an important part during the French and Indian War - the city was a military base where soldiers and craftsman produced weapons and ammunition for the military.

Reading apartments for rent offer residents the opportunity to be a part of a thriving arts and sports community. The Reading Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 97th season of performance, outreach and educational programs. The town hosts a 10 day jazz festival every spring, known as the Berks Jazz Fest. The event includes entertainment day and night, as well as special shopping and dining opportunities within the greater Reading area. Other points of interest in the arts include the Berks Arts Council and the Berks County Heritage Center.

Sports fans enjoy seasonal games all year long. Go root on the Reading Royals hockey team or the Reading Railers basketball team indoors or enjoy a Reading Rage soccer game outdoors. The prestigious soccer club has helped many players develop skills to play professional soccer.

The Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA) offers Reading residents a public bus service to help them get in and around town.

Reading apartments for rent managed by the Reading Shelter & Supportive Housing offer unique services to families and individuals in need. The Shelter & Supportive Housing programs provide residents with counseling, money management workshops, treatment services for mental health and drugs, a 24-hour child care services and aftercare services. The Shelter & Supportive Housing Opportunity manages and maintains apartments and townhomes in close proximity to the Opportunity House as a way to provide a safe, affordable housing option to residents.

The average cost of living for Reading residents is estimated at 7.6 percent less than the state average and 6.1 percent less than the national average, according to AreaVibes. Residents typically pay $3.62 for a gallon of gas, $4.51 for a cup of coffee and $8.00 for pizza.

Those who live in Reading apartments for rent have access to jobs within the states top industries. Reading is known for its agriculture, manufacturing and food processing industries.

Some of the top Reading employers include Gage Personnel Employment Services, Fidelity Technologies Corp., Custom Milling & Consulting, Atlantic Energy Concepts and Berks & Beyond Employment Services.

College students have access to both two year and four year postsecondary institutions. Students looking at Reading apartments for rent attend the Reading Area Community College, Albright College and Alvernia University, a Catholic institution that provides the breadth and depth of a traditional liberal arts school.