I'm a remote worker and With a population of 25,448, Reading is a smaller city. The weather takes some getting used to. Anyone in a similar situation?
5 upvotes
21 Replies
Everett Patel
honestly same experience here
40 upvotes
Stella
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's not perfect but it works for me. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
32 upvotes
Kennedy
I've lived in Highland for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Strong job market in several industries
- The food scene scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Matthew Stewart
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Oak Park area are tough. Kids love it here.
31 upvotes
Cooper Hill
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely underrated and I've found I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. My neighborhood (Meadowbrook) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Can feel isolated.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
28 upvotes
Liam Martin
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if dating scene matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
28 upvotes
Sofia Carter
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The walkability is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
28 upvotes
Anthony B.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Austin about 12 years ago. The main reasons were family and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited shopping options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are growing, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Hope this helps!.
27 upvotes
Piper Watson
I've been living here for 3 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The food scene is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
26 upvotes
Leah Clark
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is food scene. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Worth doing your research before committing.
24 upvotes
Amelia Thomas
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, Happy to answer more specific questions..
23 upvotes
dallas_jayden
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 4-bedroom. it exceeded my expectations. Compared to Nashville it's average.
20 upvotes
Carson E.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Nashville about 13 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Evan W.
hard disagree but ok
16 upvotes
tucson_allison
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much growing but now it's improving.
16 upvotes
Charlotte C.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely pretty good and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. My neighborhood (Cedar Grove) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
14 upvotes
Autumn Chavez
Came here for school and stayed because there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The dating scene is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
13 upvotes
Genesis Martinez
We moved here with our family and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Schools in Westside area are surprisingly good. Kids love it here.
11 upvotes
Caleb Carter
thanks for sharing
10 upvotes
Justin J.
lol so true
6 upvotes
Claire W.
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
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