I'm retired and Crime rate is something to consider -Reading sits at 865.1 per 100K. Rent is about $1,018/month for a decent place. Poverty rate is 23.1%, which is higher than I expected. Average temperature is around 55--F, so the weather is moderate. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Does this match your experience? I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
20 upvotes
7 Replies
Isaac C.
Totally agree!
28 upvotes
Adrian L.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 43, moved here 6 years ago from LA. I've lived in Oak Park and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Friendly community, easy to meet people
3. Growing food and restaurant scene
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not very walkable outside downtown
3. The nightlife situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Oak Park: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from LA, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
26 upvotes
Emily Anderson
hard disagree but ok
25 upvotes
Waylon Hernandez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Tampa about 11 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good internet infrastructure
- Active local events and festivals
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is underrated.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Happy to answer more specific questions..
15 upvotes
Alice Richardson
haha yep pretty much
7 upvotes
Ruby Thomas
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 6 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Uptown. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in marketing you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
2 upvotes
Dominic Sanders
My experience has been mostly positive. it's not perfect but it works for me. The only thing I'd watch out for is nightlife. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
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