Zip Code 19606

Reading, PABerks County

Real Estate Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$280,757 (as of Jan 2025)
Median Home Value
~28,000
Population
$74,000 (household)
Median Income
Above average (GreatSchools 7/10)
School District Rating

Market Statistics

Property Values

$280,757 (as of Jan 2025)
Median Home Value
$1,650 for a 2bd/1ba (recent listing)
Median Rent
$321 (based on recent listings)
Price per Sq Ft

Market Performance

Home Appreciation+7.4% over the past year
Market VelocityHomes go pending in around 19 days
Foreclosure RateLow; no significant uptick reported

Area Information

Area SizeApproximately 22 square miles
CountyBerks
Primary CityReading

Housing Profile

Housing Statistics

Total Housing UnitsEstimated 11,000+
Owner Occupied~70% (typical for suburban Berks County)
Rental Properties~30%
Vacant UnitsLow vacancy rate, under 5%
New ConstructionLimited; most stock built 1970-2000, some infill and townhome projects

Housing Types

Single-family detachedTownhomesCondosApartments

Demographics

~28,000
Population
44
Median Age
$74,000 (household)
Median Income
~96% (unemployment ~4%)
Employment Rate
High school grad or higher: 92%; Bachelor's or higher: 32%
Education Levels
Predominantly families and couples; moderate senior population
Family Composition

Education Quality

School District Performance

Above average (GreatSchools 7/10)
District Rating
School DistrictExeter Township School District
Test ScoresConsistently above state average in math and reading
Graduation Rates94%

Schools in Area

  • Exeter Township Senior High School
  • Lorane Elementary
  • Jacksonwald Elementary
  • Owatin Creek Elementary

Economic Factors

Employment & Business

Job GrowthSteady, 1.2% annual increase
Unemployment Rate~4%
Business EnvironmentStable, with retail, healthcare, and education as anchors
Commercial ActivityActive along Perkiomen Ave and 422 corridor

Major Employers

  • Exeter Township School District
  • Tower Health (Reading Hospital)
  • Berks County government
  • Retail centers (Exeter Commons, Walmart, Lowe’s)

Infrastructure & Quality of Life

Infrastructure

Transportation Access

  • US Route 422
  • PA Route 562
  • Berks Area Regional Transit Authority (BARTA) bus service

Utilities & Services

  • Electric (Met-Ed)
  • Natural gas (UGI)
  • Public water/sewer (Exeter Township)

Quality of Life

Safety & Environment

Low crime rate, below state and national averages

Good air and water quality, abundant green space

Healthcare Access

  • Tower Health facilities
  • Urgent care clinics
  • Specialty practices nearby

Development Trends

Planned Developments

  • Small-scale townhome and infill projects
  • Retail expansion at Exeter Commons

Infrastructure Projects

  • Road widening on 422 corridor
  • Sidewalk/bike lane improvements

Investment Outlook

Growth Outlook

Moderate, with stable demand and limited land for large new developments

Investment Opportunities

  • Townhome/condo rentals
  • Value-add single-family flips
  • Small multifamily properties

Marketing Intelligence

Target Demographics

  • Move-up families
  • Retirees downsizing
  • Young professionals commuting to Reading

Competitive Advantages

  • Strong schools
  • Fast market velocity
  • Desirable suburban setting

Pricing Strategies

List slightly above median to capture appreciation, price competitively for quick sales

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Limited new construction options

Response Strategy:

Emphasize quality and value of existing homes, highlight recent renovations

Objection: Higher property taxes than some neighboring areas

Response Strategy:

Showcase school quality, safety, and municipal services as value-adds

Objection: Commute to Philadelphia is over 1 hour

Response Strategy:

Focus on proximity to Reading, local employment, and lower cost of living

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage school district and safety in marketing

2

Stage homes to highlight family spaces and outdoor amenities

3

Network with local employers and relocation services

4

Monitor inventory closely for off-market opportunities

5

Educate buyers on competitive offer strategies

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Wyomissing (19610)
  • Muhlenberg Township (19605)
  • Oley (19547)

Market Positioning

Desirable, family-oriented suburb with strong schools and stable values

Competitive Advantages

  • Faster sales velocity
  • Higher appreciation rate than county average
  • Better school ratings

Price Comparison

Slightly higher than Berks County average, lower than Wyomissing

Investment Metrics

5.5%–6.5% for small multifamily
Cap Rates
5%–6% gross yield for single-family rentals
Rental Yields
~14–15
Price-to-Rent
Positive cash flow possible with 20% down, especially on townhomes/duplexes
Cash Flow
4%–6% annual over next 3 years
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Seek affordable townhomes/condos, value school quality and safety

Move-Up Buyers

Target larger single-family homes, prioritize schools and parks

Downsizers

Prefer ranch homes or condos, value low maintenance and proximity to healthcare

Investors

Focus on rental-ready properties and value-add opportunities

Relocators

Attracted by suburban setting, amenities, and access to Reading

This zip code analysis was generated using comprehensive market data and AI intelligence.

Market conditions change rapidly - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

Related Market Intelligence

Explore connected markets and opportunities