Introduction

Reading is a town located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts. The population of Reading, MA is 25,100. The median age is 43.2 years (46 years for women and 40.8 years for men). If you are looking for the best neighborhoods in Reading, MA, you have come to the right place.

Quick Facts About Reading, MA

· Reading has many highly-rated public schools.

· The town is very well-suited for families.

· It has a B- grade in terms of diversity.

· There are plenty of outdoor activities to be enjoyed in Reading.

· Reading is one of the best suburbs for young professionals in Massachusetts.

History of Reading, MA

The settlement of Reading was incorporated on 10th June, 1644, with the town taking its name from the town of Reading located in England. The first church was established after the settlement, with the first parish separating and becoming South Reading in 1812, which we know as Wakefield today. The land located in the northern region of the Ipswich River was added to Reading after receiving a special grant in 1651. It came to be known as North Reading in 1853. The town we know as Reading in the current era was initially known as "Third Parish" or "Wood End".

Up until the 1940s, open town meetings and a board of selectmen were responsible for governing Reading. The decision to fund public education was taken in 1693 and a meeting house was constructed in 1769.

The American Revolutionary War saw Reading play a crucial part. The town was actively involved in the activities that pursued the retreating British Army post the battles of Lexington and Concord. The Federal Library was started by 60 members back in 1791 whereas the public library present in the town today was established in 1868.

Getting a Home in Reading

Find a Local Agent

Click here to get in touch with real estate agents in Reading.

Rentals and Properties in Reading

Looking to rent a place in Reading? Click here to check out some rentals in the town. Those wishing to buy a home can discover the listings through this link.

Professions of the Residents of Reading

The per capita income in Reading, MA is $54,345 while the national per capita income is $34,103. Reading’s median household income is $132,731 and the national median household income is $62,843. Some of the professions chosen by the residents of Reading include:

· Healthcare: 18.3%

· Professionals: 15%

· Education: 12.6%

· Manufacturing: 10.9%

· Finance: 7.6%

· Retail: 6.8%

· Construction: 4.7%

· Public Service: 4.6%

· Other: 3.3%

· Accommodation: 3.2%

· Administration: 2.8%

· Information Technology: 2.5%

· Transportation: 2.1%

Cost of Living in Reading

The cost of living in Reading, MA is 38% higher than the national average and 5% higher than the average in Massachusetts. Food and transportation are the two costliest departments in Reading, MA, followed by housing and health. The area prices in Reading were recorded to be up by 2.5% in 2021 as compared to 2020.

K-12 Schools in Reading, MA

Parents can find public schools, private schools, and also good preschools in Reading. Let us provide you with the information regarding the best schools in Reading, MA.

Public Schools

The public schools in Reading, MA include:

· Joshua Eaton

· Alice M. Barrows

· J Warren Killam Elementary School

· Birch Meadow School

· Wood End Elementary School

· Arthur W Coolidge Middle School

· Walter S. Parker Middle

· Reading Memorial High School

Private Schools

The private schools to choose from in Reading, MA are:

· Austin Preparatory School

· The Goddard School of Reading

Kindergarten

The preschools and daycare centers in Reading, MA are as follows:

· Reading Montessori School

· Reading Children's Learning Center

· Little Treasure Schoolhouse

· Christian Cooperative Preschool

Crime Rate in Reading, MA

The crime rate in Reading, MA is lower than the national average. Falling in the 98th percentile for safety, only 2% of the places in the US are safer than Reading. With an A+ crime grade, the crime rate in Reading, MA is 7.57 per 1,000 residents during a given year.

Commute to and from Reading

Commuter Trains

Reading is the MBTA Commuter Rail station in Reading, MA. It takes about 32 minutes to travel from Reading, MA to Boston, MA via a commuter train.

Nearby Airports

Two of the airports closest to Reading, MA are the Boston Logan International Airport, which is 23 minutes away, and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, which is 46 minutes away.

Community Life in Reading

MOMS Club of Reading: A special support group meant for the mothers who stay at home, the MOMS Club of Reading allows the at-home mothers of Reading to engage in fun activities, both for themselves and their kids.

Reading Rotary: Reading Rotary attempts to change lives and bring about a positive difference in Reading, MA.

Reading Garden Club: At the Reading Garden Club, residents participate in various activities, such as those related to sustainability, conservation, and horticulture.

Walkable Reading: Walkable Reading is an ad hoc committee that works to make Reading a town that is more pedestrian-friendly.

Top Attractions to Visit in Reading

BeanStalk Adventure Ropes Course: Whether it is individual activities or group adventures, BeanStalk Adventure Ropes Course has something for everyone.

Reading Town Forest: Go biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing at Reading Town Forest.

Jordan's IMAX Theater: Enjoy 3D movies at Jordan's IMAX Theater with your friends and family.

Places of Worship in Reading

Church of the Good Shepherd
95 Woburn St
Reading, MA 01867
Contact: (781) 944-1661

First Baptist Church
45 Woburn St
Reading, MA 01867
Contact: (781) 944-3876

First Congregational Church
25 Woburn St
Reading, MA 01867
Contact: (781) 944-0205

Old South United Methodist Church
6 Salem St
Reading, MA 01867
Contact: (781) 944-2636

St. Agnes Church
186 Woburn St
Reading, MA 01867
Contact: (781) 944-0307

St. Athanasius Parish
300 Haverhill St
Reading, MA 01867
Contact: (781) 944-0330

Places to Eat in Reading

According to TripAdvisor, the best places to eat in Reading, MA are:

- Christopher's Restaurant

- Venetian Moon

- Harrows

- Fusilli's Cucina

- Bunratty Tavern

- Mandarin Reading Restaurant

- Bagel World III Bakery & Deli

- Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza

- LongHorn Steakhouse

- The Green Tomato Kitchen

Comparison to Neighboring Towns

Some of the towns located near Reading, MA are Wakefield, Lynnfield, and Woburn.

Click here to compare Reading MA to Wakefield MA.

Click here to compare Reading MA to Lynnfield MA.

Click here to compare Reading MA to Woburn MA.

Compare all the towns together by clicking here.

Is Reading a Good Place to Live In?

Reading, MA is a wonderful town to move to, owing to several factors. The highly-rated public schools, safe neighborhood, and abundance of outdoor activities combine to make it a lovely town for families to settle in.

FAQs About Reading

Q: What is a museum I can visit in Reading, MA?

A: A museum to visit in Reading, MA is Parker Tavern.

Q: What is an interesting fact regarding Reading’s connection with education?

A: An interesting fact to know about Reading’s connection with education is that Reading participated in Boston's METCO program quite early on.

Q: Does Reading have a weekly newspaper?

A: Yes, Reading does have a weekly newspaper known as The Reading Advocate.

Q: What are the towns located near Reading, MA?

A: The towns located near Reading, MA include Wakefield, Lynnfield, Woburn, Stoneham, Wilmington, and North Reading.