Section Image

Greenwich

Greenwich

Neighborhood in Reading, Pennsylvania

Berks County 19601

$143,769 Average Value
$107 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

Early signs of Reading’s revitalization on the west side

Although the railroad tracks that pass through Greenwich tell the tale of Reading’s industrial decline, this little neighborhood tucked into the bend of the Schuylkill River on the city's west side has a story of its own. Day by day, locals are finding reasons to be optimistic about their community — chief among them are advocacy efforts from local nonprofits, competitively priced townhouses and plans to restore rail service to the city. Katie Broskey, a Realtor with Keller Williams Platinum Realty who has been selling homes in Reading for nearly a decade, says new growth may come to the area as blighted properties are removed to bring in new housing and city programming. The neighborhood’s proximity to Downtown Reading, paired with its relatively low price point, makes it an attractive option for homebuyers seeking to maximize their budget.

Victorian rowhomes and twin houses

Narrow townhouses line the streets of Greenwich, often with flat, Colonial-inspired exteriors or Victorian-era facades featuring bay windows. Most were built between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, though some have gotten interior updates and a fresh coat of paint. While most homes sell between $100,000 and $200,000, recent renovations can push prices up to $250,000. "Reading is very affordable compared to the areas around it, including the counties," says Liz Egner, the team leader of the Liz Egner Group at Re/Max of Reading. The median home price in Greenwich is $160,000, compared to Berks County's $280,000. Twin homes — two-family homes that share a wall — are also popular here, with end-unit rowhomes being especially desirable. Many houses have covered front porches that spill out directly onto the sidewalks, and some have detached garages or space to park in the rear.

Row Homes in Greenwich typically have shady front porches.
Row Homes in Greenwich typically have shady front porches.
Three-story Twin Homes are popular in Greenwich.
Three-story Twin Homes are popular in Greenwich.
1/2
BARTA busses run though Greenwich providing convenient access to downtown Reading.
BARTA busses run though Greenwich providing convenient access to downtown Reading.

Train tracks and BARTA public buses run through Greenwich

Roughly a mile from Downtown Reading, this urban neighborhood is both walkable and bikeable, though many residents also get around by car or public transportation. Hybrid electric buses in the Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority fleet stop on Schuylkill Avenue, providing access to Downtown Reading and Reading Regional Airport. Although residents living near the tracks may hear trains passing by, Reading currently has no passenger rail — but that could change soon. "There has been a lot of talk to restore rail service between Reading and Philadelphia," says Brad Smith, an archivist and associate director at Berks History Center and an adjunct professor at Alvernia University. "It will be really exciting and help stimulate growth for our city. Reading is certainly not without its challenges. We are still finding our footing, but I think there is a lot of reason for optimism." U.S. Route 422 is just across the river, putting residents about 60 miles from Philadelphia and Harrisburg. Reading Hospital is approximately 2 miles away in West Reading, a popular dining and shopping district.

A diverse range of restaurants, including Café Esperanza, a pay-what-you-can cafe

Opened in 2022, Café Esperanza is a pay-what-you-can café and non-profit that fosters a community gathering space for more than just dining. Although it offers standard coffeehouse fare such as caffeinated drinks and sandwiches, the café is also a setting for education, art and music. The neighborhood also provides diverse cuisines at casual eateries such as Be Happy Chinese and El Roble Salvadoran Restaurant. Bodegas and neighborhood corner stores are every few blocks, including Dominican Grocery, Happy Mini Mart and Milenio Grocery. More groceries are just south down Schuylkill Avenue at Fine Fare Supermarket, with Dollar General and Family Dollar nearby.

Greenwich residents love the convenience of corner grocery stores such as Dominican Grocery.
Greenwich residents love the convenience of corner grocery stores such as Dominican Grocery.
Cafe Esperanza in Greenwich is a popular gathering place among locals.
Cafe Esperanza in Greenwich is a popular gathering place among locals.
1/2

Walk or bike the Schuylkill River Trail

Just west of the neighborhood, paved walking paths flank the winding Schuylkill River. Along this popular biking route are landings on the water for kayak and canoe access, and additional extensions are in the works that will fully connect the Schuylkill River Trail from Philadelphia to Reading in 2025. Multiple nearby playgrounds are popular after-school hangouts, including ones at Front Street and Schiller Street, Second Street and Oley Street and across from Northwest Elementary. The Reading Public Library Northwest Branch is also just north of the neighborhood and offers activities such as toddler art sessions, adult cooking workshops and various clubs for teens. The Olivet Boys' & Girls' Club gives kids a safe, supportive place to hang out after school by providing academic assistance, youth athletic leagues, plus mentorship programs to promote positive personal growth.

2nd & Oley Park in Greenwich features a basketball court great for practicing your shot.
2nd & Oley Park in Greenwich features a basketball court great for practicing your shot.
The Schuylkill River serves as the western boundary of Greenwich.
The Schuylkill River serves as the western boundary of Greenwich.
1/2

Reading Senior High is the largest high school in Pennsylvania

Greenwich is part of the Reading School District. Homes here are zoned to Northwest Elementary, which holds a D-plus rating from Niche. Middle schoolers are divided between the D-rated Central Middle and Northwest Middle, which scores a D-plus. Dubbed “the castle on the hill” due to its imposing exterior, Reading Senior High is the largest high school in the state, with an enrollment of roughly 5,200 students and an overall rating of C-minus. The high school offers a student exchange program with Reading’s sister city, Reutlingen, Germany. If chosen, Reading Senior High students travel to Reutlingen for two weeks in the fall, while German exchange students visit Reading in the spring.

Reading Senior High School in Northeast Reading is fondly nicknamed 'The Castle on the Hill'.
Reading Senior High School in Northeast Reading is fondly nicknamed 'The Castle on the Hill'.
Northwest Middle School serves 930 students in grades 5-8.
Northwest Middle School serves 930 students in grades 5-8.
1/2
Elliot Schorr
Written By
Elliot Schorr
Jay Ratchford
Photography Contributed By
Jay Ratchford
Chris Norton
Video By
Chris Norton

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Richard Sachetta, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Lehigh Valley International

60 min drive

Bus

Greenwich & Weiser St. Nearside Sb

Bus

Weiser & Oley St. Farside Nb

Bus

Schuylkill Ave & Oley St - Far Side - Sb

Bus

Schuylkill Ave & Greenwich St Farside Sb

Bus

Schuylkill Ave & Douglass St Far Side Sb

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Greenwich US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 7 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$167,500
Median Single Family Price
$167,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$107
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
33
Months of Supply
0.70
Median List Price
$167,750
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
16%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,109
Median Year Built
1900
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,544
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,624
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
1,742

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Richard Sachetta, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
4,819
Median Age
32
Population Density
54 ppl/acre
Population under 18
31.6%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$42,700
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,502

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
68.3%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
10.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.7%
% Population in Labor Force
66.2%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
18''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

63 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

71 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

Are you familiar with the Greenwich neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Greenwich