Formerly a textile mill town, now a thriving Reading suburb
Less than 5 miles west of Reading, the Pennsylvania borough of Wyomissing is the picture of an all-American suburb. “It’s Normal Rockwell perfection circa 1950 with present-day amenities,” says Michael Bare, the Wyomissing borough manager. “It’s honestly a combination of long-time residents and new families that have moved into the area. There are a lot of young adults that graduated from the Wyomissing Area School District, moved away for college and to start their careers, and are now coming back to settle down and raise a family.” At the borough’s founding in 1906, it was one of the earliest planned “live, work, play” communities in the country. Its neighborhoods were originally created to house workers at the area’s textile mills, with nearby parklands preserved for recreation. Although the mills are now long gone, the former industrial space they left behind has since been repurposed into mixed-use developments home to thriving businesses.
Across Berks County, manufacturing is a major driver of the economy, with numerous factories and distribution centers in the greater Reading area. Reading Hospital, located just east of the borough in West Reading, is the county’s second-largest employer and operates multiple medical schools in the region. Many residents commute to other surrounding cities, with some traveling as far as Philly. “I’d say it’s a 70-30 split of residents that work locally and those that commute,” Bare says. “Our median income is among the highest in the county, as are our home values.”
Head to Gring's Mill in Outer Wyomissing for a plethora of outdoor activities.
The Works is a Wyomissing, family friendly outing for dining, play, and fun for all ages.
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Stately homes in old Wyomissing, duplexes on Penn Avenue
Wyomissing has a vast mix of housing, most of which was built in the mid-to-late 20th century. Townhouses and duplexes can be found throughout the borough, but tend to be concentrated around its urban center near Penn Avenue. Single-family cottages, ranch-style homes and Colonial Revivals can be found across the area, with some variance in age and style. “There’s the more affluent ‘old Wyomissing’ residential area where homes are over a hundred years old but have been meticulously maintained and updated,” Bare says. “Wyomissing Hills was incorporated into the borough in 2003 and is a beautiful residential neighborhood within a stone’s throw of our commercial area.” The median single-family home price in Wyomissing is $390,000, above the state median of $315,000. Townhouses sell at a median price of $340,000. Houses stay on the market for an average of 22 days, faster than the national average of 44 days.
Large colonial estates have 3 stories of living space for large families to have plenty of room.
Spanish revival homes sit on large estates with pristine landscaping in Wyomissing.
Wide sidewalks make Wyomissing a great place to walk.
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Wyomissing schools are the highest rated in the county
The Wyomissing Area School District is highly regarded locally for its academics and athletics. It earns an A grade from Niche and is ranked as the No. 1 district in Berks County. It serves about 1,900 students across three schools. A smaller portion of the borough is served by the Wilson School District, which earns an A-minus and is considered the No. 2 district in the county. It operates eight elementary schools, one middle school and one high school and has an enrollment of roughly 6,400.
Wyomissing Junior Senior High features a loop for easy drop-off and pick-up times.
Students start their education career in Wyomissing at the Wyomissing Hills Elementary Center.
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Recreation and celebrations at the Wyomissing Creek Park System
Aside from a handful of neighborhood playgrounds, most of Wyomissing’s recreation is centered around Wyomissing Creek, a tributary of the Schuylkill River. The Wyomissing Creek Park System provides wooded walking paths along the trickling stream, starting at the Reading Public Museum’s arboretum and ending at the Wyomissing Quarry soccer fields. Tennis courts, a public pool and athletic fields can also be found along the trails. The Stone House is a historic local landmark that overlooks a small pond that’s popular for winter ice skating. Many of the borough’s events are held here, including summertime concerts in the park and the annual Fourth of July celebration, known for its pie-eating contest and rubber ducky regatta. According to Bare, over 10,000 people attend the Independence Day festivities. He also notes that on rainy days, many families head to the Works at Wyomissing, an indoor amusement park equipped with a bar where parents can hang out.
Stretch your legs among miles of walking trails along the Wyomissing Park.
Take in the arts in Wyomissing at the Reading Public Museum, featuring rotating exhibits.
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Dine local in West Reading, shop around Berkshire Mall
Small businesses line Penn Avenue, such as local grocers, dental offices and salons. Penn Avenue continues east directly into West Reading, a popular shopping and dining district known for its trendy pubs and boutiques. On the north side of the borough is Berkshire Mall, a large shopping mall anchored by Boscov’s and home to numerous brand-name retailers. Chain restaurants and big-box stores —including Target and Walmart — surround the mall and the nearby highways in strip malls and shopping centers.
Walk safe Wyomissing sidewalks to Kimberton Whole Foods for daily groceries.
West Reading, Wyomissing's neighbor, offers a vibrant restaurant and shopping scene on Penn Ave.
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Access to major U.S. highways via Penn Avenue
Penn Avenue is Wyomissing’s central thoroughfare, also known as U.S. Route 422 Business. It runs east into West Reading and Downtown Reading, about 2.5 miles away. Entrances to U.S. Route 422 and U.S. Route 222 can both be accessed along Penn Avenue. Some parts of the borough are walkable, but most residents rely on their cars to commute. Berks Area Reading Transportation Authority (BARTA) buses provide service throughout the area, with stops along Penn Avenue. Although Reading has its own regional airport, the nearest commercial flights depart from Allentown’s Lehigh Valley International Airport, about 40 miles north. Philadelphia is roughly 60 miles east, and other major East Coast cities such as New York, D.C. and Baltimore are all within 150 miles.
Hop on a BARTA bus in Wyomissing to get to all the downtown Reading amenities.
Wyomissing Park is conveniently located just miles from downtown Reading.
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Moderate weather and a decrease in violent crime
Between 2018 and 2023, violent crime in Wyomissing fell by 46% and property crime rose by 24%, per the Pennsylvania Uniform Crime Reporting System. According to FBI statistics, violent crime rates are well below national averages, while property crime is slightly higher.
Thanks to its humid continental climate, Wyomissing experiences four seasons, with summer highs of 85°F and winter lows around 25°F. There is a minor potential for flooding around the Schuylkill River and Wyomissing Creek, but few residential properties are affected.
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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.
