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Homes For Sale In Berks County, PA
Berks County is a picturesque area in southeastern Pennsylvania, about an hour's drive from Philadelphia. Located within Pennsylvania's Dutch Country Roads region, moving to Berks County real estate offers a combination of breathtaking scenery, suburban comfort, rich heritage, and old-world charm while remaining very central to big cities like Allentown and Willmington. Ready to move to the Keystone State? Check out the listings for homes for sale in Berks County and learn more about everything this county has to offer!
More About Berks County, PA, Homes for Sale
Berks County is in Pennsylvania's southeastern corner and offers affordable housing, an excellent education system, and living costs lower than the state's and country's averages. Berks County is widely known and praised for its German heritage, diverse population of almost 420K (including a large Amish community), historical attractions & landmarks, and strong agricultural past reflected in the numerous farmers' markets and roadside stands.
Bisected by the Schuylkill River and surrounded by rolling hills, farmland, parks, and wooded areas, residents in Berks County homes for sale have no shortage of gorgeous views and outdoor adventures. Families and retirees, in particular, love the safe, peaceful atmosphere of living in rural locales, where larger houses and homesites abound, and nature is right outside the door. But Berks County is also home to several large cities, including Reading (the county's seat) and Wyomissing, so younger homebuyers' won't be far from urban amenities and entertainment.
If you've decided to seize the opportunity and purchase a home for sale in Berks County, you'll have access to a wide range of activities and conveniences. From hiking and biking to museums and historical sites, you'll find something to love in Berks County, no matter your interests. In addition, Berks County is in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, which means you'll be sampling delicious local cuisine and participating in cultural and community events and festivals any time.
Adjacent Counties To Berks County, Pennsylvania
- Schuylkill County (northwest)
- Lehigh County (northeast)
- Lebanon County (west)
- Montgomery County (east)
- Lancaster County (south)
Berks County, PA, Homes For Sale
The houses for sale in Berks County, PA, are mostly free-standing single-family detached homes on midsize to large lots listed at a median price of around $235K, that's about half the U.S. average of $436K. The homes for sale in Berks County go off-market after a median of 44 days listed. New construction homes in Berks County are available in more limited quantities.
Even though real estate prices in this Pennsylvania market are considered affordable, homebuyers on smaller budgets or looking for a modest lifestyle can find plenty of bargains under the median home value. Entry-level homes for sale in Berks County with two or three bedrooms sell for between $89K and $150K. The owner-occupation rate in Berks County is 71%, higher than the national average of 64%, which proves that when people move here, they do it as a long-term commitment.
If the Berks County houses for sale have caught your eye, you'll find a wide variety of options. You can purchase one of the charming farmhouses nestled in rural areas like Kutztown, spacious Colonial-style residences in the Reading suburbs, or cozy, wood-sided bungalows in small towns like Oley. You can choose to move into any of the 80+ cities, boroughs, and towns in Berks County, including some 55+ communities.
Berks County City Sampler
Reading
Reading is Berks County's seat, the fourth-largest city in Pennsylvania, and has been named the 4th-best place to live in the state by Niche.com. Known as the "Pretzel Capital of the World," (the city produces one-third of all the pretzels baked in the nation!) Reading is much more than German baked goods. The vibrant city provides affordable housing with a desirable urban/suburban ambiance, plenty of schools and universities, and a wide range of amenities, including a thriving arts scene, a variety of shopping and dining options, and a robust parks and recreation system. If you purchase a home for sale in Reading, you'll enjoy easy access to Philadelphia, New York City, and the Jersey Shore. Reading real estate typically has a median listing price of $281K.
Wyomissing
Wyomissing is Berks County's largest borough by population (around 11,200 people live in Wyomissing homes for sale) and is one of the best places in southern Pennsylvania to raise a family. Why? The borough's school district, Wyomissing Area School District, is the best in the county, known for its academic excellence and sports programs. Additionally, Wyomissing boasts 350 acres of parkland, some of the best shopping districts in the area, and a myriad of real estate options in a dynamic market. Wyomissing homes for sale have a median value of $330K and range from small, starter homes to luxurious estates in the countryside. Wyomissing is also a certified Tree City USA, a recognition awarded to cities that maintain and expand their tree cover.
Blandon
North of Reading, in Maidencreek Township, is charming Blandon, PA, a small Berks County area just south of Ontelaunee Lake. Summed up to its central location just minutes from downtown Reading, Blandon offers a slow-paced lifestyle surrounded by the greenery of the local parks, golf courses, and gardens. Here, buyers of Berks County homes for sale can enjoy the simple pleasures of life while counting on a community that's small but warm and united. Blandon real estate consists mostly of large, suburban two-story homes with three bedrooms, well-groomed lawns, two garage spaces, and expansive backyards. Moving to a Blandon, PA, home for sale has a median cost of $318K.
Schools in Berks County PA
Berks County, Pennsylvania, is home to high-quality educational opportunities, both public and private, ranging from early childhood instruction to college and beyond. Regarding public education, 19 different school districts serve the homes for sale in Berks County. According to Niche.com, these are the top-performing ones:
- Wyomissing Area School District
- Wilson School District
- Kutztown Area School District
- Schuylkill Valley School District
- Twin Valley School District
Parents looking for private education for their children can enroll them in any of the 52 local private schools near the homes in Berks County. Berks County, PA, also provides higher education with a number of colleges and universities operating in the area offering majors in Psychology, Special Education, and Business Management. The largest universities in Berks County, PA, by the number of degrees awarded, are:
- Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
- Alvernia University
- Reading Area Community College
Frequently Asked Questions About Berks County PA
What Is The Average Household Income In Berks County, Pennsylvania?
According to the most recent Census data, Berks County, PA's average annual household income is $86,965, close to the statewide average of $87,262 and the national average of $87,864.
What is the zip code for Berks County homes for sale?
The homes for sale in Berks County are located in 45 different zip codes. Some of the more popular ones among homebuyers are:
- Blandon | 19504
- Reading | 19601, 19602, 19604
- Hamburg | 19526
- Bernville | 19506
- Fleetwood | 19522
- Oley | 19547
- Birdsboro | 19508
- Shoemakersville | 19555
- Mohnton | 19540
- Boyertown | 19512
What cities Makeup Berks County, Pennsylvania?
Berks County consists of only one city, Reading, situated in the southern part of the county. There are also homes for sale in Berks County, organized in 29 boroughs, 44 townships, 55 census-designated places, and 13 unincorporated communities. Aside from Reading, the five main areas in the county by population are:
- Wyomissing (borough)
- Blandon (CDP)
- Shillington (borough)
- Birdsboro (borough)
- Kutztown (borough)
Where Is The Nearest Commercial Airport To Berks County Homes For Sale?
If you're looking for Berks County homes for sale, one of the first things you'll need to consider is which airport you'll be using. The nearest commercial airport to Berks County is Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), located 42 miles away, over 50 miles from Reading, PA.
How Far Is Baltimore from Berks County, Pennsylvania?
Baltimore, Maryland is an hour and 50 minutes southeast of Berks County Pennsylvania, that’s about 106 miles.
How Far Is Allentown, PA, from Berks County?
Allentown, PA, is located in Lehigh County, PA, and sits 37 miles northwest of the homes for sale in Berks County, a car commute of about 50 minutes.
Living in Berks County PA
Cost of Living in Berks County, Pennsylvania
The cost of living in Berks County is pretty much the same as in other Pennsylvania locations but relatively low compared to other parts of the country. Berks County has a cost of living index of 94, similar to Pennsylvania's index of 94.6 but 6% cheaper than the U.S. index of 100. Expect to pay more in Berks County for groceries, medical services, and miscellaneous things like clothing, restaurants, and entertainment. You'll be saving when purchasing homes for sale in Berks County, paying utility bills, or using public transportation means.
Medical Access in Berks County, Pennsylvania
Berks County, Pennsylvania, is home to a wealth of healthcare resources, from large, well-equipped hospitals to several community health resources. Most of the options, though, are located in Reading, the main city. If you live in a Berks County home for sale, your main healthcare provider will be Tower Health, managing top hospitals like Reading Hospital and St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. Additional quality alternatives include:
- Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Reading
- Haven Behavioral Hospital of Eastern Pennsylvania
- Spring Ridge Medical Center
- Veterans' Administration Clinic - Berks County
Weather in Berks County, Pennsylvania
The Berks County, PA, homes are in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States with a climate characterized by four distinct seasons. Summer can be hot, humid, and wet, with occasional thunderstorms, while winter is cold and snowy. It is partly cloudy most of the year in Berks County, with temperatures usually falling between 23°F and 86°F with few exceptions of it dipping below 9°F or reaching 94°F. Spring and fall are generally mild, pleasant, and beautiful in this part of Pennsylvania, with occasional showers.
Jobs in Berks County PA
Berks County's economy is heavily reliant on the manufacturing and service sectors, mainly healthcare, social assistance, and retail trade. The proximity of the Berks County homes for sale to major metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and New York City makes it an ideal location for businesses looking to tap into those markets. The county has a labor force of over 210K workers and an unemployment rate of 4.5%. Berks County’s economy is anchored by several large employers, including:
- East Penn Manufacturing Company
- Reading Hospital
- Amazon.com Services Inc.
- Carpenter Technology Corporation
- Wal-Mart Associates Inc.
- Reading School District
Transportation in Berks County PA
Berks County is fairly car-dependent and somewhat bikeable since the bike infrastructure is not plentiful. Therefore, the best way to navigate the county is by car. Two major highways, Interstate 78 and Interstate 176, serve residents in Berks County homes, but the area is also well-connected through a number of smaller roads.
Berks County, Pennsylvania, also has a variety of public transit alternatives, all under the supervision of the South Central Transit Authority serving the citizens of Berks and Lancaster County. SCTA manages the Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority (BARTA) that citizens of Reading and its surroundings use.
BARTA operates a fleet of 50 hybrid electric buses that connect the county's cities and towns. Amtrak also serves Berks County, with trains running through the city of Reading. For frequent air commuters, Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE) is around 40 miles away.