Reading, Pennsylvania, is a large city located an hour to the northwest of Philadelphia. It has 95,112 residents, of whom 10.2% are seniors aged 65 and older. Reading is one of Pennsylvania’s more livable cities. Its cost of living, which is 20 points below the national average, makes it an attractive option for cost-conscious seniors. Being so close to Philadelphia, it’s also close to many entertainment venues, fine dining and sports events.

Assisted living is the ideal option for seniors who can no longer age in place but need some help with the activities of daily living such as grooming, transportation, and shopping. Seniors who need 24/7 help with these activities or medical assistance usually require a nursing home facility. They pay an average of $3,950 a month for assisted living in Reading. That’s about $50 a month less than the state average.

This guide looks at the cost of assisted living in Reading and nearby cities. Seniors will get an idea of the benefits and drawbacks of living in Reading. Finally, they can find suggestions about freely available resources for seniors in the area.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Reading, PA

Manor at Market Square

803 Penn St, Reading, PA, 19601

Manor at Market Square is conveniently located in a vibrant area of Reading, Pennsylvania, close to many stores, restaurants and entertainment venues. The facility offers residents assisted living and … (read more)
Manor at Market Square is conveniently located in a vibrant area of Reading, Pennsylvania, close to many stores, restaurants and entertainment venues. The facility offers residents assisted living and … (read more)

2022

The Heritage of Green Hills

10 Tranquility Lane, Reading, PA, 19607

Green Hills Manor at Heritage is a wonderful, caring place. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for personal care.
Green Hills Manor at Heritage is a wonderful, caring place. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for personal care.

Maidencreek Place

105 Dries Rd, Reading, PA, 19605

Maidencreek Place in Reading offers assisted living and memory care in a safe, family-oriented environment. Spacious, well-maintained rooms, bathrooms and common areas make Maidencreek feel more like … (read more)
Maidencreek Place in Reading offers assisted living and memory care in a safe, family-oriented environment. Spacious, well-maintained rooms, bathrooms and common areas make Maidencreek feel more like … (read more)

Celebration Villa of Exeter

9 Colin Court, Reading, PA, 19606

Celebration Villa of Exeter is situated in a gorgeous country setting with beautiful grounds and a welcoming atmosphere. Residents mention Celebration Villa of Exeter’s personable and compassionate … (read more)
Celebration Villa of Exeter is situated in a gorgeous country setting with beautiful grounds and a welcoming atmosphere. Residents mention Celebration Villa of Exeter’s personable and compassionate … (read more)

The Villa St. Elizabeth

1201 Museum Road, Reading, PA, 19611

They genuinely care about the residents, and treat them with respect.
They genuinely care about the residents, and treat them with respect.

Complete Care Berkshire

5485 Perkiomen Avenue, Reading, PA, 19606

It was awesome. They were wonderful. My mother was there for years. She was gone in 2016, but I went back over there in December, when I was searching for my mother-in-law. They had excellent staf … (read more)
It was awesome. They were wonderful. My mother was there for years. She was gone in 2016, but I went back over there in December, when I was searching for my mother-in-law. They had excellent staf … (read more)

Sacred Heart Villa Senior Living

51 Seminary Ave, Reading, PA, 19605

Sacred Heart Villa in Reading offers compassionate care in a welcoming environment. Home-cooked meals, private rooms, a bevy of planned activities, and the staff’s attentiveness and caring attitude … (read more)
Sacred Heart Villa in Reading offers compassionate care in a welcoming environment. Home-cooked meals, private rooms, a bevy of planned activities, and the staff’s attentiveness and caring attitude … (read more)

The Hawthorne Home

1501 Mineral Spring Road, Reading, PA, 19602

The Hawthorne Home was very old. It was a mansion-like facility. It was modernized a little bit. The staff seemed very knowledgeable and very friendly. The lady I dealt with was very forthcoming and v … (read more)
The Hawthorne Home was very old. It was a mansion-like facility. It was modernized a little bit. The staff seemed very knowledgeable and very friendly. The lady I dealt with was very forthcoming and v … (read more)

Rittenhouse Village at Muhlenberg

2900 Lawn Terrace, Reading, PA, 19605

I would not recommend Rittenhouse Village at Muhlenberg. They said my mom would get care, for which we paid extra, but she stayed in a wheelchair the whole time and therapy never came in. She fell thr … (read more)
I would not recommend Rittenhouse Village at Muhlenberg. They said my mom would get care, for which we paid extra, but she stayed in a wheelchair the whole time and therapy never came in. She fell thr … (read more)

Morris Pace Assisted Living

416 Reading Avenue, Reading, PA, 19611

I moved in to Morris Pace Assisted Living about three weeks ago. It’s nice. I’m in a shared room, and it’s clean and homey. There are no activities, but they provide good services. The food is good, a … (read more)
I moved in to Morris Pace Assisted Living about three weeks ago. It’s nice. I’m in a shared room, and it’s clean and homey. There are no activities, but they provide good services. The food is good, a … (read more)

Stabon Manor PCH Inc

1555 HAAK STREET, Reading, PA, 19602

My mother lives here. I dont want to write a big long review so i’m just gonna use a few choice words…. bedbugs, smell, over crowded, theft!!!**by residents, shuffle around from room to room.. no pe … (read more)
My mother lives here. I dont want to write a big long review so i’m just gonna use a few choice words…. bedbugs, smell, over crowded, theft!!!**by residents, shuffle around from room to room.. no pe … (read more)

2021, 2022, 2023

Keystone Villa at Fleetwood

501 Hoch Road, Blandon, PA, 19510

The staff was able to answer any questions we had concerning moving to the facility. They were very friendly , informative and kind. My mom is very content and happy living there.
The staff was able to answer any questions we had concerning moving to the facility. They were very friendly , informative and kind. My mom is very content and happy living there.
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2021, 2022, 2023

Columbia Cottage Wyomissing

3121 State Hill Rd, Wyomissing, PA, 19610

We went to see Columbia Cottage. It was very nice. The building was well maintained. The staff members that we interacted with were very nice. They seemed to have taken interest in the residents there … (read more)
We went to see Columbia Cottage. It was very nice. The building was well maintained. The staff members that we interacted with were very nice. They seemed to have taken interest in the residents there … (read more)

Phoebe Berks Village

1 Reading Dr, Wernersville, PA, 19565

Phoebe Berks Village was very nice, very neat, and very clean. Beautiful buildings, beautiful surroundings, everybody was very nice and very friendly, and everybody seemed happy. We saw a room and an … (read more)
Phoebe Berks Village was very nice, very neat, and very clean. Beautiful buildings, beautiful surroundings, everybody was very nice and very friendly, and everybody seemed happy. We saw a room and an … (read more)

2013

Country Meadows of Wyomissing

1800 Tulpehocken Rd, Wyomissing, PA, 19610

We have chosen Country Meadows of Wyomissing for my father-in-law. The place is excellent. We were greeted by a few members of the staff who are all very nice, and we were introduced to more along the … (read more)
We have chosen Country Meadows of Wyomissing for my father-in-law. The place is excellent. We were greeted by a few members of the staff who are all very nice, and we were introduced to more along the … (read more)

Birdsboro Lodge

6740 Daniel Boone Road, Birdsboro, PA, 19508

My brother moved into Birdsboro Lodge last August. It’s a nice place. I’ve never met a nasty person. It’s very, very nice, other than what they charge, and I don’t think they charge everybody the same … (read more)
My brother moved into Birdsboro Lodge last August. It’s a nice place. I’ve never met a nasty person. It’s very, very nice, other than what they charge, and I don’t think they charge everybody the same … (read more)

Mifflin Court

450 E Philadelphia Ave, Shillington, PA, 19607

I’m very satisfied with Mifflin Court. My husband is in assisted living now. He’ll go to memory care later. So far, the care is very good. I haven’t been down that often. It’s only been two weeks, but … (read more)
I’m very satisfied with Mifflin Court. My husband is in assisted living now. He’ll go to memory care later. So far, the care is very good. I haven’t been down that often. It’s only been two weeks, but … (read more)

Grand View Manor

129 HOUCK ROAD, Fleetwood, PA, 19522

My mother moved into Grand View Manor. It’s a country setting, so she can sit out in front of her room and look outside and watch deer run around, and there’s all kinds of games going on. It’s also a … (read more)
My mother moved into Grand View Manor. It’s a country setting, so she can sit out in front of her room and look outside and watch deer run around, and there’s all kinds of games going on. It’s also a … (read more)

Berks Leisure Living

1399 Fairview Drive, Leesport, PA, 19533

The location of Berks Leisure Living is good. It is not a place where I would want my sister to be permanently, but it would be a nice place for respite until she’s better. Everyone was very nice and … (read more)
The location of Berks Leisure Living is good. It is not a place where I would want my sister to be permanently, but it would be a nice place for respite until she’s better. Everyone was very nice and … (read more)

Evans Retirement Center

220 East Race Street, Fleetwood, PA, 19522

Evans’ Retirement Center has been good. It’s not great or really impressive, but it’s been sufficient for the time that my mom’s been there. People are nice. The staff is sufficient and okay. The envi … (read more)
Evans’ Retirement Center has been good. It’s not great or really impressive, but it’s been sufficient for the time that my mom’s been there. People are nice. The staff is sufficient and okay. The envi … (read more)

What to Consider About Assisted Living in Reading

The Department of Human Services, Bureau of Human Services Licensing regulates assisted living residences and personal care homes in the Keystone state. The department works with each assisted living location to help them follow the rules and regulations. The department also conducts regular inspections.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Reading

  • Reading’s cost-of-living is 23 points below the national average, making it a desirable location for seniors who carefully watch their budgets — however, the cost of health care in Reading is six points above the national average.
  • Reading has an ideal climate for Pennsylvania. While it receives seven more inches of rain than the national average of 38 inches, it receives ten fewer inches of snow, about 18 inches. Reading also records 203 sunny days a year, only two days less than the national average.  It scores 7.2/10 on the Best Places Comfort Index making it one of the most comfortable places to live in the state.
  • Crime is a serious issue in Reading. The violent crime rate is 40.1/100, about 18 points higher than the national average of 22.7. Property crime in Reading remains high but is only five points above the national average of 35.4/100. Fortunately, seniors who live in assisted living don’t have to worry about crime rates since most facilities employ strong 24 x 7 security measures to protect residents.
  • Seniors aged 65 and older can ride for free on the BARTA Fixed Route bus. Seniors need to fill out an application form to receive a special card that gives them access to the buses every day.
  • Most physicians who work in the city are registered with Medicare and eight hospitals lie within proximity of Reading, including the Surgical Institute of Reading and the Reading Hospital and Medical Center
  • Low-income seniors aged 65 and older and widows and widowers aged 50 and older are eligible for a rebate on their property taxes. The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates can boost it to $975 a year.

Paying for Assisted Living in Reading

According to the Genworth Cost Of Care Survey 2020, seniors in Reading pay an average of $3,950 a month for assisted living. That’s $5 a month less expensive than the Pennsylvania average of $3,955 a month. Assisted living in Reading is $350 a month cheaper than the national average of $4,300.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Gettysburg, the famous Civil War battle site, averages $3,443 a month. That’s approximately $500 a month less expensive than Reading. Harrisburg, the state capital, costs $4,857 a month, about $900 a month more expensive. Lancaster, in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is only slightly more costly at $4,050 a month. The state’s largest city, Philadelphia, averages $5,550 a month, $1,600 a month more expensive than Reading.

$3950

Reading

$3955

Pennsylvania

$4300

The United States

$3443

Gettysburg

$4050

Lancaster

$4857

Harrisburg

$5550

Philadelphia

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Seniors have several options for care in Reading. Home care averages $4,481 a month. Home health care, like home care but includes medical assistance, costs $4,576 a month. Adult day care remains the least expensive option, averaging $942 a month. A semiprivate room in a nursing care facility has the highest cost, averaging $11,724 a month.

$4481

Home Care

$4576

Home Health Care

$942

Adult Day Health Care

$3950

Assisted Living Facilities

$11724

Nursing Home (semiprivate room)

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Reading

Reading seniors who meet certain eligibility requirements for the Pennsylvania Department of Aging waiver may qualify for financial assistance in order to pay for care within one of the city’s assisted living facilities. In addition, if you receive SSI and need to live in an assisted living facility, the state can pay a supplement to the facility if you qualify.  

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Pennsylvania page.

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Pennsylvania

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Pennsylvania page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Reading

Seniors searching for assistance in Reading will find many valuable options and resources. Some resources will help low-income seniors pay for costs of assisted living. Others will connect them with senior service centers in their community, where they’ll find fitness, nutrition, and socialization activities.

Resource

Contact

Service

Berks County Office on Aging (Area Agency on Aging)

(610) 478-6500

The Berks County Area Agency on Aging coordinates activities with other organizations in the county to meet the needs of seniors. When the agency finds a hole in the coverage, it attempts to fill the gap. Some of its services are operating senior centers, transportation, referral services for long-term care facilities, adult day care centers, caregiver support centers and protective services for adults in assisted living and nursing facilities.

(877) 727-7529

Through the statewide PA SeniorLAW helpline, this organization provides many legal services to help older Pennsylvanians. This help can include direct representation in many areas of civil law, housing issues, exploitation or abuse of seniors, wills, powers of attorney, advanced medical directives and consumer protection. The organization's goal is to pursue justice for seniors in matters of civil law.

(800) 692-7462

This program is designed for low-income seniors who live in assisted living facilities or who are aging in place. Eligible seniors have access to financial assistance, assistance for caretakers, long-term care support and health care benefits. Eligibility is based on income and age. Seniors can check their eligibility through the state government's COMPASS website.

(215) 381-3040

The Office for Veterans Affairs operates six veterans' homes throughout Pennsylvania. These facilities provide assisted living for senior veterans and eligible spouses. Veterans' survivors may also be eligible. These facilities will provide residents with the assisted living care they need while also offering them the opportunity to take part in a vibrant, more extensive community.

(717) 783-8975

The volunteers that comprise the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman program provide an essential service for seniors. Their job is to ensure that seniors are safe from abuse and neglect in senior care facilities in Berks County and across the state. They investigate these complaints and then work out a solution between the senior and the facility. 

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Reading

Reading-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Pennsylvania are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Pennsylvania page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Pennsylvania

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do you pay for assisted living in Reading?

According to Caring’s 2022 Senior Living Report, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Reading is $4073.

What is the crime rate in Reading?

The crime rate, which is used as an indicator of how safe a particular area is, in Reading is 210, which is below the national average of 323.

In Reading, what is the traffic like?

There is low traffic congestion with a below average crash rate of 6.

How much do you pay for housing in Reading?

At $800, the average cost of housing in Reading is below the nationwide average of $1,442

Is there a good job market in Reading?

Reading offers a poor job market for older adults. There are typically less than 1 job available per worker and the rate of income inequality in the area is 0.44.

How accessible is Reading for people without a vehicle?

In Reading, 84.3% of public transportation stations and vehicles are ADA-accessible. Which is above the national average of 78.28%. On average, there are 0 local transit vehicles per hour. This is less than the national average of 8.

Does Reading offer good health care?

Patient satisfaction, which is a key indicator of the quality of health care in an area, averages 77.3% in Reading – this is higher the national average patient satisfaction. Additionally, there are 67 primary care physicians for every 100,000 people, which is less the national average of 82.

Is Reading a good place to live for people who are retired?

According to Caring.com’s 2022 Senior Living Report which graded 300 cities using 46 metrics across 5 categories, Reading ranked in the top of the pack. It’s overall rank was 31st, and it scored the best in Affordability, while it’s lowest score was for Quality Of Life.

Does Reading have fun activities for people who are retired?

In Reading, the number of parks is more than the national average. Additionally, the number of cultural, arts, and entertainment options is below the average.