BERKS COUNTY

Administration Office
633 Court Street Reading
Reading 610-478-6136
www.co.berks.pa.us

Chamber of Commerce
606 Court Street
Reading 610-376-6766
https://greaterreading.org

Quality of Life
Newcomers to Berks County will discover a superb quality of life that brings together outdoor recreation, cultural enjoyment, efficient services, and a cordial small-town atmosphere. Local parks and expansive recreation areas dot the landscape, providing opportunities for tennis, swimming, biking, hiking, jogging, and team sports. Lush golf courses and country clubs or sports clubs offer the finest in leisure activities. Blue Marsh lake is ideal for boating and fishing enthusiasts. For spectator thrills close to home, catch the AA baseball action of the Reading Phillies.

Aficionados of the arts can fill the year’s calendar with wonderful performances and events, including symphony, ballet, and theatre. Wonderful museums and historic sites, galleries, world-famous factory outlet shopping, and antique districts are waiting to be explored and enjoyed. Even those who decide to settle in the quiet corners and small villages of Berks County will discover that first-rate services and amenities are just a short commute from home. The housing selection caters to every taste and lifestyle, from charming older homes shaded by ancient trees in long-established neighborhoods to handsome new construction in suburban developments. The pristine countryside  is ideal for those who desire generous acreage or lots with horse privileges.

Services
Parochial and independent private schools support the quality public education system from kindergarten through 12th grade to offer a full spectrum of educational alternatives. Both two-year and four-year institutions of higher education are located within Berks County. The Reading Area Community College provides a wide spectrum of vocational and training programs, certificates, and college-track degrees. In addition to the state-supported institutions of Kutztown University of Pennsylvania and Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College, the region is home to Albright College and Alvernia College.

The Reading Hospital & Medical Center anchors the state-of-the-art healthcare services available in Berks County. A regional leader in tertiary care, the 758-bed facility enjoys a 36-acre suburban campus with 13 laboratory satellites and 9 radiology locations. A number of medical center extensions provide a full range of care to outlying communities.

Alcase, Oley, Ruscombmanor, Fleetwood
Town Halls
Alsace
610-929-5324
www.alsacetownship.org
Oley
610-987-3423
http://oleytownship.org
Ruscombmanor
610-944-7242
http://ruscombmanor.org
Fleetwood
610-944-8220
http://fleetwoodboro.com

Chamber of Commerce
610-376-6766
https://greaterreading.org

Those who prefer the open feeling of the countryside will want to consider settling in the serene townships of Oley, Alsace, and Ruscombmanor in northeastern Berks County. Oley Township covers 24.2 square miles and serves as the home of the east campus for the Berks Technology and Career Center. Proud of its heritage, the township boasts the nation’s largest designated historic district. Fleetwood Borough, just one square miles in area, is located in 14.8-square-mile Ruscombmanor Township. Fleetwood is a collector’s delight, offering a famous and unique cluster of antique and auction businesses. Many of the homes that dot the panoramic landscape in these sparsely populated rural townships are sprawling two-story traditional manors shaded by large trees. Recreational opportunities include golfing, miniature golf, antique shopping, historic sites, birdwatching, fishing, hiking, regional and local parkland.

Bern, Muhlenberg
Town Halls
Bern
610-926-2267
Muhlenberg
610-929-4727
www.muhlenbergtwp.com

Chamber of Commerce
610-376-6766
https://greaterreading.org

Just north of the City of Reading is the well-developed Muhlenburg Township and the less densely populated Bern Township. Muhlenburg offers 11.7 square miles of suburban amenities and residential development. Communities like College Heights, Temple, South Temple, Tuckerton, Laureldale, Hyde Park, and River View Park provide welcoming neighborhoods along tree-shaded lanes. Throughout Bern Township’s 20.1 square miles, fine older homes and picturesque treasures from the past mingle with new construction and country manors. Residents enjoy excellent shopping, local business and industry, recreational amenities, and close proximity to Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College. Blue Marsh Ski Area, Blue Marsh Lake recreation, Berks County Heritage Park, and Red Bridge Recreation area are major recreational attractions. Other amenities include golf courses, parks, community centers, fitness centers, sports courts, tennis courts, swimming pools, and recreation programs.

Colebrookdale, Douglass, Boyertown
Town Halls
Colebrookdale
610-369-1362
http://colebrookdale.org
Douglass
610-367-6062
www.douglasstownship.org
Boyertown
610-369-3028
www.boyertownborough.org
Chamber of Commerce
610-376-6766
https://greaterreading.org

Less than a square mile in area, Boyertown Borough serves as the hub of this region in Berks County that borders Montgomery County. Offices for the 8.7-square-mile Colebrookdale and the 13.6-square-mile Douglass Townships are located in Boyertown, which is also home to the headquarters for the multi-billion-dollar bank holding company of National Penn Bancshares. Newcomers to this area will soon discover the hometown pride in the championship Bears baseball team, consistent winners in the National World Series of American Legion Baseball. Throughout the countryside in this rural area, newcomers will find a diversity of home styles and environments. Lovely older homes combine with new construction and prime land for custom building. Local and regional parks combine with amenities in Boyertown that include a swimming pool and sports stadium.

Cumru, Brecknock, Shillington
Town Halls
Cumru
610-777-1343
http://cumrutownship.com
Brecknock
717-445-6683
www.brecknockberks.com
Shillington
610-777-1338
www.co.berks.pa.us/Muni/Shillington/Pages/default.aspx

Chamber of Commerce
610-376-6766
https://greaterreading.org

The small Borough of Mohnton serves as a hub for the rural townships of Cumru and Brecknock, 21.0 and 17.2 square miles respectively. The adjacent boroughs of Kenhorst and Shillington are also suburban centers that straddle Reading and Cumru Township, providing commercial amenities and welcoming neighborhoods as well as higher educational opportunities at Alvernia College. Because it borders the City of Reading, this area has experienced rapid growth in residential and industrial sectors. Major transportation arteries ensure efficient travel through the region with US 222 and Interstate 176 as north/south arteries and US 422 east/west. Newcomers to the area will find quiet residential neighborhoods blending with commercial centers, industrial development, and recreational amenities for a balanced environment. Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center is a regional recreational attraction. The Schuylkill River as well as state and local parks add a wealth of outdoor opportunities.

Exeter, Robeson, Birdsboro, New Morgan
Town Halls
Exeter
610-779-5660
www.exetertownship.com
Robeson
610-582-4636
www.co.berks.pa.us/Muni/Robeson/Pages/Default.aspx
Birdsboro
610-582-6030
http://birdsboropa.org
New Morgan
610-286-9666
www.newmorganboro.org

Chamber of Commerce
610-376-6766
https://greaterreading.org

Another rapidly developing are in close proximity to the City of Reading is the 24.1-square-mile Exeter Township, home to suburban communities like Stony Creek Mills and Jacksonwald. Mount Penn and St. Lawrence Boroughs are also close by, each one claiming a distinctive small-town spirit. The 34.3-square-mile Robeson Borough is anchored by Birdsboro Borough, a friendly and progressive community that balances residential and commercial sectors. Suburban amenities abound in this area, including shopping malls, sports clubs, recreation centers, and quality services. Over the past decade, historic Birdsboro has transformed from a sleep village into a thriving community. Well-kept older homes combine with newer construction throughout this region, which offers everything from tree-shaded traditional neighborhoods to country estates. New Morgan is another small borough in this area that is likely to experience impressive growth and expansion. Trout Run Sports Complex, Schuylkill River bike trail, Neversink Mountain Preserve, parks with tennis courts and sports facilities, community centers, recreation areas, country clubs and golf courses are all recreational possibilities in this area.

Hamburg, Tilden, Windsor
Town Halls
Hamburg
610-562-7821
www.hamburgboro.com
Tilden
610-562-7410
www.tildentownship.com
Windsor
717-244-3512
http://windsortwp.com

Chamber of Commerce
610-376-6766
https://greaterreading.org

Complete in just 2.1 square miles, the small Borough of Hamburg anchors the rural townships of Tilden and Windsor – 18.2 and 22.6 square miles  respectively. Major transportation arteries have contributed to growth in this northern section of Berks County, particularly near Tilden Industrial park where State Highway 61 intersects with Interstate 78 and US 22. Hamburg provides quiet residential neighborhoods, a shopping center, and basic services to residents of the surrounding rural landscape. Although the expanded amenities of metropolitan Reading are convenient, Allentown and the Lehigh Valley cities are just a quick commute from home. Kaercher Creek Park provides recreational opportunities close to home, while nearby are state and regional parks, the Marsh Lake area and a downhill skiing area add to the possibilities of outdoor adventure.

Kutztown, Maxatawny, Longswamp
Town Halls
Kutztown
610-683-6131
www.kutztownboro.org
Maxatawny
610-683-6518
www.maxatawny.net
Longswamp
610-682-7388
www.co.berks.pa.us/Muni/Longswamp/Pages/default.aspx

Chamber of Commerce
610-376-6766
https://greaterreading.org

The 1.6-square-mile Borough of Kutztown anchors the sprawling rural Maxatawny Township, while the offices of the 23.3-square-mile Longswamp Township are located in Mertztown Borough. An agricultural area that produces products from poultry and dairy to corn, Maxatawny Township enjoys the benefit of a progressive “college town” in Kutztown. Home to Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, part of the Pennsylvania University System, the borough is nestled in Pennsylvania Dutch land in northeastern Berks County. An attractive selection of housing, hiking trails, wonderful festivals, quaint district shopping, and rich historic attractions are just a few of the amenities that endear this area to newcomers. For exercise and relaxation, the Kutztown Fairgrounds, local parks, ballfields, and university facilities combine with Longswamp Township Recreation Park with its sports fields, picnic areas, grills, fitness trail, and tennis courts.

Maidencreek
Town Hall
610-926-4920
http://maidencreek.net

Chamber of Commerce
610-376-6766
https://greaterreading.org

Ideally located along the major Route 22 corridor that connects the Reading and Allentown metropolitan areas, Maidencreek Township offers a picturesque setting for residential development. A large number of homes are located in handsome developments have sprung up in the Blandon area, although land for new construction is readily available. This fast-growing area is popular with those who appreciate the open feeling of the county and close proximity to urban advantages. From townhouses to exquisite two-story manors or equestrian properties, Maidencreek Township can accommodate a diversity of lifestyles. Miles of multi-purpose trails around Lake Ontelaunee combine with recreation areas and parks that offer a variety of amenities and facilities for outdoor adventure and relaxation.

Reading, West Reading
Town Halls
Reading 
877-PAREADING
www.readingpa.gov
West Reading
610-374-8273
www.westreadingborough.com

Chamber of Commerce
610-376-6766
https://greaterreading.org

The bustling commercial, governmental, and economic center of Berks County is the City of Reading – also the county’s only municipality. In spite of impressive growth and development, Reading has preserved much of yesterday’s charm in beautifully restored structures and quiet neighborhoods lined by ancient trees. Newcomers will find performing arts venues, sports facilities, fine museums, galleries, a lively cultural community, and a world-famous collection of factory outlet centers. Two private colleges, a community college, and a regional healthcare facility ensure a superb quality of life. West Reading Borough is only .06 square miles in size, surrounded by the well-developed City of Reading and Wyomissing Borough. Stadiums, organized sports leagues, recreational programs, local and regional parks, swimming, golf, tennis, and nearby downhill skiing or lake recreation are just a few of the possibilities for leisure activity.

Spring, Lower Heidelberg, South Heidelberg, Sinking Spring, Wernersville
Town Halls
Spring
610-678-5393
www.springtwpberks.org
Lower Heidelberg
610-678-3393
www.lowerheidelbergtownship.org
South Heidelberg
610-678-9652
www.co.berks.pa.us/Muni/SouthHeidelbergTwp/Pages/default.aspx
Sinking Spring
610-678-4903
www.co.berks.pa.us/Muni/SinkingSpring/Pages/default.aspx
Wernersville Borough
610-678-1486
www.wernersvilleborough.org

Chamber of Commerce
610-376-6766
https://greaterreading.org

The small 1.3-square-miles Borough of Sinking Spring serves as the hub for the rural townships of Spring (17.6 square miles) and Lower Heidelberg (15.9 square miles). Covering just 0.6 square mile, Wernersville Borough is the focal point of South Heidelberg Township. This area combines opportunities for new-home construction with regional amenities like the campus for Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College. Expansive recreation areas take advantage of the area’s natural beauty for a wide variety of outdoor adventure while preserving open space that will be highly valued as the townships continue to grow and develop. Gring’s Mill Recreation in Spring Township and Blue March Recreation Area in Lower Heidelberg offer recreational opportunities, and downhill skiing or lake water sports are close to home.

Wyomissing
Town Hall
610-376-7481
http://wyomissingboro.org

Chamber of Commerce
610-376-6766
https://greaterreading.org

The well-developed Wyomissing area on the outskirts of the City of Reading represents a cluster of small boroughs and suburban communities. West Lawn is home to 1,600 residents, West Wyomissing has a population of 3,020, and Wyomissing Hills has a population of 2,570. Residents of the Wyomissing area enjoy a suburban lifestyle in close proximity to the urban advantages of Reading. Institutions of higher education close to home include Reading Community College, Albright and Alvernia Colleges, and Penn State Berks-Lehigh Valley College. Residents enjoy a small-town atmosphere just minutes from symphony, theatre, opera, musical concerts, and world-class retail centers. Regional attractions like Gring’s Mill Recreation Area and Nolde Forest Environmental Educational Center combine with parks, playgrounds, sports facilities, tennis courts, swimming pools, and golf courses to offer opportunities for outdoor adventure and relaxation.