9 Best Independent Living Communities in Reading, PA

Independent Living

For many seniors, the financial burden of home ownership and the maintenance of daily tasks and chores might deter them from living an independent life. Independent Living Communities provide a solid alternative. Basic chores such as meal preparation and housekeeping are handled by staff and a calendar of recreational and social activities is maintained, allowing residents an opportunity to use their time as they wish, free from daily obligations. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy an opportunity to be among peers, in a community with others of similar age groups and backgrounds. Within the individual units, residents have access to their own private living space and a full kitchen, and can even live with a companion if they prefer. While policies differ between locations, numerous residences allow cats and dogs as well. If medical or nursing assistance is desired, residents may always utilize the services of independent caregivers. There are a variety of costs and advantages to consider while choosing an independent living community. It is important to learn if these amenities are included in your plan: utilities, Waiting list deposit, parking, meals, field trips, housekeeping, wellness program, and initial assessment fee. The conveniences associated with independent living include healthcare center, concierge services, game/TV room, private rental hall, golf course, laundry service, beauty salon & barber shop, and security guards.

Local Hospitals and Health Care Providers

Access to hospitals might be a significant consideration when selecting the most suitable destination. The top hospitals in Reading include Reading Hospital, St Joseph Medical Center, and Haven Behavioral Hospital Of Eastern Pennsylvania. In total, there are 3 hospitals located in Reading which offer emergency services and other healthcare.

Cost of Living

The total cost of care for a community is determined by the destination in which it is located. Reading has a cost of living index of 82.0 based on an average score of 100, where any score under 100 is less pricey than the national average. Reading has a grocery price index of about 100.1. The rent burden for Reading is around 20.3% of the average monthly income. Monthly, the median rent in Reading is about $759 and the median price for a house for Reading is about $68,165.

Demographics and Values

Based on gender, 49.3% are male and 50.7% are female. In Reading, 18.2% of the population are over the age of 55, 7.8% are over the age of 60, 3.7% are over the age of 70, and 2.2% are over the age of 80. The median age of Reading is 29 years old. Of the population of Reading 2.8% have a graduate degree, 35.2% have a high-school diploma, and 9.2% have a college degree. Racially, the population of Reading is 52.8% white, 0.1% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 64.7% Hispanic, 11.7% other or not specified, 12.1% black, 3.2% Native American, 19.6% mixed race, and 0.5% Asian. In Reading, 3.8% of the citizens are veterans of the United States armed forces. Reading is considered friendly to members of the LGBTQ+ community. During the last presidential election, 4.9% voted for a third party candidate, 42.6% voted Democrat, and 52.5% voted Republican in Berks county. In terms of crime, Reading has 7.3 violent crimes per 1000 residents and 23.9 property crimes per 1000 residents. The current population of Reading is growing at a rate of 0.004%. Reading has a population density of 3,475 people per square mile. Out of the total population of Reading, 61.9% participate in the labor force, 36.6% live in poverty, 19.4% have some form of disability, and 4.7% consider themselves widows. In Reading, 51.6% are nonbelievers. In terms of non-Christian denominations in Reading, out of the total population 0.3% practice Judaism, 0.0% practice an Eastern religion, and 0.2% practice Islam. In terms of Christian denominations, out of the total population of Reading 19.1% practice Catholicism, 10.4% are Lutherans, and 7.0% are Presbyterians.

Regional Climate and Weather Information

The humidity, air temperature, and air quality of a location can have a considerable effect on the overall health of your loved one. On average, the air quality index rating in Reading is around 43.9. The average air quality conditions are rated as good. This means that there is no health advisory associated with the air quality for this destination. The air quality index rating is at its peak in December at around 57.2. During this time, the average air quality conditions are rated moderate. This means that those who are unusually sensitive should consider limiting the amount of time spent on outdoor exertion. Monthly, Reading measures approximately 4 inches of precipitation. The most rain normally occurs in July with an average of 5 inches in a month. In terms of snow fall Reading receives an average of 18.30 inches of snow per year. In the summer, Reading is around 75F. The low summer temperature drops to approximately 61F in the month of June. The summer high temperature is at roughly 88F in the month of July. During the winter months, the average temp drops to approximately 34F. The peak winter temperature is about 45F during the month of December. The lowest winter temperature is around 23 F during the month of January. Reading has a humid subtropical type of climate. On average, Reading has a humidity level of roughly 63%. Humidity ratings are highest during the month of January at around 68%.

State Information

An overview of Pennsylvania

Based on natural beauty, Pennsylvania ranks 38th in the nation. The state of Pennsylvania has a cost of living index of 98.6 where a score of 100 is the national average, and anything below 100 is considered less expensive than the national average. The state has a grocery index rating of 106.9 and a housing index rating of 100.8. There are 201 general hospitals and 273 health centers that provide care for 12,823,695 Pennsylvania residents. Reading Hospital, Lancaster General Hospital, and And Main Line Hospital Bryn Mawr Campus are among the top three highest ranked hospitals in the state. In terms of personal well-being, Pennsylvania ranks 21st in healthcare and 41st in quality of life compared to other states.

Social demographics of the state

In the most recent presidential election, 48% of Pennsylvania residents voted Republican and 47% voted Democrat. In Pennsylvania, 32% of the population is over the age of 55. The median age in the state is 41. Thirty-four percent of Pennsylvania residents regularly attend a religious service from one of the state’s 15,359 different congregations. The top three Christian denominations in the state are Evangelical Protestant-19%, Mainline Protestant-23%, and Historically Black Protestant-5%. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-<1%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%. In Pennsylvania there are 535 masonic lodges. In terms of diversity, Pennsylvania ranks 29th in the nation and is considered LGBTQ friendly.

State-wide weather information

The average air quality index rating in Pennsylvania is 39.9 AQI. The highest seasonal air quality index rating occurs in the month of May with a rating of 49.0 AQI. The average humidity across the state is 70%. Humidity levels tend to reach their peak in the month of January at around 75%. On average, the state receives 3.64 inches of precipitation a month. The average amount of precipitation peaks during the month of July at around 6.38 inches. During the summer, the average temperature in Pennsylvania is around 69F. The average high summer temperature is around 89F in the month of July. The average low summer temperature is around 47F in the month of June. During the winter, the average temperature in Pennsylvania drops to around 29F. During the winter, the average high temperature peaks at around 45F during the month of December. The average low temperature during the winter drops to around 11F in the month of January. While residents of Pennsylvania mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Pennsylvania can include floods, tornados, and and hurricanes.

Wildlife to be found in Pennsylvania

The state of Pennsylvania has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of sassafras, maple, wintergreen, and wild ginger. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the red and gray foxes, the mink, the white-tailed deer, or the bobcats. The state animal of Pennsylvania is the the white-tailed deer.