Demographics and History

Home to just over 80,000 people, Reading is the seat of government for Berks County as well as its largest city. It was founded in 1748 by Richard and Thomas Penn ? sons of William Penn ? and quickly grew into a regional transportation hub. Perhaps Reading?s biggest claim to fame is the Reading Railroad, popularized by the Monopoly board game and hands-down the single greatest factor in the development of Berks County.

Economics

Iron production and railroads built Reading, but agriculture has always been important to the area as well; cash receipts from food production approach $80 million per year in Berks County. Outlet shopping is also a big industry here, attracting many thousands of tourists every year and earning Reading the nickname ?The Original Outlet Capital of the World?.

Sports and Recreation

Reading residents have access to an excellent system of local parks and playgrounds, and to Weiser State Forest, French Creek State Park, and Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center as well. For professional sports entertainment, Philadelphia is less than an hour away and offers the NFL?s Philadelphia Eagles, the NHL?s Philadelphia Flyers, and the NBA?s Philadelphia 76ers.

Arts and Culture

For artistic and cultural entertainment, Reading residents enjoy everything the Philadelphia area has to offer: The Institute of Contemporary Art, the Museum of American Art, The Philadelphia Orchestra, The Prince Music Theatre, Ortlieb?s Jazz Haus, The Pennsylvania Ballet, the Theatre of Living Arts, and the Keswick Theatre. The city has its own interesting cultural attractions as well, including the Reading Symphony, the Reading Community Players, and the Sovereign Center.

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