SFRs in Reading, PA suburbs (like Mohnton)

[Hannah Thomas-Cunniff]

I've read articles about how Reading housing prices continue to rise, but the number of violent crimes is also increasing. The areas around Reading seem pretty safe, and with some decent CAP rates. However, I'm not willing to put my life on the line as an investor. I've looked at crime maps, and crime seems to be concentrated in Reading. However, every area has cultural nuances that an out-of-towner couldn't possibly understand at first glance.

Am I buying a huge headache if I invest in Mohnton, Mount Penn, Flying Hills?  Will I be desperately searching for renters who are employed,  have decent credit, no criminal records, and can pay the 1st/last/security deposit? Am I off-base thinking folks can pay $950 for 3 bedrooms + utilities?  Are there areas that are gentrifying? Like Flying Hills - the population increase is off the charts.

I've found a property in Mohnton that looks like it has potential.  And, I am putting in the offer, but I am absolutely getting cold feet as a first time investor.  I feel like I'm about to jump into the deep end without ever having a swim lesson. Perhaps someone could send an inner tube (aka advice) my way so I do a little less thrashing. Thanks!

[Chris Haas]

I live very close to flying hills.  I think it's a great place and there are many renters there.  I golf that course more than any other and I alway see people walking around the trails.  I live in a suburb in the gov mifflin school district and I would have no problem moving to flying hills.  Mohnton is spotty but I don't think that have any violent crime to speak of.  I wouldn't hesitate to move there either but Northridge is the more affluent area of Mohnton.  I see you are from NJ.  Pa taxes are certainly lower than Nj, however they aren't cheap and vary quite a bit since an assessment hasn't been done in years.  Older homes will have more favorable property taxes usually.  Curious how my hometown area got to your radar ?