Reading, MA
Real Estate
Reading is Susan Gormady's home town and the anchor of her real estate practice. Top-ranked schools, a walkable downtown, and direct commuter rail to Boston make Reading one of the most sought-after communities north of the city.
Susan's Home Town — Inside & Out
Reading, Massachusetts is a classic New England town with all the amenities of a well-resourced suburb and none of the anonymity. Founded in 1644, Reading sits roughly 12 miles north of Boston and has long been a destination for families seeking excellent public schools, a vibrant downtown, and reliable commuter access to the city.
The town's character is defined by its mix of historic Colonials, mid-century Capes, and newer construction — a housing stock that offers variety at every price point. Reading's downtown area, centered around Haven Street, features independent restaurants, coffee shops, and retail that give the town an authentic community feel that residents protect fiercely.
Susan has lived and worked in Reading for over a decade. She knows every neighborhood, every school, every street — and she brings that insider knowledge to every transaction she handles here.
Reading at a Glance
Reading's Key Neighborhoods
Reading doesn't have formally named neighborhoods the way some cities do, but buyers and longtime residents know these distinct areas well — each with its own character and price range.
The heart of Reading. Walking distance to the commuter rail station, town green, and the Haven Street corridor of restaurants and shops. Highly desirable — homes here move fast and command a premium.
Walkable · Prime LocationA quieter residential stretch west of Route 28 with larger lots, mature trees, and a strong mix of Colonial and Cape-style homes. Popular with families looking for more yard space while staying close to town.
Family Friendly · Larger LotsLocated near the Birch Meadow Recreation Complex — Reading's largest park — this area is a first choice for active families. Proximity to athletic fields, trails, and the high school makes it especially popular.
Recreation · Active FamiliesThe northern reaches of Reading transition toward North Reading's quieter character. Larger lots, newer construction mixed with older homes, and a slightly more suburban pace — often a good value relative to the town center.
Larger Lots · Good ValueA residential stretch near the Wakefield border with a mix of ranch and split-level homes. Good access to Route 128 and shopping at the Woburn/Reading line makes this area popular with commuters.
Commuter Access · Route 128The southern end of town near the Stoneham and Woburn borders. More affordable entry points into Reading's market — a smart option for first-time buyers who want to get into this school district.
Entry-Level · First-Time BuyersReading Public Schools
Reading Public Schools is consistently rated among the top school districts in Massachusetts. The district serves approximately 4,800 students across six elementary schools, one middle school, and Reading Memorial High School — which offers a robust Advanced Placement program and strong extracurricular options.
GreatSchools rates Reading's schools at 9 out of 10 — placing them in the top tier for the state. This is one of the primary reasons families prioritize Reading over neighboring communities at comparable price points.
Commute & Transit
Reading is exceptionally well-connected for a town of its size. The MBTA Haverhill Commuter Rail line stops directly in Reading Center, providing regular service to North Station in under 35 minutes. For drivers, Route 128 (I-95) and Route 93 are both within easy reach.
Commuter Rail
MBTA Haverhill Line · Reading Station → North Station ~30–35 min
By Car to Boston
~25–35 min via I-93 S or Route 28 S depending on traffic
Highway Access
Route 128/I-95 (5 min), I-93 (10 min), Route 28, Route 62
Reading, MA Real Estate FAQ
As of mid-2025, the median home price in Reading is approximately $804,000, up about 1.8% from the prior year. Single-family homes make up the majority of the market, with prices ranging from the high $500s for entry-level properties to over $1.5M for newer construction or premium locations.
Very competitive. In 2025, 93% of homes in Reading sold within 30 days, with an average listing age of just 17 days. Well-priced homes routinely receive multiple offers. Buyers should be pre-approved and ready to move quickly — and have an agent who knows the market well enough to position offers correctly.
Yes — this is one of the most common reasons buyers specifically target Reading over neighboring towns. Reading Public Schools consistently earns a 9/10 from GreatSchools, placing it in the top tier for Massachusetts. Reading Memorial High School offers a strong AP program and high graduation and college attendance rates.
Absolutely. The MBTA Haverhill Commuter Rail line stops in Reading Center and runs regularly to North Station in approximately 30–35 minutes. For drivers, I-93 South puts you in Boston in roughly 25–35 minutes outside of peak traffic.
Every neighborhood in Reading is family-friendly, but the Birch Meadow area and the West Side / Summer Avenue corridor are consistently the most popular with families due to proximity to Reading's largest recreational complex, school access, and the mix of home sizes and yard space available.
Susan lives in Reading, has been the #1 top producer in the Reading office at Classified Realty Group every year she's been in business, and has represented buyers and sellers across every neighborhood in town. She knows the micro-level differences between streets, the school attendance zones, and the nuances that don't show up in any MLS field.
Buy or Sell in Reading
with Susan
Whether you're buying your first home in Reading, selling a property you've owned for years, or relocating into the community, Susan is the agent to call. She knows this town better than anyone — because it's her town too.
"Susan is the absolute GOAT. We have worked with her four times in the past 10 years — twice to buy and twice to sell in Reading. I consider Susan a friend. 10 out of 10."
4× Client · Reading, MA · Google ★★★★★Buying or Selling in Reading, MA?
Susan is the #1 top producer in Reading — and it's her home town. Call or contact her today for a no-pressure conversation about your options.