Ten million people visit Reading, Pennsylvania every year. This may surprise some who have never even heard of the city. The main draw in Reading is the Pennsylvania Dutch heritage that plays an important part in the area's history and activities. There are many fine restaurants, wineries, and outlet shopping plazas found in Reading. Other tourists may be hesitant to visit the city due to talk of high crime rates and poverty. The truth is that this can be true of any city. Reading has its share of crime and gang activity, but one can avoid this by avoiding areas to the south and using common sense when visiting. Keep car doors locked, don't venture into less populated areas, don't count money in view of the public, and if out at night stay on well-lit streets.
Reading is located in Berks County, has more than 85,000 full-time residents, and covers ten square miles of land. Through the years, the town has seen Civil War soldiers, Quakers trying to establish their communities, and food manufacturing businesses. During both World War I and World War II, Reading created many goods needed to support the troops from foods to steel products. These former factories now house the area's best outlet stores where discriminating shoppers can find incredible bargains.
