Home Security in Reading, MA

Overview

Welcome to Alarm New England's business and home security page for Reading, Massachusetts. This informational page provides important crime data along with additional information for those living in or considering moving to Reading.

Population: 24,957
Number of Households:  9,164
County: Middlesex
ZIP Codes: 01867, 02180

Reading Business and Home Security Facts

Reading is safer than an astonishing 79% of the communities in America. Overall, the chances of falling victim to a crime in Reading are 1 in 135. According to an analysis of crime statistics in the nation, Reading is one of the top 100 safest cities in the United States. Violent crimes occur at a rate of 0 per one thousand inhabitants. Similarly, the chances of falling victim to property crime in Reading are 1 in 144.

History of Reading

The origin of Reading began in nearby Lynn. In the sixteen-thirties, a lot of settlers emigrated from England via the open ports of Salem and Lynn. In the year 1639, some of the residents of Lynn asked the government for a portion of land for "inland plantation." The ten square miles they were granted was first known as Lynn Village. It was located on the southern shores of Lake Quannapowitt. In June 1644, the settlement of Lynn Village was incorporated under the name of Reading. It was named after Reading, a town in England. In 1651, a portion of land opposite the southern region of the Ipswich River was added to Reading. In 1853, this parcel of land later became North Reading.

In the nineteenth century, Reading was known far and wide as a manufacturing community. The significant businesses were furniture making, clock manufacturing, and organ pipe factories. By the middle of the nineteenth century, Reading had quite a hold on the furniture making business. There were thirteen different business that specialized in the manufacture of chairs and cabinets. Later on, shoemaking became a major industry in Reading with huge factories spanning the borders of the town. Neckties manufacturing was prevalent in Reading for more than eighty years. During The Civil War, more than four hundred men from Reading went off to do battle. A memorial at the Laurel Hill Cemetery still exists in honor of Reading men who died as a result of the American civil war.

Things to See and Do in Reading

History enthusiasts are welcome to feast their eyes on the Stephan Hall House in Reading. The historic house was built over one hundred and fifty years ago in the 1850s. The one-and-a-half story wooden framed house is a prime example of Victorian Gothic architecture from the eighteen hundreds. It is designed with narrow windows, a gabled overhang complete with Gothic windows and board-and-batten siding. The St. Athanasius Parish in Reading has a roof rife with intrigue. The roof is one of the biggest hyperbolic paraboloids in the Western Hemisphere. Interestingly, records show that the pouring of the concrete on the roof was done in one day.

The Parker Tavern offers another avenue to enjoy the rich history of Reading. A house museum, it was built in the year 1694. This makes it the oldest seventeenth-century building. The saltbox of the tavern was built by a local blacksmith and farmer named Abraham Bryant. The bar was in operation in the 18th century and was listed as a National Historic Place in 1975.

The Burbank Arena ice skating rink is another highlight of Reading. It offers free ice skating to the public on all days. Interestingly, the ice rink is located on the exact site of decommissioned missile silos belonging to the Army National Guard.

Notable Residents

Clarence Harrison, seven-time winner of the famous Boston Marathon, died in Reading. He was a bronze medallist at the 1924 summer Olympics in Paris and was referred to as "Mr. DeMarathon" by mainstream media. He was inducted posthumously into the National Distance running hall of fame in 2000.

American tennis player James Cerretani has ties to Reading. With four doubles ATP World Tour Titles to his name, James Cerretani is known as a doubles specialists. He currently resides in Reading. Jess Brallier, American publisher and brand consultant had roots in Reading. Jess Brallier is known for launching brands including "Diary of A Wimpy Kid" and "Galactic Hot Dogs."

Local Resources

https://www.bostonusa.com/about-boston/greater-boston-regions/reading/ 
https://www.readingma.gov/discover-reading1/pages/history 
https://www.neighborhoodscout.com/ma/reading/crime