A guide to living in Berkshire

Berkshire is a county in the South East of England. It has a population of around 540,000 and contains some beautiful countryside and towns. The landscape here is varied, from chalk downland through rich farmland to woodland and water features. The county town is Reading and there are many other large towns such as Newbury, Swindon and Wokingham which all have their own attractions. Berkshire also has many amazing educational institutions including world-leading universities like the University of Reading.

Excellent

71.5%

Very Good

20.7%

Average

4.9%

Disappointing

1.7%

Very poor

1.3%

Best places to live in Berkshire

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 61

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

Ebb & Flow, RG1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.89

(181 reviews)

Ebb & Flow offers a collection of Studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments in the heart of Reading. All apartments have spacious kitchens, enhanced floor to ceiling height, and bespoke furniture. As well as this, residents benefit from a 24hr support team, wellness classes and community events. Private social and co-working spaces are also included. A buzzing new neighbourhood right on your doorstep.

1st

Ranked 1st out of 38 in Berkshire

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Leaf Living at Buckler's Park, RG40

By Leaf Living

Award winner 2025

4.76

(31 reviews)

Experience tranquillity village life with a modern twist at Buckler's Park in Crowthorne. The village is bustling with coffee shops, cosy pubs and hosts of seasonal food festival. Nestled within a nature reserve you are spoilt for choice when it comes to walks and cycling routes, with Buckler's Forest on your doorstep. This new community is close to excellent schools and a short drive to Crowthorne Station with a direct train to Reading and London Gatwick.

2nd

Ranked 2nd out of 38 in Berkshire

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Weavers Yard, RG14

By Grainger

4.75

(19 reviews)

Located next to Newbury’s train station, and a stroll away from the town centre, Weavers Yard offers a wide selection of homes to rent. From contemporary, spacious and light apartments, to townhouses which are ideal for those wanting more space. We have a selection of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes to rent with a variety of lay-out options.

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 38 in Berkshire

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Berkshire House, SL6

By Zenith Property Management

Award winner 2025

4.67

(177 reviews)

Previously managed by Essential Living until July 2026, Berkshire House is a Build to Rent development located in Maidenhead. There are 68 apartments, and these are a range of studios as well as one and two-bedroom apartments.

4th

Ranked 4th out of 38 in Berkshire

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Emporium House, RG1

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.53

(31 reviews)

Previously known as Domain Apartments, Emporium House is a newly rebranded and professionally managed Build-to-Rent community in the heart of Reading, offering modern living across two distinct buildings: Emporium House West, and Emporium House East. The development comprises a total of 418 high-quality rental apartments, with a mix of stylish one, two, and three-bedroom homes, all available fully furnished to suit flexible lifestyles. Residents enjoy access to an impressive range of on-site amenities, including a fully equipped gym, private screening room, co-working spaces, resident lounges, a private dining room, and landscaped courtyards. Perfectly located, Emporium House is just a 7-minute walk from Reading Station and 10 minutes from Broad Street Shopping Centre, offering excellent connectivity and local convenience.

5th

Ranked 5th out of 38 in Berkshire

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Page 1 of 13

Featured developments in Berkshire

Latest Reviews in Berkshire

1010 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 1008

Bentley L (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Jul 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Well-Maintained Building with Helpful Staff

Bentley L (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Jul 2026

Overall, I've had a positive experience living in this development. The building is well designed, with clean and well-maintained communal areas that create a pleasant environment. The cleaning staff work hard to keep shared spaces tidy, even when they have to deal with mess left behind by some residents after gatherings. The maintenance team is also excellent—Peter is always quick to respond and resolve any issues efficiently, which is greatly appreciated. Building management is approachable and generally responsive to residents' concerns. While occasional noise or untidy shared areas can happen in any community, the staff do their best to address these issues promptly. Overall, it's a comfortable place to live with a dedicated team that genuinely cares about maintaining the development.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Cleaners work hard and always do their best to keep the place clean and tidy, even when some residents leave behind a mess after parties. Location is great and easy to go anywhere and close to train station. The bad things are the bin collection sometimes are late by the council or some kids playing loudly in the courtyard.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Peter, the electrician/maintenance technician, is always quick to respond whenever assistance is needed. He is approachable, efficient, and ensures that maintenance issues are resolved promptly. His dedication and willingness to help are greatly appreciated and contribute to a positive living environment.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

One thing I wish I had known before moving in is that the community is generally friendly and the maintenance team is very responsive whenever issues arise. However, it also helps to know that, like any shared living environment, there may occasionally be noise or mess left behind after residents host gatherings. Being respectful of shared spaces and considerate of your neighbours makes a big difference and helps keep the community enjoyable for everyone.

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HomeViews

Muhammad S (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Aspire, SL1

Jul 2026

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

This is rated 3.00 out of 5.00.

Probably avoid

Muhammad S (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Aspire, SL1

Jul 2026

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Zero parking outside, paid parking inside of course, shops relatively poor, station is v close though

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

They haven't really. And if they fo respond, they don't tend to do much about it

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Make sure you fully inspect the property beyond the superficial

・・

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

HomeViews

Kim (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Leaf Living at Buckler's Park, RG40

Jul 2026

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

This is rated 3.00 out of 5.00.

Poor Property Management and Neglected Grounds

Kim (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Leaf Living at Buckler's Park, RG40

Jul 2026

Unfortunately, the standard of property management has been very disappointing. The communal gardens and landscaped areas are extremely unkempt, with weeds growing throughout flower beds and pathways, and vegetation left overgrown for extended periods. The condition of the grounds has deteriorated to the point where the development looks neglected and poorly maintained. We have lived here for over 18 months, and despite repeated promises, the road surface has still not been completed. As a result, potholes have started to appear, creating both an eyesore and a safety concern for residents and visitors. It is frustrating to see basic maintenance issues continue to be ignored. What is most disappointing is the lack of communication from the property management company. I have emailed them three separate times, providing photographs of the overgrown gardens and other issues, yet I have received no response. Residents pay management fees with the expectation that communal areas will be maintained and concerns will be addressed. Sadly, that has not been our experience. The combination of neglected gardens, unfinished roads, developing potholes, and poor communication reflects very badly on the management of this development.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The local area has good potential, but the overall appearance is being significantly affected by the lack of maintenance of communal gardens and green spaces. Many areas are overgrown with weeds, shrubs are not being maintained, and the grounds look neglected. This creates an unattractive environment for residents and visitors alike and gives the impression that the area is not being properly cared for.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

No response to three emails to property management

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish i was given more information around the area. time frames on the roads being repaired, gardens etc...…

・・

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

HomeViews

Gemma (Tenant)

Unverified

Leaf Living at Buckler's Park, RG40

Jul 2026

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Lovely area, house if reasonable, property management poor.

Gemma (Tenant)

Unverified

Leaf Living at Buckler's Park, RG40

Jul 2026

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

It’s a nice area and people are friendly. It has decent bus connections but train station is a bit of distance so if you need to get to London so we cycle to it. The development is nice being next to lots of lovely walks and the coffee shops are nice. It’s been considerately done.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

No, nothing for weeks. Not even an acknowledgement that it’s being looked at. Poor.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

That the response to getting issues resolved would be so poor. To better consider when viewing the lack of storage provided. If you’re renting having to buy lots is annoying. Just one cupboard for towels and linen would have helped, or one built in wardrobe.

・・

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

HomeViews

Aneurin May (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Weavers Yard, RG14

Jul 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

A great experience at an excellent apartment village with friendly and helpful staff!

Aneurin May (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Weavers Yard, RG14

Jul 2026

Thoroughly enjoyed our 6-month tenure at one of the Weaver’s Yard apartments. Carmen and Lynda were both very friendly, welcoming, and always willing to help. The process was smooth to move in and leave, with broadband already installed and utilities a piece of cake. The apartment itself was nicely finished, easy to keep tidy and plenty of space. Surprisingly quiet most of the time for a town centre location. Would recommend to anyone first moving to the local area!

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Great convenience with the train station a very short walk away, a town centre location with every amenity you need on your doorstep. Parking was quite easy too with season tickets available in the multi-storey train station car park next door to the Weavers Yard apartments. Bin collection couldn’t be easier with an entire room for this in the apartment block. Some noise on weekends with nightlife but nothing major given the location, barely a minor inconvenience.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Issues resolved swiftly and professionally by the team.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Nothing really — no nasty surprises to mention at all.

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HomeViews

Page 1 of 202

These reviews are the subjective opinion of a HomeViews user and not of HomeViews

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Reading

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