Reading

Reading is a large market town and borough in the county of Berkshire. Located on the M4 motorway 40 miles west of London and within easy reach of both Oxford and Bristol, it has been described as having some of the best transport connections in England. The impending addition of the Elizabeth Line will further boost its appeal with London escapees lured by the scenery of the Chiltern Hills and North Wessex Downs that surround the town.

4.62
Average Location Score

Excellent

72%

Very Good

21%

Average

4%

Disappointing

3%

Very Poor

0%

Best places to live in Reading

HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and HomeViews Transparency Rating of every development in the area

Dee Park RG30

Reading town centre

The centre of Reading itself may a little too heavy on bland office blocks and chain cafes for many tastes, but things are changing. Crossrail has brought with it a major overhaul for the town and its dowdy image.

Upmarket stores, hotels and housing developments have sprung up to meet the demand of London commuters who see Reading as the perfect balance of distance and proximity to the big smoke. Now also a leading tech hub in its own right, Reading is also home to a large student population jostling for space in the town’s more central areas.

Family neighbourhoods in Reading

As you’d imagine, Reading and its environs offer families plenty of property options. The suburb of Caversham north of the town is highly sought after for its country feel and beautiful period homes. Just to the east of Reading, Earley is another popular area for families looking for good-sized homes with great local amenities.

A little further east, Woodley offers a relaxed family neighbourhood at a lower price point. Around 4 miles to the southeast of Reading, the village of Winnersh is another popular option close to Reading but offering plenty of rural charm. Norcot and Tilehurst lie to the west of the centre of Reading, and offer good value terraced and semi-detached housing on the doorstep of the North Wessex Downs AONB.

Kennet and Avon Canal

North Wessex Downs

A large Area of Natural Beauty sitting to the west of Reading, the North Wessex Downs spans the counties of Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. Visitors can explore historic villages and towns like Marlborough, with its beautiful market square and renowned school.
The Kennet and Avon canal runs though the Downs, offering miles of towpath walking trails and bike rides. Savernake Forest offers 4,500 acres of woodland that dates back over 1,000 years, while Highclere Castle will be instantly recognisable to fans as the location of the TV series Downton Abbey.

The Bronze-Age Uffington White Horse is another major visitor attraction. It is thought to be the oldest chalk hill figure in the UK, and is dated at over 3,000 years old. Dated to around 500 years later is the World heritage Site at Avebury – the remarkable stone circles that visitors can walk amongst, unlike those of nearby Stonehenge.

Transport in and around Reading

Reading station is one of the busiest rail interchanges in the UK. Services depart from reading for most parts of the country, including GWR services west to Bath, Bristol and the South West and eastwards into London Paddington. South West Trains run into London Waterloo and Basingstoke while Cross Country Trains run south towards Bournemouth and north up to the Midlands and beyond.

Once the Elizabeth Line is fully operational, services will run four times per hour directly into central London. Reading Buses operate extensive services around the town and out to many of the surrounding suburbs and villages. Newbury Buses, Arriva, First and Thames Travel also operate local bus services.

Reviews in Reading

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Excellent Facilities and Proactive Management

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Oct 2024

Living in the central Reading area offers many amenities, from local shops to excellent restaurants and bars, all within walking distance. Public transport is easily accessible, with the nearby train station and bus routes. However, during peak hours, the area can get a bit crowded. Parking availability can be challenging, but overall, it’s a convenient and lively place to live.

Please review your development:

The development is modern, well-designed, and has excellent facilities. The on-site gym and communal areas are fantastic, providing both convenience and a sense of community. The building management, particularly Luca Zenga, has been outstanding in resolving any issues promptly and professionally. His proactive communication and attention to detail make him a standout. The property is well-maintained, with secure parking and top-notch amenities.

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

I wish I had known about the occasional crowding and noise in the surrounding areas during peak times. The building is well-soundproofed, but the nearby streets can get busy.

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

Building management, particularly Luca, has been extremely responsive and helpful. He promptly addressed my parking issue and consistently communicated updates.

5
Facilities
5
Design
4
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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The local area has a good mix of shops and restaurants

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Oct 2024

The local area has a good mix of shops and restaurants, offering a variety of options for dining and shopping. Open spaces are available but limited as it provide some outdoor relaxation.

Please review your development:

The building’s design is modern and functional, with a good balance of aesthetics and practicality. The facilities, including the gym and communal spaces, are well-maintained and accessible. Building management has been responsive, especially Yousra, who has consistently provided excellent support, addressing any concerns promptly. She also assisted me with extending my contract, ensuring that everything went smoothly.

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

That the bars are really noisy , specially for those who is facing them in the building

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

The building management has been responsive to the issues I’ve raised. Yousra, in particular, has been very helpful in addressing concerns quickly and efficiently, ensuring problems are resolved in a timely manner.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
4
Management
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Wonderful place to live in Reading

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Oct 2024

Everything is perfect, really convenient to shops, restaurants and train station. Would like to thank Veronique for viewing and providing me with the most suitable flat for me. She is really professional and outstanding.

Please review your development:

Everything is really nice! You got what you need here and the staffs are all so helpful and active. Great facilities across the whole building and people are just nice and friendly here. Pets are welcome here which is nice to greet lovely little neighbours from time to time too!

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

Nothing really, everything that needs to know has been answered throughout the viewing process and before move in already.

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

They will quickly answered and sort out the issues that raised.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Living in Reading: A Balanced Experience

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Oct 2024

Living in Reading, England, has its ups and downs. On the positive side, the town offers a diverse range of local shops, restaurants, and bars, catering to various tastes and preferences. The Oracle shopping center is a popular spot with a good mix of high-street brands and independent stores. There are plenty of green spaces like Forbury Gardens and Prospect Park, which are great for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Transport links are generally convenient, with Reading Station providing excellent rail connections to London and other major cities. However, traffic congestion can be an issue, especially during peak hours, and parking can sometimes be challenging in busy areas.

On my street, parking is usually available, but it can get tight during weekends. Bin collections are regular and efficient, which helps keep the area clean. While traffic noise is minimal, there can occasionally be some anti-social behavior, but it’s not a frequent problem. Overall, living in Reading has its benefits and a few drawbacks, but it’s a pleasant place to call home.

Please review your development:

Living in Reading, England, comes with a blend of positives and negatives. The town boasts a good selection of local shops, restaurants, and bars, offering diverse options for residents. The Oracle shopping center is a highlight, providing a mix of high-street brands and independent stores. Green spaces like Forbury Gardens and Prospect Park offer a pleasant escape for outdoor activities.

Transport links are generally convenient, with Reading Station offering excellent rail connections to London and other major cities. However, traffic congestion is a common issue, especially during peak hours, and parking can sometimes be challenging in busy areas.

On my street, parking is usually available but can get tight on weekends. Bin collections are regular and efficient, which helps maintain cleanliness. While traffic noise is minimal, occasional anti-social behavior can occur, though it’s not frequent.

Regarding design and facilities, many buildings in Reading are well-maintained with modern amenities. Building management and property management services are typically responsive and professional, ensuring that any issues are promptly addressed. Overall, living in Reading offers a good balance of convenience and comfort, despite a few drawbacks.

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 the occasional issue with parking on weekends. It can get quite tight, and finding a spot might be challenging. Additionally, while the area is generally quiet, there can be occasional instances of anti-social behavior that aren’t apparent during a typical viewing. It’s always good to be prepared for these minor inconveniences.

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

The building management has been responsive and professional, addressing issues promptly and efficiently. Especially Yousra

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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