A guide to living in 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.

Excellent

78.3%

Very Good

16.4%

Average

3.0%

Disappointing

1.8%

Very poor

0.5%

Best places to live in Reading

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 18

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 15 in Reading

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Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

Emporium House, RG1

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.55

(34 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.

2nd

Ranked 2nd out of 15 in Reading

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L&Q at Huntley Wharf, RG1

By L&Q

4.83

(8 reviews)

L&Q at Huntley Wharf is a collection of riverside 1 and 2-bedroom Shared Ownership apartments and duplex apartments in the prospering town of Reading. The development will compliment the transformation of Reading as an urban hub, providing contemporary riverside apartments to this evolving town. Huntley Wharf will provide a new destination for central Reading featuring a central riverside square with proposed local amenities such as a café, restaurant, a local store, gym, nursery and landscaped open spaces along the river. The apartments will provide a desirable specification, making it the perfect space for modern day living.

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 15 in Reading

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Leaf Living at Shinfield Meadows, RG2

By Leaf Living

4.73

(6 reviews)

Shinfield Meadows, a vibrant new community in Berkshire, is an ideal blend of rural charm and urban convenience, nestled between Wokingham and Reading. The neighbourhood features a primary school, care home, sports and recreation facilities, a supermarket, and generous open spaces.

4th

Ranked 4th out of 15 in Reading

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Parklands by CALA Homes, RG6

By CALA Homes

4.34

(16 reviews)

Located in Woodley, just three miles from Reading town centre, Parklands was developed by CALA Homes. Completed in 2018, this development comprises of 291 homes, as well as community facilities and a retail unit. As well as this, Parklands was developed on top of on the former Reading University Bulmershe Court Campus.

5th

Ranked 5th out of 15 in Reading

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Page 1 of 4

Featured developments in Reading

Latest Reviews in Reading

397 total reviews

Write a review

Viewing 1-5 out of 395

Ali Ghouchannezhad nournia (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Sept 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Friendly stuff and fantastic place

Ali Ghouchannezhad nournia (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Sept 2026

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

It is fantastic , I have been here since 2023 and I won't move out to any other place in Reading. Less than 10 minutes walk to Reading station and market

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

Fast and on time, really caring and responsible on issues

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

How friendly are the staff and all facilities available

・・

HomeViews

Parth Sharma and Naomi Sharma (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Sept 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Beautiful Place to live in Heart of Reading Town center.

Parth Sharma and Naomi Sharma (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Sept 2026

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

We like it here as it is town center and everything is in walking distance. Reading Train station is 10 mins walk from here and Sainsbury's is 5mins walk. We dont drive but we dont miss not having a car.

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

Yes management is quick to address and resolve any issues raised.

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

Nothing as such, we were always kept in the loop and staff was always transparent

・・

HomeViews

Lupo J (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Aug 2026

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Generally Good, with Standout Staff. Excellence is not yet close.

Lupo J (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Aug 2026

Overall, everything is fine, but the building manager struggles to maintain control over less respectful co-tenants. Particularly praiseworthy is Mr. Piotr from maintenance, who consistently ensures the building is well-kept. At the reception, Tsvetomir stands out—unfortunately, he is the only one—coordinating numerous activities, resolving daily inconveniences, and handling small utilities with dedication and efficiency. Their efforts significantly enhance the living experience and make a real difference.

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

The area is central and bustling with a wide variety of local shops, restaurants, and bars, offering excellent convenience for daily needs and leisure. Transport links are robust, with easy access to buses, and train stations, ensuring seamless connectivity. However, parking is exclusively paid, which can be a minor inconvenience for drivers. The street is lively, with regular bin collections and minimal anti-social behavior. Traffic noise is quite high give the close to highway path. Overall, it’s a vibrant and practical place to live.

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

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

I’d advise new tenants to check how long the hot water takes to heat up for a shower and to ensure the toilet drains behave normally.

・・

HomeViews

Antonio O (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Leaf Living at Shinfield Meadows, RG2

Aug 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

A High-Quality Property with Exceptional Comfort and Support

Antonio O (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Leaf Living at Shinfield Meadows, RG2

Aug 2026

The property has everything you need. The spaces are more than sufficient, and it has been built using state-of-the-art materials—the best available on the market. The rooms have been designed to provide maximum privacy, and I can assure you that they stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The property management team supports you at all times and is always available to assist with any needs you may have. In particular, I would like to highlight the efficiency of Sally Campbell, who is always ready to answer your questions, even when she is on holiday.

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

The area is absolutely fantastic, especially if you have children. There are several well-equipped playgrounds nearby, and the area feels very safe. Everything you need is close by, from schools to sports centres. There aren’t many supermarket options, but with a car, you can get wherever you need to go within 5 minutes. An ideal location if you’re looking for safety, peace and quiet, and a great place to raise your children.

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

They are always available and ready to resolve any issues that may arise, or simply to assist with any needs you may have.

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

Nothing. Sally Campbell anticipated all my questions and provided me with the best possible support.

・・

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

HomeViews

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.

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 79

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

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