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

76.7

Very Good

17.4

Average

3.4

Disappointing

2.0

Very poor

0.6

Best places to live in Reading

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 17

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

Ebb & Flow, RG1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.88

(162 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 13 in Reading

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Rental Only

Emporium House, RG1

By Allsop Letting and Management

4.38

(19 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 13 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 13 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.

4th

Ranked 4th out of 13 in Reading

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Reading Gateway, RG2

By Bewley Homes Plc

4.33

(19 reviews)

Reading Gatway, by Bewley Homes, sits just 3.5 miles from central Reading and the various amenities that it has on offer. Comprising from a range of contemporary house and apartments, this development benefits from great transport links and plenty of green space.

5th

Ranked 5th out of 13 in Reading

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Page 1 of 4

Featured developments in Reading

Latest Reviews in Reading

356 total reviews

Write a review

Viewing 1-5 out of 354

Maram (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Ebb & Flow, RG1

Dec 2025

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

I love Ebb and Flow

Maram (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Ebb & Flow, RG1

Dec 2025

Living at Ebb & Flow has been a truly positive experience overall. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and from the beginning I felt remarkably safe and comfortable, almost as if I were at home. The community vibe and the thoughtful design of the building contribute to a sense of ease that makes daily living enjoyable. The facilities offered are impressive and cover most of what residents need. The gym, social areas, and shared amenities are convenient and well-maintained, which adds a lot of value to the living experience. That said, I believe there is room for improvement when it comes to dedicated study or work areas. Having more quiet, structured spaces would make it easier for residents who need a professional or academic environment without having to leave the building. In terms of the apartment itself, I found it pleasant and functional, although some pieces of furniture could benefit from renewal or a more thorough cleaning. Updating these would elevate the overall comfort and make the space feel even more refreshed and welcoming. Despite these minor points, my experience has been amazing. The building feels secure, the staff is supportive, and the overall environment fosters a sense of community. Over time, it became a place where I genuinely felt at ease, and for that reason, I truly appreciated my stay at Ebb & Flow.

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

The noise coming from the street specially those flats opposite to the Friar street, night clubs play a very loud music and people are going crazy on the street, I found it difficult to sleep each Thursday to Sunday.

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

Mia was super helpful during the move in- she helped with the maintenance, although it took time a month until they came to fix some cracks on the walls, but she did follow up with them many times.

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

Maybe I could have moved to another flat farther from the noise, but over time I got used to it and the noise became much less noticeable than it was during the first few months.

・・

HomeViews

Maros (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Cavalry, RG2

Dec 2025

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Nice place to live

Maros (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Cavalry, RG2

Dec 2025

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

Sainsbury's and bus stop are nearby, one parking space per property, close to park and leisure centre.

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

Responded to issue very fast, pnext day in the early morning.

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

There are no bad things here, nothing what I can think of.

Review image for review d65f7260-9488-41b1-9df5-a2c067bac078

・・

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

HomeViews

Vicky B (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Nov 2025

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Living experience

Vicky B (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Nov 2025

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

The location is great, especially with it being so close to town. The bins are always collected on time, and there’s consistently enough space for your rubbish, which is really handy. There can be a bit of noise from people on the streets at weekends, and residents on the car-park side do hear the ambulances quite often as the station is nearby. Some of the amenities provided for residents aren’t always working, and it’s disappointing that there aren’t any alternatives when this happens. There have also been a few promises made that haven’t quite been followed through. That said, the apartments are improving, and it’s been lovely to see more resident events being organised. The management team are genuinely friendly, approachable, and easy to reach. A special shoutout to Nicola, who always goes above and beyond — she’s incredibly caring with the children and even gets them drawings, which means a lot. 😊

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

It does eventually after a couple of tries but it always takes time

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

I wish I knew that the apartments were not as child friendly as they advertised it to be

・・

HomeViews

Thao H (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Ebb & Flow, RG1

Nov 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

A nice home where you can do what you love :)

Thao H (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Ebb & Flow, RG1

Nov 2025

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

Completely convenient for commuting, shopping and entertainment. We also love how we have a gym in the building!

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

The maintenance and community host teams are responsive, friendly and professional!

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

We have lived in the property since Aug 2023 and we cannot remember one thing we wish we had known :).

・・

HomeViews

ST (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Gravity Co Royal Heights, RG1

Nov 2025

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

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Review

ST (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Gravity Co Royal Heights, RG1

Nov 2025

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

Convenient location, close to town center, plenty of parkings. However there’s ongoing problem with bin clearance and fly tipping

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

I have raised the issue of leaking kitchen tap several times but still waiting for repair.

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

The washing machine does not contain a drying function

・・

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

HomeViews

Page 1 of 71

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

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