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

78.1%

Very Good

16.5%

Average

3.1%

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

4.5

4.50

(27 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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Rental Only

Leaf Living at Shinfield Meadows, RG2

By Leaf Living

4.68

(5 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

389 total reviews

Write a review

Viewing 1-5 out of 387

KingG4 (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Apr 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

A place to call home.

KingG4 (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Apr 2026

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

The apartment building is located at the heart of town, close to most amenities and also easy access to transport links . Noise from vehicles and pedestrians is greatly reduced which makes it condusive. For over 3 years of renting in the apartment there hasn't been any record of anti-social behaviour.

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

I had a water leak from one of my waste water pipe, and accesssment was carried out sameday and issue resolved the next day.

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

My experience so-far haven't given me any reason to regret

・・

HomeViews

Charles A (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Apr 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Fantastic experience at Emporium House

Charles A (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Apr 2026

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

Fantastic public transport connections, via bus taxi and train all within walking distance of the property. Lots of bars, shops and open spaces to explore and visit. Slightly noisy during the late afternoons and evenings with children using the courtyard as a playground…but this is being dealt with as we speak. Fantastic support from the Emporium House Team

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

Management have been prompt, effective and helped sort any issues or answer any questions I have

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

Can’t think of anything extra I would put in here for myself. But definitely helped looking in a variety of apartments to get a feeling of location, the view from the windows and overall noise levels. But this was something I personally had in mind before the viewings. Useful to consider though for some

・・

HomeViews

Bader (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Apr 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

The development is very well designed

Bader (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Apr 2026

The development is very well designed, with a modern layout that makes good use of space while still feeling comfortable and practical. The overall quality of the building is high, and the shared areas are clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully arranged. Facilities are convenient and meet daily needs like Cinema room, dining room, play room (chess, Pool "billiards" and others), adding to the ease of living here. Building management has been professional and responsive, dealing with any issues efficiently and keeping residents informed when needed. Property management is also reliable, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and that the environment remains pleasant. Overall, it offers a high standard of living and a well-managed, comfortable place to stay.

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

Living in this area has been a great experience. There is a wide range of high-quality local shops, supermarkets, and restaurants offering different cuisines, all within easy reach. The area feels lively but still comfortable and safe. Public transport is very convenient, with regular buses and nearby train connections that make commuting simple. Open spaces and parks are well maintained and perfect for walking or relaxing. On the street, parking is generally manageable, and bin collections are reliable and on schedule. Overall, it’s a pleasant, well-connected place to live with everything you need nearby

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

The building management has been responsive and professional. Any issues raised were handled promptly, with clear communication and efficient follow-up to ensure everything was resolved satisfactorily.

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 how active and inclusive the community is. The building management and residents make a real effort to recognise and celebrate major festivals from different cultures and religions, which creates a very welcoming atmosphere. It’s something you don’t really notice during a viewing but makes a big difference once you live here. I would also recommend new neighbours get involved in these events, as it’s a great way to meet people and feel part of the community quickly.

・・

HomeViews

Reena (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Apr 2026

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Living experience is amazing and we love our space.

Reena (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Emporium House, RG1

Apr 2026

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

The transportation is quite flexible and smooth. Not even far and is also a good walk to town centre. The street walk is fine except the fact that not quite of shops around so not too many people or lightening outside in the evening. Parking is convienent and appropriate.

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

Always in time and approachable. Management is always keen and respectful.

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

Good thing: Amazing place to live. I would definitely recommend.

・・

HomeViews

Ray (Tenant)

Unverified

Emporium House, RG1

Apr 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Living at Emporium House

Ray (Tenant)

Unverified

Emporium House, RG1

Apr 2026

I have been living here since the property first became available for rental. I enjoy the design and architecture of the apartments and residence, the facilities are good including the gym and amenity rooms. The staff and concierge are friendly and welcoming. Helpful and professional. The cinema rooms leave more to be desired ( small tv screen) The parking facilities are expensive and initiatives for residents should be taken into consideration. Overall living here for a few years has been satisfactory and I do recommend to people looking to live very central in Reading and will rely on public transport

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

Centrally located residential building in Reading, very easy access to the town centre and train station and bus stations. Parking options are available as well. Either on street or underground.

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

A few maintenance requests were fixed within a week or two depending on the urgency.

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

The rental price increases in reading and in this residence are substantial. The costs are high although the quality is there. The fixed charges on electricity and gas bills are also high.

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 78

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

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