Area image of Reading

A guide to living in Reading

Excellent

77.2%

Very Good

17.1%

Average

3.3%

Disappointing

1.9%

Very poor

0.5%

Best places to live in Reading

How is ranking calculated?

HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and the amount of verified reviews over the past 12 months.

Viewing 1-5 out of 17

Development image of Ebb & Flow, RG1
Rental Only
Award Winner 2025

Ebb & Flow, RG1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.88

4.88

(174 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 14 in Reading

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Development image of Emporium House, RG1
Rental Only

Emporium House, RG1

By Allsop Letting and Management

4.38

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 14 in Reading

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Development image of L&Q at Huntley Wharf, RG1

L&Q at Huntley Wharf, RG1

By L&Q

4.83

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 14 in Reading

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Development image of Parklands by CALA Homes, RG6

Parklands by CALA Homes, RG6

By CALA Homes

4.34

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 14 in Reading

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Development image of Reading Gateway, RG2

Reading Gateway, RG2

By Bewley Homes Plc

4.33

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 14 in Reading

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Featured developments in Reading

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Latest Reviews in Reading

369 total reviews

Viewing 1-5 out of 367

Reviews marked with a green tick show tenants whose residency we have been able to verify. Those that could not be verified are marked 'unverified'.

YZ (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Ebb & Flow, RG1

Dec 2025

5
5
This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.
5

Living at Ebb&Flow

YZ (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Ebb & Flow, RG1

Dec 2025

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

There are plenty of local shops, cafés and restaurants nearby, making it easy for everyday shopping and eating out. There are also a few nice bars within walking distance, as well as green spaces that are well looked after and good for walks or relaxing. Transport links are convenient, with regular buses and a nearby station that makes getting around easy, although it can be busy at peak times

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

The building management team are always quick to act especially Jayden

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 quiet and settled the building feels most of the time, as this isn’t always obvious during a short viewing.


HomeViews

Melanie Smith (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Ebb & Flow, RG1

Dec 2025

5
5
This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.
5

An Enjoyable Living Experience in a Well-Maintained Development

Melanie Smith (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Ebb & Flow, RG1

Dec 2025

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

Reading is a great place to live, and I’m genuinely positive about life here. The range of local shops is excellent - you’ve got everything from high-street favourites in the town centre to independent cafés, markets and boutiques, so there’s always somewhere nice to browse and eat out. There’s also a solid mix of restaurants and bars, from relaxed pubs to modern eateries, which means you can enjoy everything from casual lunches to evenings out without having to travel far.

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

Building management has responded very positively to any issues raised. They are approachable, professional and quick to act, with clear communication throughout. Problems are handled efficiently and resolved in a timely manner, which gives real reassurance and confidence in how the building is managed.

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

The large shopping centre is extremely convenient and easily accessible, making day-to-day living very easy. Having a wide range of shops, supermarkets, restaurants and essential services so close by saves time and adds real comfort and convenience to everyday life.


HomeViews

Matthew C (Tenant)

Unverified

Ebb & Flow, RG1

Dec 2025

5
5
This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.
5

Ebb and Flow is the place to be!

Matthew C (Tenant)

Unverified

Ebb & Flow, RG1

Dec 2025

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

Ebb and Flow is an amazing place to live. In the centre of Reading a 2 minute walk from the station with so much to do. So many fun activists to do with family and friends including golf, bowling, darts and plenty more. Also great for social nights out with loads of Restaraunts and bars..

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

Yes, always respond quickly and tend to any issues in a timely manor.

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

I wish I had known how truly great it was I would have moved sooner.


HomeViews

Robert A (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Ebb & Flow, RG1

Dec 2025

5
5
This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.
5

I love Ebb and Flow!!!

Robert A (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Ebb & Flow, RG1

Dec 2025

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

Living in Reading is lovely in so many ways — especially when you focus on its great lifestyle, vibrant community, and excellent amenities. Here’s a positive overview you might enjoy: 🌆 Shops, Restaurants & Bars Reading town centre has a wide range of shops from high-street favourites in Broad Street and The Oracle Shopping Centre to unique independent boutiques and cafés around Friar Street and Union Street. The food and drink scene is thriving with international cuisine, cosy cafés, stylish bars and riverside restaurants to suit all tastes. Eating out, meeting friends, or grabbing weekend brunch is easy and fun. Chancellors +1 🌳 Open Spaces & Recreation There are plenty of open spaces and parks for daily strolls, picnics or outdoor exercise. Forbury Gardens, Prospect Park, and riverside paths along the Kennet and Thames are perfect for relaxing weekends. Tilehurst’s McIlroy Park and the woodland areas offer great nature walks right on your doorstep.

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

Building management has consistently been proactive and attentive in addressing any concerns I've raised. On the rare occasions when issues have arisen, their response has been quick and efficient. For example, when there was a minor plumbing issue in my unit, the team responded within hours, sending a professional technician to resolve it. The communication throughout was clear and transparent, and they followed up to ensure everything was fixed to satisfaction. Additionally, they’ve shown a commitment to preventive maintenance, regularly inspecting common areas and facilities to avoid future problems. Overall, their approach reflects a high level of professionalism and dedication to ensuring residents' comfort and peace of mind.

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

Traffic can be noisy at night if I have my window open. But closed it is fine.


HomeViews

Em H (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Ebb & Flow, RG1

Dec 2025

5
5
This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.
5

BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN READING

Em H (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Ebb & Flow, RG1

Dec 2025

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

There are lots of places to eat, a large shopping centre with places such as H&M, Zara and TK Max. There is a lovely park around the corner and the train into Paddington is only 20 minutes.

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

Maintenance are super quick and helpful if I have an issue in my apartment, and if I need help from the community team they are always there, the night team are friendly too.

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

I wish I had known what a solid community Ebb and Flow are, the majority of the residents are friendly and the team is amazing - I have made lots of new friends already!


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

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