Five Reasons to Live in Reading

Located in the South-East of England, the beautiful Berkshire town of Reading has become a thriving hub for work, retail, and leisure.

To better understand why this town is so sought-after, we’re taking a closer look at Reading to explore all this historic market town has to offer.

Excellent Transport Links to London and Beyond

Reading has excellent train, bus and road links connecting you to places up and down the country, whether travelling for work or leisure. Nearby, the M4 motorway connects drivers to the M25, M40 and M3 - ideal for getting to a range of destinations, from Bath all the way to Swansea.

Reading Station is a major transport interchange providing excellent commuter links for those working outside the town. Commuters can arrive at London Waterloo or London Paddington in just half an hour, * while Cross Country Trains connect travellers to destinations further afield, from Bournemouth to the Midlands. 

A brand-new station on the Reading and Basingstoke line will soon benefit those living at Bankside Gardens and Green Park Village. Reading Green Park Station will provide direct access to Reading, frequent Crossrail connections and shorter journeys to London.

If you need to get away for business or a summer holiday, Heathrow Airport is just over a 30-minute drive away. [1] 

Outstanding Educational Facilities

Families in Reading have a choice of top-quality state, private and independent nurseries and schools. All Saints Junior School and Caversham Primary are just two of the outstanding Ofsted-rated schools in the local area.

Independent schools here, such as The Abbey School Reading, Queen Anne’s School, and St Joseph’s College, continue to be recognised for their success at topping regional league tables.

Reading also has a wealth of options for further education. Reading College has been widely renowned for providing outstanding educational services since 1955, while Henley Business School is one of Europe’s oldest and most respected triple-accredited schools.

Recognised globally for its teaching, research and enterprise, The University of Reading has also remained at the forefront of higher education for nearly a century. 

Beautiful Scenery

Reading is situated at the junction of the Thames and Kennet Rivers, meaning locals can enjoy tranquil riverside walks just a stone’s throw away from the town centre. 

The miles of footpaths and cycling routes along the Thames connect you with places far and wide. Visit the picturesque waterside towns of Henley and Marlow, or head further afield to the historic destinations of Windsor and Oxford. 

If you’re up for a challenge, walk or cycle along the stunning Kennet and Avon Canal, running from Reading to Bristol. You’ll take in the beautiful city of Bath and Newbury town along the route.

Reading is also home to a range of parks, perfect for relaxing and unwinding amongst nature. Caversham Court Gardens and Prospect Park are all close to the centre of Reading and provide the ideal place for a leisurely stroll or a summer picnic. 

A Thriving Tech Hub 

Reading is located in the Thames Valley – one of the UK’s most prevalent tech hubs. In recent years, the town has continued to see expansion and growth in IT, business, and investment sectors.

Reading is now home to some of the world’s biggest and best tech companies, including Cisco Systems, Microsoft, Oracle UK, Deloitte, and Huawei. As a result, it’s now a recognised centre of technological innovation, leading to a strong labour market in multiple industries, including e-commerce, AI, biotech, IT, investment, retail, finance, legal, and insurance. 

With a flourishing economy and thriving job market, Reading continues to welcome many young professionals, entrepreneurs, and start-up businesses to the area each year.

Plenty to See and Do 

From historical landmarks to annual music festivals, there’s plenty to keep you entertained in Reading.

A visit to the former Reading Abbey is a must. The Abbey was once one of the largest monasteries in Europe and home to King Henry I. The ruins are a great place to explore and discover more about its rich heritage. If you’re eager to learn more, you can also pop into the Reading Museum – it’s free, and you can learn all about the town’s fascinating history. 

Living in Reading also means you won’t have to go far when the iconic Reading Festival comes to town every summer. This annual event has showcased the best musical talents from far and wide since 1989. The Rolling Stones, Nirvana, and Stormzy are just a few of the icons to have performed here over the years.  

Sports fans will enjoy a visit to the Madejski Stadium – home of Reading Football Club. Or, if shopping and eating are more you, Reading is filled with high street retailers, independent shops, boutiques, as well as a vast array of bars and restaurants. For something a little more cultural, South Street Arts Centre is popular within the local creative scene. 

If you’re thinking of moving to this incredible town, we have a collection of brand-new homes in Reading, available and ready to move into now. 

Green Park Village and Bankside Gardens offer lakeside living just moments away from the centre of town, with a new primary school, nursery, business park and train station all just a stone’s throw away. If you’re looking for new property to buy in Reading, take a look at our latest collection of homes here. 

Disclaimers

[1] All travel times and distances are approximate.