Living in Reading, Berkshire – Area Guide
Are you considering a move to Reading, Berkshire?
As a trusted local estate agent in Reading for over 20 years, we know exactly what makes this town a desirable place to live. Just west of London, Reading offers modern amenities such as a range of shops, attractions and excellent transport links with a strong community feel.
Read this guide for detailed insights on moving to Reading, including property prices.
Overview of Reading: Location and Lifestyle
Reading is a large town in Berkshire, about 40 miles west of London. It’s the biggest town in the UK by population and sits where the Rivers Thames and Kennet meet. Once known for its industrial output, Reading has evolved into a modern hub for business, technology, and culture. It balances the energy of a major urban centre with the comfort and greenery of a commuter town.
If you're thinking about making the move, our estate agents Reading team will help you navigate the market and find the right home. Major companies like Microsoft and Oracle have their UK headquarters here, making it a prime location for professionals. At the same time, Reading’s community feel and green spaces appeal to families and first-time buyers. Property types range from sleek town centre apartments to family homes in quiet suburbs.
Our recently sold and let properties in Reading
Reading remains one of our busiest areas for sales and lettings. From central apartments to family homes in Caversham and Earley, our team has delivered strong results across the town.
Take a look: View our full list of sold and let properties in Reading.
A Brief History of Reading
Reading’s roots go back over a thousand years. It became prominent in medieval England thanks to Reading Abbey, founded by King Henry I in 1121. The abbey was once one of the most influential religious buildings in the country. Although the site is now in ruins, it remains a central part of Reading’s identity.
The town grew through the centuries as a centre for trade and industry. During the Victorian period, Reading became famous for its beer, biscuits, and bulbs. Much of that legacy remains today, with preserved architecture and street names that hint at its past.
Popular Suburbs and Local Areas
Reading has a wide range of neighbourhoods, each with its own appeal. Whether you want riverside living, great schools, or a village feel, there’s something here for everyone.
This is the heart of the action. The town centre is packed with restaurants, shops, offices, and entertainment venues. The Oracle shopping centre is a key landmark, offering high-street brands, riverside dining, and a cinema. Apartments here suit professionals and students who want everything within walking distance. Green spaces like Forbury Gardens offer a break from the bustle.
Just over the Thames, Caversham has a village-like atmosphere. It’s very popular with families and those who want riverside walks and a quieter pace while still being close to the town centre. It has independent shops, parks, and strong schools.
West of central Reading, Tilehurst has a real community feel. It offers a mix of housing, from period homes to newer developments. There are several local parks and good schools, making it ideal for families.
Just west of Reading, Calcot offers a balance between suburban comfort and convenient city links. Popular with families, it features a mix of modern homes and quiet residential streets. With excellent local schools, handy shopping centres, and parks for recreation, Calcot provides a welcoming community atmosphere.
South of Reading, Shinfield blends village charm with modern amenities. The area has seen considerable development, bringing new housing suited to families and young professionals. Shinfield boasts good local schools, parks, and community facilities, offering peaceful living within easy reach of Reading’s hustle and bustle.
Neighbouring Shinfield, Spencers Wood maintains a friendly village vibe with plenty of open space. Popular with families seeking quieter surroundings, the area includes charming traditional homes and new-build developments. Strong schools, local shops, and country walks complete its relaxed and welcoming character.
Property prices in Reading
| Area | Average property price* | Average rental price (PCM)* |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Town Centre | £248,508 | £1,302 |
| Caversham | £357,500 | £1,533 |
| Tilehurst | £422,500 | £1,800 |
| Calcot | £282,000 | £1,750 |
| Shinfield | £358,750 | £1,640 |
| Spencers Wood | £312,500 | Currently unavailable |
*Internal Prospect data
Transport Links
Reading is extremely well connected, making it ideal for commuters and travellers alike. The main train station is one of the busiest outside of London, offering direct services to London Paddington in under 30 minutes, with direct trains leaving constantly during peak hours.
With the Elizabeth Line now in operation, it's also possible to travel through central London without needing to change trains.
The town has easy access to the M4 motorway via junctions 10, 11 and 12, offering quick routes to Heathrow, London, and Bristol. Other A roads, including the A33 and A329, connect Reading to surrounding towns like Wokingham, Basingstoke and Bracknell.
Reading Buses operates an extensive local network, with frequent services across the town and suburbs. For international travel, Heathrow Airport is about 30 miles away and accessible via the RailAir coach or by car. Gatwick and Luton airports are also reachable within 90 minutes.
Reading Housing Market Insights
Reading’s property market is diverse, catering to first-time buyers, investors, and growing families. Here's a snapshot of average property prices and rental values.
These figures are generalised and will vary by area. For example, Caversham and Sonning tend to attract higher prices, while more affordable options can often be found in Whitley or South Reading.
Contact our estate agents Reading team for a personalised valuation or local pricing guide.
Contact your local expertsCouncil Tax
Council Tax in Reading varies depending on the valuation band of your property and is managed by Reading Borough Council. Rates are set annually, contributing to local services such as schools, public transport, waste collection, emergency services, and community projects.
You can quickly find your property's Council Tax band and current rates on Reading Borough Council’s website. If you’re new to Reading, our team can help you understand your potential Council Tax obligations when considering different properties.
View Reading's council tax bandsSchools and Education
Reading has a strong reputation for education at all levels. Many primary and secondary schools have been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted. There are also two highly regarded grammar schools: Reading School for boys and Kendrick School for girls.
Independent schools include The Abbey School and Reading Blue Coat School, both of which offer high academic standards.
For higher education, the University of Reading is a well-regarded institution with a large, leafy campus. It attracts students from all over the world and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Visit isbi School Search for information about the best Private and Independent schools in the area.
Local Amenities and Attractions
Reading has plenty of shops, services, and things to do. The Oracle and Broad Street Mall are the main retail centres, with everything from department stores to independent boutiques. Supermarkets, gyms, salons, and cafes are spread across the town and suburbs.
You’ll also find a growing food scene, from modern European restaurants to classic British pubs and international cuisines. The riverside area is especially lively in the evenings, offering everything from casual drinks to fine dining. In recent years, new openings have added independent coffee shops and street food vendors to the mix.
For green space, Prospect Park, Forbury Gardens, and the Thames Path offer walking, cycling, and areas to relax. There are also large outdoor spaces like Palmer Park and Christchurch Meadows, which are popular with families, runners, and dog walkers. Reading’s local leisure centres include swimming pools, gyms, and sports halls, and there sare indoor activity parks for children, plus a number of cinemas.
Beyond the town, Reading is surrounded by countryside and protected spaces. Within a short drive, you'll find a range of National Trust properties such as Basildon Park, Greys Court, and Cliveden. These offer stately homes, landscaped gardens, and woodland walks. Nearby Dinton Pastures Country Park and Wellington Country Park are also family favourites.
Reading is home to one of the UK’s biggest music events, the Reading Festival. Held every August, it attracts major artists and thousands of visitors. Other cultural highlights include Reading Museum, the Hexagon Theatre, and South Street Arts Centre.
There are plenty of family-friendly activities too, including escape rooms, trampoline parks, and nearby wildlife parks. Regular markets and seasonal events keep the calendar full all year round.
A Summary
Reading offers the best of both worlds: the convenience and energy of a modern town, alongside green spaces and a relaxed lifestyle. It’s ideal for families, professionals, and anyone looking to settle in a place with excellent transport, schools, and amenities.
Whether you’re planning to buy your first home or move to a new one, Prospect’s local experts are here to help.
Contact our estate agents Reading team for a personalised valuation or local pricing guide
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