The top 6 Areas to Live in Reading

#1. Lower Earley & Earley

Earley is a highly desirable residential area due to its due to proximity with the large, busty city of Reading, which makes it a very popular area among families looking for a quiet suburban living with quick access to the center of Readings amenities within 15 minutes by car. Although Earley is a suburb of Reading, it is in fact part of the Wokingham borough, RG6 postcode area as one of the most desirable addresses in the country. House prices in this area, ranging from £140,000 for a 1 bed to £450,000 for a 5 bedroom.

For those who enjoy nature, Earley has access to a 24-acre nature reserve – Maiden Erlegh Nature Reserve is a perfect spot for long walks around the lakes, grasslands whilst spotting over 200 species of wildlife.

Earley has no shortage of independent food stores and chains including Asda, Co-op, Iceland and Marks and Spencer’s. The area also offers good access to the M4, with direct trains running to London Waterloo in just over 75 minutes. Perfect for commuters to nearby towns and cities.

#2. Shinfield & Arborfield

Shinfield & Arborfield, both offer plenty of open space and wonderful characteristics, with various buildings reflecting their historic natures. The area is hugely popular among commuters looking to offset their busy working weeks with suitably rural home life. The areas are located just 5 miles south-east of Reading and west of Wokingham. Arborfield combines the best of town and country living all in one place, offering a great leisure center along with a garden center to keep your garden always looking fantastic.

The idyllic area of Shinfield has one of the areas only Michelin restaurant – La Ortolan. This prestigious provides a finer dining with a French and modern twist that packs a punch with many local resident’s hand nearby towns. There is also a range of fantastic schools in the area, both award winning public and private schools in Crossfield’s & Leighton park. Within the next few years, both Shinfield & Arborfield will be expanding with a collection of contemporary apartments, luxury, and affordable housing for many young families and those that look for a luxurious feel. Residents across the area will be able to enjoy a mixture of country life set within a vibrant, healthy new community.

#3. Woodley & Charvil

With its rich aviation history, marked by the Museum of Berkshire Aviation, which is situated to the east of the town, along place vibrant shopping hubs, great motorway travel links two and from London, and a thriving community that enjoys a wide range of 1st class facilities – acres of Parkland for families to enjoy. Woodley is home to many tranquil settings that are ideal for families and fitness enthusiasts who enjoy the lakes that Woodley has to offer, including Southlake.

Southlake is the perfect spot for those who enjoy walking the dogs, feed the ducks with children, or just chill out at the water’s edge. Both Charvil and Woodley are enriched with picturesque scenery, great public and private schools, along with a good selection of amenities like a local karting stadium, ski center, shops, and restaurant, plus close routes to nearby affluent towns including Wargrave and Henley-on-Thames.

For those that looking for more a suburban area, Charvil would make a nice area for young families. There are two secondary schools located within proximity to one another in the area, along with no less than five primary schools.

#4. Winnersh & Sindlesham

Winnersh is an idyllic hotspot for all types of people who are looking for a small town that offers plenty of local amenities, a strong sense of community and great transport links. There is a lot of leisure, food, and entertainment in and around the area including a luxury Showcase Cinema de Lux and Dinton Country Park, providing an open air, adventurous and educational facility for families, adults, and young people. The area also facilitates a luxury Nirvana Spa, ideal for young professionals, couples and retirees looking to wine down with luxury treatments.

Sindlesham is an estate village on the River Loddon between Reading and Wokingham. One of its most famous former residents, was John Walter II, son of the founder of The Times. He modelled and built a mansion called previously named, Bearwood, now an independent private school, called Reddam House Berkshire.

Both Winnersh and Sindlesham are close to many museums including the Reme Museum and the Berkshire Aviation Museum.

#5. Caversham & Caversham Park Village

One of Readings, most exclusive areas, is Caversham, situated 2.3 miles North of Reading and north of the River Thames, is largely a semi-rural suburban area on the fringe of the Chiltern Hills. Caversham offers an excellent shopping centre, as well as high quality restaurant and bars, especially for those sought-after young professionals and families who like to get out and enjoy the social life.

Both Caversham & Caversham Park Village are surrounded by countryside with scenic paths alongside the Thames river, Caversham lakes, as well as the Balmore walk path, providing beautiful access to woodland, making it a perfect location for walking and bike enthusiasts.

On Caversham’s doorstep, there are impressive private schools in the area, including The Girls Queen Anne’s, Caversham Prep School, Reading Blue coat, and The Abbey. Along with great grammar schools like Reading School and Kendrick. Families with children of all ages are spoilt for choice with access to many schools across the area.

#6. Central Reading

Dating back to the Roman times, Reading is one of the south east’s largest well-developed city boasting a significant shopping, busines centre and a vibrant nightlife for young professionals and students. Reading is a commuter hotspot thanks to its excellent travel links many cities and its reputation as an IT centre and the home to many large international corporations including Microsoft.

Reading has become popular for those who prefer the city-style living, whilst having great access to all the local amenities who commute from Reading to London, which only takes 25 minutes to the capital and easy links by roads to nearby towns and cities, including Oxford, Bicester Shopping Village, and Heathrow airport.

For those that like the outdoors and leisure activities, Reading sits astride the River Thames and River Kennet, along with an array of parks for those easy and fast strollers and vast range of inner-city activities for thrill-seekers.