Local area guide

Living in Reading

Thinking about moving to Reading? Discover why it's a great place to live, fun things to do here, what the local schools and transport connections are like - and of course the most important thing of all: how much houses cost to buy.

Your guide to moving to Reading

Why Reading is a good place to live

Living in Reading has a plethora of advantages. Being a large and vibrant town, it is filled with a variety of local amenities combined with welcoming spaces for relaxation. If you're fond of shopping, Reading won't disappoint with the two-storey Oracle shopping mall, where you'll find an array of stores, eateries, and entertainment options. The town also lays claim to splendid green spaces right in the centre such as Forbury Gardens, Abbey Ruins and Thames Promenade, where residents may unwind and involve themselves in outdoor activities. Additionally, it has good transport links, including a modernised Reading Station - making moving to Reading a worthwhile choice if you need to commute.

What's Reading famous for?

Reading is famous for a multitude of reasons. One of which is the annual Reading Festival, a remarkable event in the music world that attracts participants from far and wide. On the history front, Reading is the place where renowned novelist Jane Austen was educated, lending the area its literary fame. Notably, the town is known for having the longest railway viaduct in the UK, fostering a vital railway connection in the region.

Things to do in Reading

Reading offers a myriad of activities and attractions amid its vibrant town centre and scenic landscapes. Culture enthusiasts have the Reading Abbey and the Reading Museum to explore. For a leisurely day, residents can enjoy a picnic at one of the charming parks or engage in cycling. Readers can expand their literary palette by visiting local independent bookshops or attending events at the Reading International Solidarity Centre (RISC) and the South Street Arts Centre. Food lovers will find joy at the Caversham Artisan and Farmers' Market and can savour a drink at the numerous pub and restaurants. With charming local walks and free attractions, there's plenty to explore and enjoy while living in Reading.

We have used a bespoke generative AI model to help us research and create our area guides. All of our content is reviewed, and edited where needed, by our trusted team of Zoopla content editors.

Average asking prices in Reading today

We update our average asking prices every day using data from millions of properties for sale.

Terraced

Avg. asking price

£375,000

223 properties for sale

Detached

Avg. asking price

£800,000

448 properties for sale

Semi-detached

Avg. asking price

£500,000

208 properties for sale

Flats

Avg. asking price

£240,000

477 properties for sale

Properties currently for sale in Reading

Whether you're looking to buy a family home or a beautiful apartment, we've got you covered.

Transport in Reading

Find the nearest train stations and other transport links in Reading.

Local connections

Reading
National Rail
0.2 miles / 0.3 km
Reading West
National Rail
0.9 miles / 1.4 km
Earley
National Rail
2.5 miles / 4.0 km
Reading Green Park
National Rail
2.5 miles / 4.0 km
Tilehurst
National Rail
2.8 miles / 4.5 km
Winnersh Triangle
National Rail
3.6 miles / 5.8 km

Schools in Reading

Discover local primary schools, secondary schools and sixth form colleges in Reading.

Education in Reading

The Deenway Montessori School
Ages: 3 - 16 years old
Ofsted Rating: Requires improvement (2022)
Kendrick School
Ages: 11 - 18 years old
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (2022)
Civitas Academy
Ages: 4 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2018)
E P Collier Primary School
Ages: 3 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2023)
Katesgrove Primary School
Ages: 3 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2023)
Red Balloon Learner Centre Reading
Ages: 11 - 17 years old

Local pubs in Reading

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