Moving to Reading

Situated on the River Thames in the county of Berkshire, the town of Reading is booming, both as a commuter town and as a thriving commercial hub with a range of job opportunities, particularly in the IT, finance, and pharmaceutical sectors. 

Companies are attracted to Reading due to its excellent transport connection, and because it is home to a diverse, well-educated, young and creative population. Many families move here from London, drawn by the good schools, the slower pace of life and the more affordable housing.

Accommodation in Reading

Thanks to Reading's rapid rate of growth, it has a buoyant housing market with new developments popping up all over the town. There is a large range of housing options to fit all lifestyles and budgets. Some families choose to live in one of the highly desirable towns and villages around Reading. 

Read more: Accommodation in Reading

Lifestyle in Reading

The lifestyle in Reading is never dull, with a lively music and arts scene –  not to mention the famous Reading Festival each summer. There’s also a small range of museums and art galleries to keep residents busy, and those that enjoy sport will find that there are plenty of ways to keep fit. 

Read more: Shopping, sport and entertainment in Reading

Education in Reading

Families are drawn to Reading for its high-quality education. The town is home to numerous primary and secondary schools, both state and private, that consistently achieve excellent results. 

Those moving to Reading with children will be pleased to discover that it’s home to a number of high-performing primary and secondary state schools. There are also some high-quality private schools in and around Reading that attract pupils from all over the country. The town is also home to the University of Reading, a redbrick institution that’s especially renowned for students interested in studying real estate and business.

Read more: Education and schools in Reading

Travel in Reading

Although dating from Roman times, Reading really took off during the industrial revolution with the arrivals of the railways in 1841. It remains an important transport hub, with quick trains to London Paddington and London Heathrow Airport. Thanks to the new Elizabeth Line, Liverpool Street Station and the City of London are now just 50 minutes away from Reading. Going west, Bristol is just over an hour away by train. Reading also sits near the M4 motorway, giving quick access by car to London and the west. 

Read more: Getting around in Reading