Living in Reading

Community life in Reading is shaped by its diverse population and a calendar full of local events. Summer fairs, pop-up markets, and arts festivals bring the neighbourhoods together. There are active local groups, faith centres, and community associations spread throughout the borough offering opportunities for volunteering and socialising.

The riverside and parks such as Forbury Gardens, Prospect Park, and Thames Path support a healthy outdoor lifestyle. Sports clubs, yoga studios, and rowing on the Thames are all popular. Whether attending events at Reading Town Hall or joining in the annual Water Fest, the town’s sense of civic pride and engagement is tangible in daily life.

Crime rates in Reading are broadly in line with other large UK towns and cities. Town centre areas tend to see higher incidents due to nightlife and shopping, but most residential neighbourhoods maintain a good reputation for safety.

Proactive community policing and investment in CCTV and street lighting contribute to residents’ sense of security, especially in neighbourhood-focused areas like Caversham and Earley. Ongoing regeneration projects, especially in the town centre and along the riverside, have also emphasised crime reduction and community wellbeing. Residents benefit from regular neighbourhood watch schemes and local policing initiatives aimed at maintaining Reading’s status as a generally safe place to live.

Parking in Reading varies depending on the area. In the town centre, multi-storey car parks—including The Oracle and Broad Street Mall—offer paid parking, but these can be busy at peak times and weekends. On-street parking is available in most residential areas, with some streets operating a resident permit scheme. Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) are in place in and near the centre to manage congestion and ensure residents’ access.

Reading sits on the M4 motorway, which provides direct road access to London, Slough, and Bristol. The A33 and A329(M) link Reading to Basingstoke and Bracknell, while the A4 follows the historic London-to-Bath route through town. Road congestion is frequent at rush hour, particularly near central Reading and main arterial junctions.

Nearby destinations by road:

• London – approx. 1 hour via M4 (41 miles)
• Basingstoke – approx. 25 minutes via A33 (16 miles)
• Oxford – approx. 55 minutes via A4074/A34 (27 miles)
• Windsor – approx. 40 minutes via M4 (22 miles)

Reading offers an eclectic mix of restaurants, pubs, cafés, and takeaways suited to diverse tastes. The riverside at The Oracle boasts a range of national and independent eateries, from casual options to celebrated venues like Thames Lido. Traditional pubs such as The Alehouse and The Moderation are local staples. Speciality coffee shops, like Workhouse Coffee, and a growing number of street food options reflect the town’s cosmopolitan appeal.

The nightlife in Reading is vibrant, with bars, clubs, live music venues and the annual Reading Festival bringing a lively energy to the area. Venues like Sub89 and Purple Turtle are popular with younger crowds, while The Hexagon and South Street Arts Centre offer music, theatre, and comedy performances. The town’s social scene strikes a balance between busy and relaxed, with something to suit residents of all ages and preferences.

School quality: Reading is well-served by a mix of highly-rated state and independent schools, with many areas popular with families due to their education options.

Parks and green space: The town boasts numerous playgrounds, green parks, and riverside walks ideal for family outings and picnics, as well as camping and outdoor adventure activities nearby.

Childcare: There is an extensive range of nurseries, preschools, and out-of-school clubs, many of which are rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted.

Safety: Many of Reading’s residential districts, such as Caversham and Earley, are regarded as safe and family-oriented, with neighbourhood watch schemes in place.

Family activities: Options such as Reading Museum, the Hexagon Theatre, sports clubs, and leisure centres provide year-round family-friendly entertainment.

Pet owners in Reading benefit from the town’s many parks, open spaces, and riverbank paths. Forbury Gardens, Palmer Park, and the Thames Path Trail offer ideal locations for dog walking and outdoor play. In the surrounding Berkshire countryside, numerous walking routes and commons are accessible in under 20 minutes by car.

There are several reputable veterinary practices and pet supply shops, as well as dog-friendly cafés and pubs, particularly in the north of Reading and Caversham. Many local landlords and letting agents are open to pets, especially in family homes or suburban settings, and pet ownership is widely accepted within the community.

Transport links in Reading are a significant draw for residents and businesses alike. Reading railway station is one of the busiest outside London, acting as a major interchange with direct lines to London Paddington, Oxford, Bristol, Birmingham, and the South West. The arrival of the Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) further shortens journey times into central London and Canary Wharf.

Frequent local and regional bus routes operated by Reading Buses provide extensive coverage. The M4 motorway is easily accessible, connecting Reading to London, Heathrow Airport, and Bristol. London Heathrow Airport is about 30 minutes away by road or bus transfer, with Gatwick and Luton airports also reachable by train and road.

Key commute times:

• London Paddington – approx. 25 minutes by train
• Oxford – approx. 22 minutes by train
• Basingstoke – approx. 20 minutes by train

Reading boasts a wide range of educational institutions, catering to primary, secondary, and higher education.

Primary Schools in Reading:
Caversham Primary School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2017) is frequently praised for its strong community ethos and academic results. The Heights Primary School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2019) is popular among local families for its innovative teaching and vibrant environment. Churchend Primary Academy (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2018) stands out for both pastoral and academic care, while Emmer Green Primary School (Ofsted: Good, 2022) is another reliable choice.

Secondary Schools in Reading:
Kendrick School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2022) is a highly-competitive girls’ grammar known for stellar GCSE and A-Level results. Reading School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2023), a boys’ grammar, is regularly among the country’s top-performing state schools. Maiden Erlegh School (Ofsted: Outstanding, 2020) and The Wren School (Ofsted: Good, 2021) serve a diverse student population and offer a broad curriculum.

Independent Schools, Colleges & Sixth Forms:
The Abbey School is a long-established independent girls’ school offering an impressive co-curricular programme. Reading College offers vocational and academic courses for post-16 education, while Leighton Park School (co-educational, 11–18) is known for its holistic approach to learning.

Universities:
The University of Reading is renowned both nationally and internationally, especially in agriculture, environmental sciences, and business studies. Its Whiteknights Campus is set amidst parkland and brings a student population and cultural buzz to the area. Henley Business School, also part of the university, is acclaimed for its business and management programmes.