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

After a property boom of a few years, Reading's housing market is slowing down. However, this does mean that houses can be purchased at a lower cost, which can work in the buyer's favour.

Whether expats are looking to rent or buy property in Reading, they are sure to have a lot of options, but it’s also important to note that rental prices remain fairly expensive. 

Types of accommodation in Reading

There are many different types of housing in Reading, including houses, bungalows, apartments, maisonettes and studios. New arrivals looking for more spacious accommodation will usually find it in the form of older Victorian houses near the town centre, or in houses within surrounding towns and villages. 

There has been a huge amount of development around the outskirts of Reading, adding to the variety of options available to those looking for family homes. New apartment complexes are popping up in the city centre and these are particularly popular with young professionals and couples. 

Finding accommodation in Reading

Most people relocating to Reading will find that their employer will help them in their search for a home, but for those who need to do this on their own, the best place to start is to approach an estate agent. These professionals will have an intimate knowledge of Reading’s market and can alert clients to properties that haven’t been advertised publicly.  Most property searches start on one of the large online property portals.

Useful links

• www.rightmove.co.uk
• www.onthemarket.com

Signing a lease in Reading

Lease agreements are typically signed on a six-month or one-year basis, with the option to renew. Tenants may also be required to pay up to six weeks’ rent as a security deposit and will need to supply references from employers and previous landlords.

For more information, see our page on Renting Accommodation in the UK

Utilities in Reading

Rental contracts vary, so expats need to be careful and know exactly what’s covered in the cost of their rent. Additional costs such as council tax, gas and electricity, water, phone line and broadband rental can cause monthly expenses to shoot up.

For more detail see Setting up Household Utilities in the UK. 

Best places to live in Reading

Reading is growing rapidly, and is a popular commuter town for those working in London, as well as being a busy regional centre and university town. A quarter of a million people live in Reading, and many more in the hugely desirable outlying towns and villages. Some areas are more popular than others, and this is reflected in rents and house prices. 

See our page on: Areas and Suburbs in Reading

Factors shaping an expat’s decision on which neighbourhood of Reading to live in are likely to include proximity to work and good schools, transport links, the demographic mix of residents, and the types and prices of property available. 

Below are some of Reading’s most popular areas.

Neighbourhoods in Reading

Caversham

North of Reading’s city centre and close to the Thames, Caversham is a popular area and home to an excellent shopping centre and a number of good restaurants. But property prices can be quite high, especially around Caversham Heights.

West Reading

This vibrant area is very popular among renters and first-time buyers. Properties in this part of Reading are mainly Victorian terraces, some of which have been tastefully converted to modern standards. This is probably the most multicultural part of the city and is full of ethnic shops and eateries. Transport links into the town centre are also good. 

Earley

Just two miles (3km) from the centre of Reading and close to the town’s university, this neighbourhood still retains much of its old village feel and has plenty of green spaces as well as a lake. It’s also well serviced by bus and rail links, although the major downside of living here is the high price of rental properties.

Woodley

This family-friendly part of Reading boasts larger houses with gardens and open green spaces, as well as a number of newer residential developments. Woodley has a good shopping centre and it’s home to a handful of good state-funded schools.

For expats moving to Reading with children, making the right choice when it comes to picking a school is a top priority as this will play a significant role in ensuring a successful transition into expat life. Factors that will affect the choice of school include the child’s previous schooling experience, academic ability and English language capability.

Most government-funded schools in the UK and some private schools base admission on catchment areas, so it’s important to consider schooling options before deciding where to live. Private schools and international schools with boarding facilities offer greater flexibility.

Typically, the academic year in the United Kingdom starts in September and ends in July, with the main breaks in December, March/April and July/August. 

State-funded schools in Reading

State schools are provided by the government at no cost to British citizens and foreigners legally living in the UK. These are effectively funded by taxes. The standard of education at these schools varies considerably, however. Some offer excellent teaching and facilities, while others continue to perform badly in terms of the academic results. Generally, the better state-funded schools are found in more affluent areas.

Find out more about state-funded schools in the UK.

Useful links

Brighter Futures for Children – Schools in Reading 

Private schools in Reading

The UK has a tradition of private schools (also called independent schools). These usually follow the British national curriculum with a wider range of subjects, while others are starting to offer students the opportunity to study for the International Baccalaureate. 

The standard of teaching is overall high and class sizes are smaller than in state schools. However, fees tend to be pricey and parents should also budget a substantial amount for extra expenses such as uniforms and stationery. 

Nearby private schools include Caversham Prep, Elstree School, Queen Anne's Caversham, Pangbourne College and Bradfield College. 

Learn more about independent schools in the UK.

Useful links

• Independent Schools Council – Private Schools in Reading 

International schools in Reading

International schools are a popular option for expats families living in the United Kingdom. They follow different curricula from across the globe and often allow students to continue studying their home syllabus. As such, they’re an ideal option for those who don’t plan on living in the UK in the long-term. But fees are hefty, so expats considering this option should try to negotiate an education allowance into their employment contracts.

While there are no international schools in Reading itself, London isn’t far away and it boasts the widest selection of international schools in the United Kingdom. Many of these offer boarding options, which is good for those that don’t want their children to have to commute to the capital every day. 

See our list of recommended international schools in London.

The lifestyle in Reading is full of fantastic options for shopping, culture and outdoor activities – and once people have exhausted all their options in Reading, London is less than an hour away.

Shopping in Reading

Those living in Reading will be spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping experiences. Broad Street, a pedestrianised thoroughfare in the centre of Reading, is a primary shopping spot for residents, and has a mix of independent and well-known retail stores, including Marks and Spencer and John Lewis. 

The nearby Harris Arcade has a unique collection of stores and independent boutiques. Again, London is a short train journey away, for those in need of a serious retail fix. 

Arts and culture in Reading

Expats will find plenty to keep themselves entertained in Reading. Those who enjoy the theatre can catch performances at the Hexagon and 21 South Street, both of which host a range of music and theatre shows. The Museum of Reading provides insight into local culture, traditions and art and holds a fascinating collection of Roman artefacts. There are also a handful of galleries, including The Lemongrove Gallery and The Castle Galleries, which display some interesting contemporary art pieces.

Just a short train ride away, London is home to the West End theatre district – an internationally renowned creative hub for musical theatre in particular, rivalled only by Broadway in New York City. Here, visitors can see the latest productions and may even spot a celeb or two showing off their acting chops in person.

Sports and outdoor activities in Reading

Those that enjoy being outdoors will find there’s a lot on offer in and around Reading. Expats can visit Basildon Park to see an example of a beautifully preserved stately home and enjoy a summer picnic on the grounds. Caversham Court Gardens is another great spot to spend a summer’s day along the Thames.

There are also plenty of hiking trails in the countryside surrounding Reading, notably in the Chilterns, an Area of Outstanding National Beauty. Cyclists can explore the local area and take in some of the pretty Thames-side villages, and stop off at one of the many village pubs. Those who enjoy watching sport can catch Reading FC and London Irish Rugby Club playing home games in the Madejski Stadium. 

Buses are the main mode of public transportation in Reading and it's easy to catch one almost anywhere in the town. Trains are the best way to get out of Reading and rail commuters can get to London in less than an hour.

Public transport in Reading

Buses

The city’s efficient bus network is operated by Reading Buses. There are several buses each hour on weekdays on most routes, but services at evenings and on weekends are less frequent. The routes that extend further out of town have less frequent services, so it’s best for expats to consult a schedule when planning journeys. Single fares are fairly expensive, so it’s advisable to invest in a weekly, monthly or annual pass if one plans on using public transport regularly.

Train

Reading is a major junction point on the UK’s national rail system, with Reading Station linking to both Paddington and Waterloo stations in London. Non-stop trains to Paddington take only 30 minutes, which makes it very feasible for people to commute from Reading to London for work.  

Driving in Reading

Owning a car isn’t essential, but can be useful, especially for expats with children as well as those who want to explore the countryside during their free time. Traffic in Reading isn’t as bad as in London, but roads still get congested during peak hours. Finding parking in the centre of Reading can be a hassle, but most shopping centres and industrial parks have lots of spaces.