Considering moving to Reading

[Kitkat369]

Hi, Whilst we were going to upsize in South London we are contemplating leaving and instead upsticks to Reading as closer to my family in West Country plus I can still work in London.

We want a diverse area which has amenities close by and walkable to reading station. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated 🙂

It depends what your budget is!

@Kitkat369 If you can afford it, Caversham (just across the river and within easy walking distance of the station and reading centre) is lovely. Lots of independent shops and cafes and a pretty stretch of river nearby.

My Grandad said the prison was nice. I think it been closed down now and has been converted apartments. Could be interesting if you don't mind doors being slammed a lot. Great communal ping-pong table, I would imagine.

Another vote for Caversham if its within budget.

Or you could look at Erleigh or Winnersh which both have their own small stations.

And it's true that the old Reading Gaol has been closed down, but it hasn't been converted into flats. As far as I know it doesn't have planning permission for anything yet. I'm hoping they'll open it for tours again. It's fascinating!

I've lived in Reading all my life. There are not many nice areas within walking distance to Reading Train Station except parts of Caversham-the towny bit. All the areas that are in close proximity to the train station are not the nicest areas i.e Oxford Road, Cemetary Junction. Caversham is nice but if you ever want to drive over the bridge during rush hour to get to the train station or M4 it is chaos. You would be ok as walking and getting the train. The west side of Reading, Purley on the Thames, Pangbourne, etc has lots of lovely rivers walks but too far from the train station. Lots of people live in Tilehurst and catch the train to Reading which takes about 10 minutes and then the train onwards to Paddington. Caversham probably is your best bet for what you are looking for. The towny part of Caversham is mostly Victorian/Edwardian terrace houses there are lots of cafes etc within walking distance and you can walk into Reading easily.

@notacf

I've lived in Reading all my life. There are not many nice areas within walking distance to Reading Train Station except parts of Caversham-the towny bit. All the areas that are in close proximity to the train station are not the nicest areas i.e Oxford Road, Cemetary Junction. Caversham is nice but if you ever want to drive over the bridge during rush hour to get to the train station or M4 it is chaos. You would be ok as walking and getting the train. The west side of Reading, Purley on the Thames, Pangbourne, etc has lots of lovely rivers walks but too far from the train station. Lots of people live in Tilehurst and catch the train to Reading which takes about 10 minutes and then the train onwards to Paddington. Caversham probably is your best bet for what you are looking for. The towny part of Caversham is mostly Victorian/Edwardian terrace houses there are lots of cafes etc within walking distance and you can walk into Reading easily.

Thanks for your tips. We are planning to move to Reading ( Caversham/ Woodley/ Earley) in 2021. My little one is about 7 years old, we are looking for some good primary schools and safe areas, may I seek for your advice? Thank you.