Where to live near Reading????

[Energetictriangle123]

I've recently found out that the job role I am taking is based in the centre of Reading. I'm currently Swindon-based and have no idea of the local area. I would like to live within approximately a 30-minute commute (walk/ cycle/ public transport/ drive) as I will be working shifts, including nights (I'm happy my commute to be a little longer for the right place). Do you have any suggestions, please?

If it helps, I'm not your typical 30-year-old - I need countryside and city-bustle in equal measure; I don't drink and enjoy cosy nights in playing board games/ watching films with friends; I enjoy countryside walking and running; I am happy to try new hobbies; and I'm an amateur musician. I need somewhere where I can make friends, as I only have few close friends (due to previous divorce) and they are dotted around the country. I'll be on approximately £26000/year, so my budget is small, but I'm happy to rent a room in a shared house to keep costs down.

Thank you in advance for your help! :)

Newbury yes. Most sports have clubs here and there are multiple music performance venues and lots of opportunity to participate too. For a market town we have a huge amount going on and our theatres have a much greater role in the national theatre scene than their size would suggest.
Being the headquarters of Vodafone worldwide has a lot to do with this.

Reading has all those things too…

If you’re going to be working some night shifts and will be using public transport, that will limit your options, - depending on your hours. For example, there are only 2 or 3 trains to Newbury between 9.30pm and just after midnight then nothing at all till about 5ish the next morning. Maybe better to find somewhere within Reading so you can definitely get home at night after a shift.

Some of these suggestions are odd.

Twyford is bloody expensive because of the trainline but there is nothing there. Sonning is a hugely expensive rat run. Goring and Pangbourne very nice but very expensive for someone on that salary! Wokingham very expensive.

I agree with people saying to look Newbury way, or around Theale perhaps as still good connections to Reading but good access to countryside.

Try Didcot, not massively expensive and direct train to reading x

I know the thread says ‘near Reading’, but this is a perfect opportunity for the OP to reduce her commuting time and costs to near zero by living in Reading. No need to worry about a car, or traffic, or getting a train or bus, being late for work, unable to socialize after work etc etc.
There are tons of rooms and flats available in central Reading. Stroll to work!

I'm going to suggest the opposite side of Reading: New Town. It's an old Victorian terraced estate, so super be cheaper than, say, Caversham, but is perfectly situated. 30mins walk to train station, town centre, RBH on one side, 20mins walk to Palmer Park or the Thames riverside path on the other. East access to buses, and to the M4 if you drive.

IIRC there is a lovely pub on the riverside nearby (Fisherman's Arms?) that does regular open mike nights and has a reputation for good music.

Nothing in Twyford apart from shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, doctors, dentists, easy access to countryside and a great fast rail service.

Thank you all for the suggestions! I genuinely really appreciate them!
I've just proceeded with a house-share between Tilehurst and Oxford Road - Fingers crossed it's the right decision 😬I will be then trying to make friends and try new things - Making friends in your 30s in hard! 😂

Sounds good @Energetictriangle123. Tbh I've always had a good time in Reading and met DP there. Not the classiest town but I like it anyway. There is a pretty lively board game scene in Reading so look out for that as an option. Up the 'Ding 🏆

Glad you have found somewhere, Energetic! We came here planning to stay for three years, and have been here for nearly thirty. Hope you settle in well!