Reading has been recognized as both a top and bottom place to live, sparking debate among locals about its true appeal

Reading: This Berkshire town is stirring up some chatter. It’s been named both the best and worst place to live in the UK. Can you believe that? The Sunday Times put it on their Best Places To Live in the South East list for 2022, but not everyone in the town agrees.
With around 230,000 people living there, opinions are bound to differ. iLiveHere even ranked Reading 21st on their list of worst towns. Despite the mixed reviews, it’s still a go-to spot for city workers who want a quieter life.
The commute to London is pretty decent, usually taking about 45 minutes. If you catch the right train, you can make it in just 23 minutes. There’s also the Elizabeth line, but it takes a bit longer with more stops.
One of the best things about moving to Reading is the property prices. Rightmove says the average home costs around £407,000, which is a steal compared to London’s average of £687,000.
Reading Abbey is a must-see, dating back to 1121. You can wander through the Abbey Quarter and soak up nearly 900 years of history. It’s pretty cool!
If you’re into shopping, The Oracle shopping centre has everything you’d find in London. Plus, The Hexagon is a great spot for entertainment, hosting everything from comedy shows to musicals and concerts.
Don’t forget about the Reading Festival in August! It attracts music fans from all over the UK. And if you love shopping, you’ll find a mix of high-street and independent shops in town.
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