Reading is a busy transport and business hub, located just 25 minutes by train from London Paddington. With high employment, a good average salary and some excellent schools, Reading is a popular place to live.
Organisations with a base in Reading include PepsiCo, Symantec, Thames Water and HSBC as well as a host of retail chains both within The Oracle Shopping Centre and on the busy high street.
With easy access to the M4, direct train routes and the Rail Air link to Heathrow Airport, these are only some of the features that make Reading one of the most connected cities in the UK.
Reading provides quick access to the M4 for London, the South West and onwards travel across the country. Reading Station is a large railway hub offering direct trains to London Paddington, London Waterloo, the South West and the North. The Rail Air coach service provides a convenient link from Reading Station to Heathrow Airport.
Reading also benefits from a network of coach and bus routes with services to destinations including Bracknell, Henley, High Wycombe and Oxford.
Schools in Reading include the Ofsted rated Outstanding Reading and Kendrick Schools and the Good Rated Maiden Erlegh School. There are also a number of good primary schools including Churchend Primary Academy.
Reading School - Boys 11-16 yrs. Ofsted Rated Outstanding.
The Kendrick School - Girls 11-18 yrs. Ofsted Rated Outstanding.
Churchend Primary Academy - Co-Ed 3-11 yrs. Ofsted Rated Outstanding.
Maiden Erlegh School - Co-Ed 11-18 yrs. Ofsted Rated Good.
Reading is home to several large business parks including Reading International Business Park, Green Park and Arlington Business Park.
Green Park is one of the largest developments of its type in Europe, covering more than 195 acres. The park houses more than 55 businesses including PepsiCo, Thames Water, Bayer and Mitie. The Park is located on the outskirts of Reading Town near Junction 11 of the M4.
Reading International Business Park - Verizon, Investec.
Green Park - Bayer, NVIDIA, PepsiCo, HSBC.
Arlington Business Park - Wrigley, CTIL, Clearswift.
Thames Valley Business Park - Oracle, Microsoft, Regus.
The Shed Cafe - ideal for a quick sandwich or coffee on the go.
Bills - great for lunch or dinner located in St Mary's Church House.
Browns - brasserie dining and afternoon tea at this popular British chain.
The After Work scene is dominated by the big chains including All Bar One, Pitcher & Piano, O'Neill's and two Wetherspoon Pubs. Close to the station, The Greyfriar of Reading pub serves a good selection of craft beers as well as a lunchtime food menu.
For those looking for something a little bit different, Smash is a popular table tennis bar located on Gun Street with great happy hour deals and delicious pizzas. A great place to unwind after work.
Reading is home to a variety of sports centres including Rivermead Leisure Complex, PureGym, Anytime Fitness, and SportsPark at the University of Reading. Facilities include sports pitches, swimming pools, squash and tennis courts, and gyms.
Local Attractions include Reading Golf Club, Vue Cinema, and the Madejski Stadium for a range of sporting events and more.