Is Reading, UK a good Place to live?

Question

Is Reading, UK a good Place to live?

Answer 1

Howdy!

I went to university in Reading, so lived there for a few years. After I left I then RETURNED there a couple of years later to live there for another year, so it can't be THAT bad.

The good:

- It has everything you need. Reading is a well-equipped town with every sort of shop & convenience you could require and you rarely need to go further afield to find things you need.

- It's quite small, but not too small (see above). Getting anywhere in Reading is quick & easy, just so long as you don't go by car (see below).

- There's plenty of rather lovely countryside in all directions.

- Reading has some nice pubs and even one decent club (The After Dark).

- You can get EVERYWHERE by train from Reading station.

The bad:

- I've never driven in Reading, or anywhere for that matter, but I can imagine it is fricking hellish to be a car driver in the town. The traffic is incredible and the one-way systems take a long while to get your head around, or even around. Get on yer bike.

- The Reading Festival is fun for a few years, but it's not what it was. Get out of town for the bank holiday weekend.

- I wish, I wish, I wish that Reading would get over the fact that it's not London and stop costing as much as London to live in.

The ugly:

- Looking for a culturally devoid place to live? Welcome to Reading! Reading's historical & cultural contributions to the world include a ropey ruined abbey, the fact that Oscar Wilde was banged up there for being g*y and a 'copy' of the Bayeux Tapestry in the museum.

- Whitley...

- The ever-expanding Oracle. This shopping centre is gradually taking over the town centre and its waterfront area is one of the most contrived places on Earth. Happily, there are still enough good shops outside of it that you can pretty much avoid it.

In conclusion:

It's alright! Move to Reading if you afford it, but don't expect to live your whole life there.