Why is Central Reading a good place for families to live?

Central Reading is a bustling town in Berkshire, England, and is considered a great place for families to live due to several factors, such as:

·       Good transport links: Central Reading has excellent transport links to other parts of the country, including London, which is just 25 minutes away by train. The town is also well-connected by road, with the M4 motorway running through the area. The newly open Elizabeth Line has also recently put Reading on the London Underground map!

·       Educational opportunities: Central Reading has a range of highly-rated schools, both primary and secondary, as well as several renowned universities and colleges in the area, including the University of Reading.

·       Cultural attractions: The town is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Museum of English Rural Life, the Reading Museum, and the Hexagon Theatre. There are also several parks and open spaces, including Forbury Gardens, which is a popular spot for family picnics and events.

·       Diverse community: Central Reading has a diverse community, with a range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds represented. This makes it an excellent place for families to experience a wide variety of perspectives and cultures.

·       Job opportunities: As a busy town, Central Reading offers many employment opportunities across a range of sectors. There are many large businesses and tech companies in the area, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises, which can provide a variety of employment options for parents.

Overall, Central Reading is an excellent place for families to live due to its good transport links, educational opportunities, cultural attractions, diverse community, and job opportunities. The town provides a great balance of city and suburban life and offers a high standard of living.

Schools In Central Reading

Primary schools in Central Reading

There are several primary schools in Central Reading, Berkshire, England. Here are some of the notable ones:

Reading School: Reading School is a state-funded primary school for boys and girls, located on Erleigh Road in the centre of Reading. It has a strong academic reputation and offers a range of extracurricular activities for its students.

·       New Christ Church CofE Primary School: New Christ Church CofE Primary School is a state-funded primary school for boys and girls, located on Milman Road in Reading. It has a strong Christian ethos and provides a high-quality education for its students.

·       Oxford Road Community School: Oxford Road Community School is a state-funded primary school for boys and girls, located on Oxford Road in Reading. It is a diverse and inclusive school that places a strong emphasis on community and collaboration.

·       St Anne's Catholic Primary School: St Anne's Catholic Primary School is a state-funded primary school for boys and girls, located on Washington Road in Reading. It is a Catholic school that provides a supportive and nurturing environment for its students.

·       Katesgrove Primary School: Katesgrove Primary School is a state-funded primary school for boys and girls, located on Dorothy Street in Reading. It is a diverse and inclusive school that places a strong emphasis on creativity and independent thinking.

These are just a few examples of the many primary schools in Central Reading. Families living in the area have a range of options when it comes to finding a school that meets their needs and priorities.

Secondary schools in Central Reading

Central Reading has several secondary schools that offer a high-quality education to students. Here are some of the notable ones:

·       Reading School: Reading School is a highly selective state-funded boys' school, located on Erleigh Road in the centre of Reading. It has a strong academic reputation and provides a range of extracurricular activities for its students.

·       Kendrick School: Kendrick School is a highly selective state-funded girls' school, located on London Road in Reading. It has a strong academic record and offers a range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports.

·       The Abbey School: The Abbey School is an independent girls' school, located on Kendrick Road in Reading. It provides an excellent all-round education, with a strong focus on academic excellence and pastoral care.

·       St Joseph's College: St Joseph's College is a co-educational independent school, located on Upper Redlands Road in Reading. It offers a range of academic and vocational courses, as well as a wide range of extracurricular activities, including music, drama, and sports.

·       John Madejski Academy: John Madejski Academy is a state-funded co-educational academy, located on Hartland Road in Reading. It offers a broad curriculum, including vocational courses, and has a strong focus on developing the skills and knowledge needed for the modern world.

These are just a few examples of the many secondary schools in Central Reading. Families living in the area have a range of options when it comes to finding a school that meets their needs and priorities.

What to do in Central Reading

Gyms: There are several options for gyms in Central Reading including The Gym Group Reading Central, PureGym Reading Caversham Road and Unleashed Performance Gyms & Personal Training. All of these gyms each have an extensive range of equipment.

Leisure Centre: Rivermead leisure centre includes a 120-station gym with various fitness zones, a Group Cycle studio, exercise studios with virtual technology, a sports hall, and a café.

Shopping: Reading is home to several options. The Oracle is a prominent shopping centre with a wide range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, including a cinema. Additionally, Broad Street Mall also offers shopping and dining experiences.

Where to eat: In Central Reading, you have a variety of dining options that cater to different tastes and preferences:

  1. L’Ortolan: This restaurant offers French, international, contemporary, and fusion cuisine. Known for retaining its Michelin star for many years, it provides a romantic dining experience with a focus on French modern menu using seasonal, local produce .
  2. Coconut Bar & Kitchen: This establishment serves Japanese and Asian cuisine. It's well-liked for its amazing cocktails and a wide selection of East-Asian food.
  3. Miller and Carter: This steakhouse offers a European menu and is known for its exceptional service and great food.  

Nature and Parks in Central Reading

Central Reading has several beautiful parks and green spaces that offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the town. Here are some of the most notable ones:

Forbury Gardens: Forbury Gardens is a stunning Victorian park, located in the heart of Reading. It was originally designed in the 19th century and features a beautiful ornamental garden, a bandstand, and a fountain. It is a popular spot for picnics and relaxing in the sun.

·       Palmer Park: Palmer Park is a large green space in the east of Reading, with a range of facilities including sports fields, a BMX track, and a children's play area. The park is also home to several community events throughout the year.

·       Prospect Park: Prospect Park is a large park in the west of Reading, with beautiful gardens, sports fields, and a children's play area. The park also features a large lake, which is home to a range of wildlife, including ducks, swans, and geese.

·       King's Meadow: King's Meadow is a large green space located on the banks of the River Thames, just east of Reading town centre. The meadow is a popular spot for picnics, and is also home to several community events throughout the year.

·       Thames Path: The Thames Path is a 184-mile National Trail that follows the course of the River Thames. The section that runs through Reading is particularly beautiful, with stunning views of the river and the surrounding countryside.

These are just a few examples of the many parks and green spaces in Central Reading. Whether you're looking for a peaceful spot to relax, or a place to get active, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and beautiful town.

House Moving Statistics for Central Reading

Sold Price Per Square Foot For Central Reading Homes

£393 Per Square Foot

Price Per Bedroom For Central Reading Homes

BedroomsPrice Per Bedroom Average
1 Bedroom£188,000
2 Bedroom£291,000
3 Bedroom£354,000
4 Bedroom£516,000

5 Year House Price Growth for Central Reading Homes

10%

Planning Activity for Central Reading

Planning Activity Level in Central ReadingHigh
Application Success Rate in Central Reading88%

General Statistics For Central Reading

Population In Central Reading91,836
Households in Central Reading37,455
Density in Central Reading14,638/mi squared

Your Central Reading avocado partner, Matt Barrell.

Covering Central Reading & South Reading 

Email: mattbarrell@avocadoberkshire.co.uk

Mobile: 07717 725 609

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