Job in Reading

Veco · 18 Jul 2013 at 12:32

I spent 4 years in central reading during uni. I'd rate it well, but obviously I'm bias. But generally it does have everything needed and isn't scummy. Plus it's miles better than basingstoke

Kemik · 18 Jul 2013 at 12:34

Phemo said:
Used to live in Basingstoke which, despite the abuse it gets, isn't actually a bad place at all these days and it's not that far away from Reading. But Reading isn't a total dump - Earley isn't too bad an area for example. Just like all towns it has its good and bad parts.

This. I'd heard of Basingstoke having a reputation but when I've actually gone there and looked around, there's some nice parks.

Reading is definitely a standard town. Go there for the money, easy transport links, proximity to some really nice areas like Windsor and Henley, and okay shopping/dining.

randal · 18 Jul 2013 at 12:52

Phemo said:
Tell me about it, my office is in Bracknell.

A pain I share with you mate.

PapaLazaru · 18 Jul 2013 at 13:10

It has improved beyond recognition in the last 10 years. Good transport links and plenty of restaurants and bars. The new station is pretty amazing. There are rough parts as there are everywhere, but no areas I would not go to. It does suffer from a bit of a lack of identity but I would rather be here than Swindon / Maidenhead / Slough / Basingstoke/ Bracknell.

There are some beautiful places nearby, but you will pay a massive premium. I was brought up on Goring on Thames and would like to move back one day but the house prices are a joke.

What part of town would you be working? If it is in Green Park you will need a car, or prepare for a painful commute. Thames valley Business park (where I work) is services by a good free bus service from town.

Amleto · 18 Jul 2013 at 13:18

I like it, but then I moved here to get away from High Wycombe...

Edrof · 18 Jul 2013 at 13:27

Phemo said:
But Reading isn't a total dump - Earley isn't too bad an area for example. Just like all towns it has its good and bad parts.

That's true. We have friends in Earley and it's rather spiffing.

panthro · 18 Jul 2013 at 13:36

PAz said:
Luton is better and that's saying something.

No it isn't.

Reading isn't anywhere near as bad as people think. I lived for most of my life in Finchampstead/Wokingham and only recently moved to Reading because my wife works in the town centre and doesn't drive (yet). Plus its very handy to get in and out of London, which I do on a regular basis; 25 mins from Reading to Paddington. The shops are open late, theres more than a handful of half decent places to eat in and out of the town centre.
I live on the river Kennett, leading onto the Thames, with a great pub/restaurant opposite me and I'm pretty happy there.

I don't plan on staying there for the foreseeable future, maybe another year or so but IMO its a decent place to live if you're not a snob...and its certainly a lot nicer than Luton!!!

panthro · 18 Jul 2013 at 13:38

alx said:
It's sometimes a bit weird like that in Berkshire, places like Bracknell, Slough and to some degree Reading which are a bit of a dump but then places like Henley, Windsor, Wokingham etc which are very nice/posh.

However there are some parts of Wokingham that are total ****holes that most locals know to avoid, but you never hear about them from someone who has recently moved. I've never been mugged in my life except for a close encounter in Wokingham town centre!!

Edrof · 18 Jul 2013 at 13:42

panthro said:
However there are some parts of Wokingham that are total ****holes that most locals know to avoid, but you never hear about them from someone who has recently moved. I've never been mugged in my life except for a close encounter in Wokingham town centre!!

Ooh, where?

panthro · 18 Jul 2013 at 13:47

Edrof said:
Ooh, where?

Off the top of my head, Norreys Avenue (wokingham), Gorse Ride North , Ditchfields (Finch), Rainbow Park (Winnersh).

Early and Woodley also have their fair share.

SMN · 18 Jul 2013 at 14:06

Lived here for 4 years now after moving down from Wigan (via Manchester for 4 years), have to say I like it. Good night life, big town centre with lots of shopping - good transport. Few chavs but they are down the scummy ends mainly - so you know where to avoid. I'd recommend it.

alx · 18 Jul 2013 at 14:22

panthro said:
However there are some parts of Wokingham that are total ****holes that most locals know to avoid, but you never hear about them from someone who has recently moved. I've never been mugged in my life except for a close encounter in Wokingham town centre!!

True, some of the (council) estates around Wokingham are a bit rough, and some of the pubs are a bit of a football chav fest - maybe Wokingham wasn't the best example but I'd say it's far from a hole either.

My parents are from near Hurst, much nicer place

leaskovski · 18 Jul 2013 at 14:25

Lived in Reading for 4 years due to changing jobs. Was glad to move out to the burbs of Wokingham with the Mrs last year. Its just so much nicer than living in the center of Reading... more trees, more a countryside feeling, I love it where I live now.

PapaLazaru · 18 Jul 2013 at 14:27

panthro said:
I live on the river Kennett, leading onto the Thames, with a great pub/restaurant opposite me and I'm pretty happy there.

I'll be having a couple of Friday evening pints in there on the walk home this week. And the one just up from it. Peaceful part of town, though it does border the dodgiest part of town (Orts Road).

alx · 18 Jul 2013 at 14:28

I'm probably going to get slated for this, but I actually much prefer Aberdeen to Reading. More lively, and more going on in my view but that's probably because it's got much less competition in the surrounding area. Maybe it's just because I lived near Reading for 20+ years so you tend to me be more negative versus somewhere new.

anjs · 18 Jul 2013 at 14:32

well you can kiss good by to all the green fields and trees around Wokingham now the council has approved the building of 1000s of new houses.

panthro · 18 Jul 2013 at 15:02

anjs said:
well you can kiss good by to all the green fields and trees around Wokingham now the council has approved the building of 1000s of new houses.

Whereabouts? Woodcray manor golf club is prime land for new houses. Lived very close by to it and plans have been brewing for at least 10 years.

panthro · 18 Jul 2013 at 15:02

PapaLazaru said:
I'll be having a couple of Friday evening pints in there on the walk home this week. And the one just up from it. Peaceful part of town, though it does border the dodgiest part of town (Orts Road).

Its certainly a thin border between Blakes Lock and Orts Road

anjs · 18 Jul 2013 at 15:11

Well the whole of what is now Arborfield Garrison, Huge area from the north of the town up to the A329M, Large area to the south of town all the way from London road / Priest Avenue all the way round to Finchhampsted Road

SMN · 24 Jul 2013 at 15:15

panthro said:
Its certainly a thin border between Blakes Lock and Orts Road

Mandela Court! I used to live in the Meridian (opposite the pub i believe we're all talking about!) - nice enough, but so many bloody children rattling around for 9am on their bikes on stone flooring.. ugh!