Reading Crowned UK’s Best Place for Work and Quality of Life

A town in the southeast of England has been named the UK’s best place to live and work. According to new research from Colony, Reading topped the list of areas that successfully combine career opportunities with quality of life. The study analyzed 13 indicators that impact living and working conditions, including salaries, GDP growth, employment rates, house prices, commute times, and overall life satisfaction.

Reading boasts the UK’s highest employment rate at 86.1%, significantly above the national average of 75.3%. The town also offers one of the strongest median incomes in the country, reported at £45,618, compared to the UK average of £37,430. Its GDP per capita stands at £65,090, with a notable growth rate of 23.6% since 2019, largely driven by the finance and technology sectors.

Strong Workforce and Quality of Life

Reading’s workforce is highly skilled, with 76.3% of residents achieving Level 3 qualifications or above, compared to the national average of 67.9%. The town is also known for its efficient commuting; residents enjoy one of the UK’s shortest average commute times at just 8.5 minutes, well below the national average of 29 minutes.

Life satisfaction in Reading scores 7.43 out of 10, close to the UK average of 7.45. Although housing costs are relatively high, with average property prices reaching £340,000 and monthly rents averaging £1,026, this reflects the area’s desirability. The town, recognized as the UK’s largest, is ideally positioned between the north Wessex Downs Nature Reserve and London, enhancing its appeal.

Reading has lower levels of mental health strain compared to many other regions, contributing to its reputation as a desirable place to live. With more than 100 parks and playgrounds, including five miles of riverside paths, residents benefit from ample green space. Notable public parks include Forbury Gardens, located on the historic site of Reading Abbey’s outer court, and Prospect Park, a large estate acquired by Reading Corporation in 1901.

Other Top Contenders

Joining Reading on the list of top places to live and work are Wokingham, Swindon, and Warrington. Wokingham stands out with the highest disposable household income of £28,641. Swindon offers a median salary of £39,252, while Warrington’s median income is lower at £22,152.

The findings from Colony underline a growing recognition of regions that not only provide strong economic opportunities but also foster an environment conducive to a high quality of life. The combination of competitive salaries, low commute times, and ample recreational spaces makes Reading a standout choice for both residents and prospective employees.