thoughts on these areas near Reading

nugget731

Depending on your budget, I would recommend looking at Caversham/Caversham Park Village. Good smaller centre, shops (bookshop & a waitrose!) etc, but also walking distance to grrnery, woodland and Clayfield Copse in the case of CPV. 

Skiddaw1

There's a pretty good bus service from Wallingford however so it isn't impossible.

The main issue is that all the places mentioned are pricey and I don't think we know much about the OP's budget or housing requirements. If OP is on a tighter budget I'd suggest sticking to Reading and looking at one of the edge of town areas. Woodley or Lower Earley for example (there's suprisingly good access to countryside walking- Dinton Pastures for instance and the River Loddon) or Lower Caversham/Caversham Park Village/Emmer Green (Caversham has more of that 'village' feel the OP appears to be after and you're in easy walking distance of the Oxfordshire/Berkshire Downs countryside. Caversham Heights is very expensive but the areas I've mentioned are less so).

Tracet74

I'd recommend having a look at Taplow and (Budget permitting), Cookham.  Both have train stations with services into London and if you change at Maidenhead, you can get a fast service to Reading. lots of open spaces to explore closeby along with either the Thames or Jubilee river.

Marmaduke123

OP, do you live in Reading at the moment? If so, I'm not sure anyone here will be able to help very much, as you will know the areas mentioned. You will need to provide more information such as a rough budget, housing requirements,  whether you are a first time buyer, and a timescale for a possible move, if you want real help.

mrtaylor272

hi thanks and yes i live in Reading so know it fairly well. I find caversham a bit busy/noisy. 
I think i have decided on wallingford as my favorite area, after walking around a few times.
my budget is 300 but may rise to 325.
My main question now is a flat vs a house. I intended to go freehold but its limiting my results. 

Skiddaw1

If you want freehold a house is the obvious way forward. Hope you find somewhere suitable. Wallingford is lovely.

mrtaylor272

thanks big difference in price eg:
 https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/12945932
vs: https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/128916893

Skiddaw1

First one seems to be to rent?

mrtaylor272

thats odd it looks like rigjtmove changed the property...
 https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/128510900

it was one like that in the same building

p00hsticks

Skiddaw1 said:

First one seems to be to rent?

And in Perth !