Reading has featured in the top five list of best places to live and work, according to new research.
A new study by co-working space operator Colony has ranked places to live and work on salary, economic growth and life satisfaction.
Colony analysed 13 key indicators that shape how people live and work which ranged from salaries, GDP, growth, and employment rates to house prices, commute times, life satisfaction, health, life expectancy and mental health.
The study found Reading to be the 2nd best place to live and work in the UK, only being beaten by South Gloucestershire. Meanwhile, Wokingham was ranked in 3rd place.
They described Reading as ‘a thriving hub with high salaries and strong employment.’
Their study says: “Reading takes second place, underpinned by the highest employment rate in the UK (86.1%) and one of the strongest salary levels, with a median income of £45,618. Its economy is thriving, with a GDP per capita of £65,090 and growth of 23.6% since 2019— much of it driven by finance and technology. Productivity is also strong, with workers adding £49 per hour in value.
“Reading’s workforce is highly skilled (76.3% at Level 3 or above) and well-connected, with one of the UK’s shortest commutes (just eight minutes 30 seconds on average). Life satisfaction scores 7.43/10, while healthy life expectancy stands at 21.2 years for women and 18.4 years for men.
“Housing is relatively more expensive, with average prices at £340,000 and average monthly rents at £1,026. However, this is reflective of the area’s desirability as the UK’s largest town, as well as its ideal location nestled between the nature reserve of north Wessex Downs Nature Reserve and London.
“With lower levels of mental health strain than many other regions, Reading offers a combination of high salaries, career opportunities, and strong lifestyle factors.”
Jamie Halliday, Head of Marketing at Colony, said: “People are increasingly choosing where to live and work based not just on jobs, but also lifestyle and affordability. Areas like South Gloucestershire and Reading show you don’t need to be in London to access wide career opportunities, strong communities, and a great quality of life.”
For more information, visit: https://colonyco.work/
