Berkshire is one of the most popular counties to move to in the South East, and it is easy to see why. It sits close to London, has fast rail links, strong schools, and a mix of riverside towns, market towns and modern commuter hubs. Whether you are after a busy town centre or a quiet village on the edge of the countryside, Berkshire has somewhere that fits.
This guide is for anyone thinking about a move to the county, whether you are relocating for work, upsizing for a growing family, or leaving London for more space. We move families across Berkshire all year round, so we have put together a plain, honest look at the best places to live and what each one offers.
Why Move to Berkshire?
Berkshire has a lot going for it, which is why demand for homes here stays strong.
- Fast links to London. Much of the county is within an hour of the capital by train, and the Elizabeth line has made commuting from towns like Reading and Maidenhead even quicker.
- Strong job market. Reading and Bracknell are major business and tech hubs, with large employers and good local work.
- Good schools. The county has a strong reputation for both state and independent schools, which draws a lot of families.
- Green space. From the Thames to Windsor Great Park and the edge of the North Wessex Downs, there is countryside within easy reach almost everywhere.
- A mix of lifestyles. You can pick a lively town centre, a riverside spot, or a quiet village, often within a few miles of each other.
The trade-off is cost. Berkshire is not a cheap county, and prices rise sharply in the most sought-after spots. That makes choosing the right area for your budget all the more important.
What to Consider When Choosing Where to Live in Berkshire
Before settling on a town, weigh up what matters most to you and your household.
- Commute. Check the actual train times and parking at the station, not just the distance on a map.
- Budget. Prices vary widely across the county. Ascot and Windsor sit at the top end, while parts of Slough and Reading offer more for your money.
- Schools. If you have children, look at catchment areas carefully, as they can change which streets you focus on.
- Property type. Some towns are mostly period terraces and flats, others are newer family estates. Match the area to the home you want.
- Lifestyle. Think about whether you want shops, restaurants and nightlife on your doorstep, or a quieter village feel.
It is worth visiting at different times of day before you commit. A street can feel very different on a quiet Sunday morning compared with a weekday rush hour.
Best Places to Live in Berkshire
Here is our run-through of ten of the best places to live in Berkshire, with a quick honest take on each. Every town below is an area we move people to and from regularly, so the links take you to local removals detail for that town.
Reading
The county’s largest town and its main commercial hub. Reading has the best job market in Berkshire, excellent rail links including the Elizabeth line, and a busy town centre with shops, restaurants and culture. It suits professionals, sharers and families who want everything close by. Prices range from affordable flats to large family homes in the leafier suburbs. See our removals Reading page for local moving detail.
Slough
Often overlooked, Slough offers some of the best value in the county. The Elizabeth line has cut journey times into London sharply, and there is a large local job market thanks to the trading estate and major employers. It works well for first-time buyers and commuters watching their budget. Our removals Slough page has more.
Bracknell
A modern town that has seen huge regeneration, with The Lexicon shopping centre at its heart. Bracknell is popular with families and tech workers, with plenty of new-build estates like Jennett’s Park and good access to the M3 and M4. Newer housing and green surroundings make it a practical family choice. See removals Bracknell.
Maidenhead
A riverside town that has become a commuter favourite, especially since the Elizabeth line arrived. Maidenhead has a smart town centre, good schools and pretty Thames-side spots. It sits at the higher end of the market and suits families and professionals. More on our removals Maidenhead page.
Windsor
One of the county’s most famous and desirable towns, home to the castle and Great Park. Windsor offers period homes, riverside living and a strong sense of history, with prices to match. It suits buyers wanting character and prestige, and those who do not mind tourist crowds in the centre. See removals Windsor.
Newbury
A historic market town in West Berkshire with a strong local economy, including the Vodafone headquarters. Newbury has a good mix of period and modern homes, easy access to the countryside, and a calmer pace than the eastern towns. It suits families and those wanting a market-town feel. More at removals Newbury.
Wokingham
Consistently rated one of the best places to live in the country for quality of life. Wokingham has a charming, well-kept town centre, excellent schools and a strong family feel. It is firmly in the higher price bracket and is very popular with families. See our removals Wokingham page.
Sandhurst
A quieter town on the Berkshire and Surrey border, known for the Royal Military Academy. Sandhurst offers good value compared with its neighbours, green surroundings and a settled, community feel. It suits families and those wanting space without the top-tier price tag. More on removals Sandhurst.
Ascot
Best known for the racecourse, Ascot is one of the most exclusive parts of the county. Expect large detached homes, long private drives and leafy roads. It sits right at the top of the market and suits buyers wanting space, privacy and prestige. See removals Ascot for local detail, including how we plan around race-day traffic.
Newbury and Thatcham
Just east of Newbury, Thatcham is a practical, well-connected town with a railway station, a good range of family homes and easier prices than the bigger names. It suits families and commuters who want value with good links. More at removals Thatcham.
Which Berkshire Area Is Best for You?
There is no single best town, only the best one for your needs and budget. As a rough guide:
- Best for commuting to London: Reading, Maidenhead and Slough, all with strong rail links.
- Best for families: Wokingham, Bracknell and Thatcham, with good schools and family housing.
- Best for value: Slough, Sandhurst and Thatcham.
- Best for character and prestige: Windsor and Ascot.
- Best for a market-town feel: Newbury.
- Best all-rounder: Reading, for the sheer range of homes, jobs and links.
Visit a few before you decide. The right area is the one that feels like home when you stand on the street, not just the one that looks best on paper.
Planning Your Move to Berkshire
Once you have chosen your town, the move itself needs a plan. A few pointers to start:
- Book your removals firm early. Berkshire is a busy county and good crews fill up fast, especially on Fridays and at month-end.
- Get a proper quote. A survey-led firm visits, takes an inventory and gives you a fixed price rather than a guess. You can request a quote once your date looks likely.
- Plan for access. Town-centre flats, riverside roads and gated Ascot drives all need different planning. A good firm checks this in advance.
- Consider storage if your dates do not line up. A short storage booking bridges the gap if completion slips.
- Sort the admin. Our address change checklist covers everyone who needs to know your new address.
If you are buying your first home in the county, our first-time buyer survival guide walks through the whole process step by step. And if you are still weighing up the stress of it all, our look at the most stressful parts of moving house shows how to keep a move calm.
We move families into and across Berkshire all year round, handling everything from packing to storage under one roof. Whatever corner of the county you are heading to, we will build the plan around you.
Get in touch with our team or request a Berkshire removals quote to get started.
Get a free Berkshire removals quote
Frequently Asked Questions
Wokingham, Bracknell and Thatcham are popular family choices thanks to good schools, family housing and green space. Wokingham regularly ranks among the best places to live in the country for quality of life, while Bracknell and Thatcham offer newer family homes and easier prices.
Slough, Sandhurst and Thatcham generally offer better value than the county’s top-tier towns. Slough in particular has become more attractive since the Elizabeth line cut commuting times, while still being more affordable than Windsor, Ascot or Wokingham.
Reading, Maidenhead and Slough have the strongest rail links, and all three are now served by the Elizabeth line. Reading also has fast mainline services, making it one of the quickest commutes in the county.
Berkshire is one of the more expensive counties in the South East, though prices vary widely. Ascot and Windsor sit at the top end, while Slough, Sandhurst and Thatcham offer more for your money. Choosing the right town for your budget makes a big difference.
Book a survey-led removals firm as early as you can, get a fixed written quote, and plan for access at both ends. If your completion date might slip, consider short-term storage to bridge the gap. A good firm handles packing, the move and storage together so you deal with one team throughout.