Many view our town with completely opposing views.

Some see Reading as a great place to live with great amenities, efficient transport links, and a welcoming community. 

Others see it in a less positive light...

Brian Templeton recently posted on social media asking what are people's favourite things about Reading.

The post gathered almost 300 comments with many sharing good, and bad, things about our town. 

One person wrote "It’s ok - like all towns it has good and bad. I was born in Southcote which I am proud of.

"I moved to West Reading where we had our kids in a beautiful part of the town, on the corner of Valentia Road and Catherine Street with the nicest neighbours you could wish for, then we move to Tilehurst where we have lived ever since and will stay for the rest of our days.

"I still see all my mates from over 60 years ago so I ain’t had a bad life living in Reading."

In agreement with the previous comment, another person said "Born in Reading loved it as a kid moved away many a time over the years but still Berkshire born Berkshire bred Me."

Others chimed in with examples of their favourite aspects of Reading. Many expressed that growing up they found the town very enjoyable. 

One commenter gave a substantial list of Reading's key amenities. 

They said "I'm Reading born and bred. Where to start? We've always had a really good bus service. We have The Royal Berkshire Hospital. We have the University and some very good schools.

"The Thames passing through too. Beautiful parks and the Thames Promenade. Good shopping and plenty of restaurants and cafes. London not to far away either for the theatres and museums etc.

"I've never lived anywhere else and neither did my parents or grandparents. I'm truly a Reading person and so are my children and grandchildren. We've all got our home here. So forgive me for praising the town of my birth, if it's good enough for me it's should be good enough for you."

Others saw Reading in a less respectable light, many sharing humorous comments like 'Nothing' or 'The M4 going away from Reading.'

However, in support of the town one popular commenter scolded those for shedding a bad light on Reading.

They said "Here we go again. Reading residents moaning about where they live. Makes me wonder why they're still here.

"Could it be full employment for the last 50 years, numerous parks and play areas for kids, pretty decent schools, fairly good access to doctors, good access to the countryside, decent pubs and restaurants and a clean modern shopping centre."