Friars Walk, Reading, Berkshire, RG1

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

There are plenty of local shops, cafés and restaurants nearby, making it easy for everyday shopping and eating out. There are also a few nice bars within walking distance, as well as green spaces that are well looked after and good for walks or relaxing. Transport links are convenient, with regular buses and a nearby station that makes getting around easy, although it can be busy at peak times

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

The building management team are always quick to act especially Jayden

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

One thing I wish I had known before moving in is how quiet and settled the building feels most of the time, as this isn’t always obvious during a short viewing.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Reading is a great place to live, and I’m genuinely positive about life here. The range of local shops is excellent - you’ve got everything from high-street favourites in the town centre to independent cafés, markets and boutiques, so there’s always somewhere nice to browse and eat out. There’s also a solid mix of restaurants and bars, from relaxed pubs to modern eateries, which means you can enjoy everything from casual lunches to evenings out without having to travel far.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Building management has responded very positively to any issues raised. They are approachable, professional and quick to act, with clear communication throughout. Problems are handled efficiently and resolved in a timely manner, which gives real reassurance and confidence in how the building is managed.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The large shopping centre is extremely convenient and easily accessible, making day-to-day living very easy. Having a wide range of shops, supermarkets, restaurants and essential services so close by saves time and adds real comfort and convenience to everyday life.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Ebb and Flow is an amazing place to live. In the centre of Reading a 2 minute walk from the station with so much to do. So many fun activists to do with family and friends including golf, bowling, darts and plenty more. Also great for social nights out with loads of Restaraunts and bars..

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Yes, always respond quickly and tend to any issues in a timely manor.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I had known how truly great it was I would have moved sooner.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

There are lots of places to eat, a large shopping centre with places such as H&M, Zara and TK Max. There is a lovely park around the corner and the train into Paddington is only 20 minutes.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Maintenance are super quick and helpful if I have an issue in my apartment, and if I need help from the community team they are always there, the night team are friendly too.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I had known what a solid community Ebb and Flow are, the majority of the residents are friendly and the team is amazing - I have made lots of new friends already!

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

Living in my local area feels like a greatest-hits album of everyday life. We’ve got a solid mix of independent shops, handy supermarkets, and cafés where the baristas know their regulars (and their dogs). Restaurants range from reliable takeaways to a few surprisingly excellent spots, and there are enough pubs and bars to keep weekends lively without turning the place into party central. Green spaces are a real win – parks and little hidden patches of grass perfect for walks, picnics, or escaping screens for an hour. Transport links are generally convenient, with frequent buses and a nearby train station making commuting and spontaneous trips fairly painless, though rush hour can test your patience and occasionally your faith in timetables. On my street, it’s mostly friendly and calm. Parking can be a bit of a game of musical chairs in the evenings, but bin collections are regular and dependable. Traffic noise is manageable, antisocial behaviour is rare, and overall it’s the kind of place that feels comfortably lived-in rather than polished – which is exactly the charm.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Building management has been refreshingly on the ball. Issues are acknowledged quickly, fixed efficiently, and followed up with friendly updates, making the whole process feel less like a complaint and more like a smooth, well-organised pit stop.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I’d known just how socially sneaky the place is. What looks calm and quiet on a viewing turns out to be full of friendly neighbours, casual chats in shared spaces, and a genuine community vibe once you move in. Also, little tip for new neighbours: spend time exploring the building early on – there are surprisingly handy shortcuts, quiet corners, and peak times to avoid lifts or parking stress. Nothing bad, just useful “insider knowledge” that makes settling in even smoother.