Wokingham has featured in the top 5 places to live and work in the UK, 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.
Their research ranked Wokingham in 3rd place, only behind Reading in 2nd and South Gloucestershire in 1st.
Their study says: “In third place, Wokingham stands out for its impressive wealth and education levels. It has the highest disposable household income of the top five (£28,641), paired with a median salary of £45,245.
“Productivity is also among the best in the UK, with workers generating £62.30 per hour in value, and the local economy has grown by 17.7% since 2019.
“Wokingham has one of the most educated populations in the country, with 81% of residents qualified to Level 3 or above, helping to sustain high-value industries. The employment rate is 78.6%, and commutes average just under 12 minutes.
“Residents enjoy strong well-being outcomes, with a life satisfaction score of 7.57/10 and some of the UK’s highest healthy life expectancies at 65 (22.7 years for women and 20.3 years for men)—significantly higher than Reading. Mental health indicators are also positive, with 34 suicides recorded in the last year, the lowest number on the list.
“Where Wokingham loses out to its sister town is in house prices, which are £481,000 on average, with average rents of £1,039. Wokingham remains one of the UK’s most aspirational and well-rounded places to live—a quieter alternative to Reading with the same desirable access to neighbouring culture and natural beauty.”
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/
