The ranking is part of the travel site’s 300 Best Places to Live 2025 project, which offered their readers a chance to vote on the best places to live across the country and within each county.
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Introducing the results from Berkshire, Muddy Stilettos described the county as “so fancy it’s called Royal Berkshire”, and noted it plays home to the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Berkshire also boasts a “constellation” of Michelin star restaurants, has “inspired literary greats”, and is apparently one of the “most commutable” counties in the country, thanks partly its connection to the London tube map via the Elizabeth Line.
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From Pangbourne to Sonning, these were the spots voted as the best five places to live in Berkshire.
Pangbourne scoops the number one spot, highly praised as one of Berkshire’s “loveliest” river villages.
The town’s scenic charm is coupled with commuter appeal with easy links to London, Reading, Oxford, and Heathrow.
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Muddy Stilettos says Pangbourne is much in demand among “families and urban exiles” with its plethora of pubs and indie shops – but beware, all this charm means it is a bit on the pricier side.
Coming in at second place is Caversham, a trendy northern neighbourhood in Reading that mixes urban and country life: “a little bit of country, a little bit of rock ‘n’ roll”.
Like Pangbourne, Caversham is also a stones throw from London and is especially attractive for young professionals and families who want to combine an easy commute with a community vibe.
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At third place is Sunninghill, a “thriving and affluent village with a high street chock full of independent shops and restaurants”.
It’s also easy to get to London from here – perhaps suggesting a common theme across the top spots.
Sunninghill fits well into the ‘royal borough’, dating back to Anglo Saxon times and littered with independent shops.
Muddy Stilettos describes it as a “playground for the rich, famous, and royal”, but notes to watch out for high prices.
Fourth place brings us to Finchampstead, nestled between Reading and Wokingham.
The town offers a great selection of schools as well as picturesque walking routes, and even has its own country park.
Muddy Stilettos recommends it to those “wanting to escape the city grind, but not keen on being out in the sticks”.
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Sonning comes in at fifth place, boasting a beautiful riverside setting.
Described in the book Three Men In A Boat as the most “fairy-like little nook on the whole river”, Sonning also gets some glamour points as home to famous actor George Clooney and legendary Led Zeppelin star Jimmy Page.
Former Prime Minister Theresa May also reportedly lives locally, although whether that should be counted as a boon or a bane is up for debate.
You can find a longer list of ten places and more details on each location on the Muddy Stilettos website.
