10 Reasons I Wish I Grew Up Literally Anywhere BUT Reading

Hometowns are generally nostalgic to the vast majority, and as my hometown Reading is nostalgic to me,however as time goes on and I’ve moved around to other places, and met different people, I’ve begun to discover that literally anywhere else would of been a better place to grow up in.

These my 10 reasons i wish i grew up literally anywhere BUT Reading.

1. There’s Nothing To Do.

Like a lot of places, Reading only starts getting interesting when you reach the legal age of 18 and can start to drink and hit pubs and clubs – and even then you’re limited to the bores of chains and spoons. Unfortunately this means growing up in Reading as a kid you’re severely limited, and you end up begging your parents to take you to neighboring towns for the nearest ice rink, indoor water park.

2. Everyone’s The Same

Growing up in Reading I soon found out, that apart from a few golden people, everyone seems to have a similar music taste, and similar aspirations. If you’re looking for someone a bit different in Reading it might be a good idea to seek literally anywhere else.

3.Its Always Grey

Now i didn’t actually realize this was a trait that was exclusive to Reading until i started venturing out. But Reading is ALWAYS Grey, and i’m not just talking about the weather, the buildings, rivers, houses and roads, just always seems so grey and deflated.

4.There’s No Inspiration

Growing up in Reading you come to realize that the place generally doesn’t have much of an inspiring feel. Besides going for long walks by the river and checking out the Abbey Ruins, there’s not much culture there. Reading seems to have forgotten its history and this is not encouraging for its people.

5.Everyone Seems Stuck

Relating to the lack of inspiration in this town. Nobody seems to ‘dream big’. Besides a few people generally seem to be fearful and demotivated to leave, despite its lack of activities, there isn’t a desire to achieve anything different.

6. Its Really Expensive

For a town that doesn’t have a lot going on, Reading is super expensive. This ranges from general transport within the town, to drinks at your local, and everything in between. And considering the general lack of things to do there, train and bus prices to get out of the town is extortionate as well.

7. There’s A lot Of Countryside

Although many people love the idea of tonnes of countryside being easily accessible. However when you’re a teen or post-teen wanting to go out and experience new things, an overdose of countryside can be incredibly isolating.

8. There’s Always Construction

Growing up in Reading you tend to notice the consistency of new things being started – but never really getting finished. Which is not only an eyesore, but is generally annoying if you plan on getting into a building or driving down a main road.

9. You have to drive to get around

As i mentioned before, its pretty expensive to get public transport, not only this but buses are pretty unreliable and inconsistent, especially in bad weather conditions. In addition to this you’ll likely have to get on several buses – quadrupling a journey that would probably take you 5 minutes to get to by car.

10. Reading Festival

Now from the age of about 14 to around 17 this is a massive plus, especially as you’ve spent your childhood aching for something fun to do. Unfortunately though, when you’ve surpassed 17, all the mud, noisy teens, massive queues in shops, dire traffic, and mounds and mounds of litter, just become an irritation!