New "villages" are sprouting up on the fringes of Reading, the Thames Valley town lobbying for city status.
Already an important regional business centre, with a number of global companies based there, Reading sits at the western end of the new 60-mile Crossrail route, the prospect of which is boosting the local economy.
Reading to Paddington is one of the UK's fastest-growing commuter routes, but it's not all one-way traffic.
Every working day, more people arrive to work in Reading than leave for London.
St Edward, developer of 60-acre Green Park Village is building "Cape Cod-style" homes which are striking a chord with buyers.
These pastel-coloured houses with gables, porches and verandas on stilts are divided by white picket fences in a lakeside setting with trim trails and a nature reserve, shops and sports facilities, a town square, primary school and community hall.
A new train station will connect with Crossrail in Reading town centre.
Houses cost from £379,950. Flats start at £259,500. Call 0118 3216197.
Kennet Island is another new neighbourhood on the edge of the town. Prices from £240,000. Call Berkeley Homes on 0118 3216942.
A complete contrast is Verto, Reading's tallest tower block.
This 18-storey canalside building in the town centre has three roof gardens and 103 flats priced from £270,000. Call Haslams on 0118 9601 010 for further details.