Living in Oxford: A prime location for property buyers
Living in Oxford and the surrounding areas offers a multitude of lifestyle benefits.
The historic city of Oxford is renowned for its world-class education and beautiful architecture. But beyond its famous university, it provides an enriching blend of cultural vibrancy, excellent amenities, and a strong sense of community.
Buying agent Philippa Mills, who specialises in the Oxfordshire property market, shares insights on what keeps this city in high demand and why living in Oxford, or one of the many wonderful locations nearby, holds such appeal.
A City with something for everyone
One of Oxford’s standout qualities is its diversity—not only in its population but also in the distinct neighbourhoods it offers.
Each area has its own unique character, catering to different preferences and lifestyles.
Here are some prime examples of the areas in Oxford:
Jericho
Jericho is a vibrant neighbourhood known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and proximity to Oxford’s city centre. The area features late Georgian and Victorian terraced cottages, originally built for local workers. Additionally, there are modern apartment buildings developed along the Oxford Canal.
At its heart lies a lively main street boasting independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars. The community is diverse, comprising students, professionals, and young families.
Central North Oxford
Central North Oxford encompasses the suburbs of Walton Manor, Park Town, and Norham Manor. Walton Manor features late Georgian terraces and larger Victorian properties. Park Town is noted for its classical terraced crescents and detached villas.
Norham Manor offers Gothic-style and Italianate detached or semi-detached houses, often set on wide, tree-lined streets. The area exudes a spacious and tranquil ambiance, with North Parade Avenue providing a variety of shops, pubs, and restaurants.
Summertown
Summertown, located in North Oxford, is a highly regarded area characterised by its semi-detached Victorian red-brick townhouses and terraces. Properties typically feature long, narrow plots along relatively compact streets.
The neighbourhood has a well-established shopping district centred around Banbury Road and South Parade, offering a mix of high street retailers, independent boutiques, restaurants, and bars.
One of the main attractions of Central North Oxford and Summertown is the presence of several prestigious private schools, including renowned preparatory institutions such as the Dragon School and Summer Fields.
Headington
Situated on the eastern edge of Oxford, Headington is known as the location of several of the city’s major hospitals. These include the John Radcliffe, Churchill, and Nuffield. It is also home to the main campus of Oxford Brookes University and esteemed independent schools such as Rye St Antony and Headington School.
The local shopping area around Headington Crossroads offers a mix of high street names and independent stores, contributing to a vibrant community atmosphere.
The benefits of tourism
Oxford’s global reputation as a historic and academic powerhouse brings a steady stream of visitors, especially to the city centre., Philippa notes that tourism has a positive impact benefiting local businesses and creating a vibrant economy with excellent shopping, dining, and leisure options.
Residents can enjoy the city’s many attractions, from the iconic university colleges to the lively festivals and food markets that take place throughout the year.
Why families choose Oxford
Living in Oxford is a popular choice for families relocating from London or abroad. One of its main draws is the exceptional choice of schools, both state and independent, catering to a variety of educational needs.
The city also offers a wealth of extracurricular opportunities. With everything from music and arts to sports and outdoor activities, children can thrive beyond the classroom. Additionally, Oxford’s location provides easy access to the Cotswolds, offering countryside escapes just a short drive away.
The ideal balance between rural and urban living
Many buyers today seek a lifestyle that balances the tranquillity of the countryside with the accessibility of city life. Oxford and its surrounding areas offer just that.
With excellent transport links, including multiple railway stations providing direct routes into London Paddington and Marylebone, residents can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Whether commuting for work or visiting London for leisure, the city remains well-connected while offering a more relaxed pace.
Desirable villages near oxford
If you’d prefer a quieter alternative to living in Oxford, the villages near Oxford offer some excellent options with picturesque settings, strong local communities, and easy access to both Oxford and London.
Dorchester-on-Thames is a sought-after village with historic architecture, a thriving community, and excellent walking routes. Boars Hill, just three miles from Oxford, is known for its scenic views and peaceful surroundings.
Eynsham offers a lively village atmosphere with great schools and local amenities, making it popular with families.
These villages, along with others such as Cumnor, Wytham, and Islip, provide a range of options for buyers looking to enjoy countryside living while remaining well-connected to Oxford’s opportunities.
Finding the right home in Oxfordshire
As the high demand for homes in Oxfordshire continues, properties are increasingly being sold off-market. Philippa highlights the value of a buying agent in such a competitive environment, as local networks and market knowledge can be key to securing sought-after homes before they even reach the open market.
So, if living in Oxfordshire is something you are considering, and you would value some expert advice and guidance for your property search, Garrington is happy to assist. Contact us today for a no-obligation discussion about your plans.
