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What are the best areas of Oxford to live?

Thinking of moving to Oxford? See what properties are available right now

Are you looking to move to Oxford and wondering which area of Oxford is best to live? Then this guide can help you discover where best suits you.

If you’re looking to move to a city that’s surrounded by greenery and is well-connected with rail, road or cycle routes, then Oxford may be a great choice. It even has many rail and bus connections to its surrounding areas, including London and Birmingham.

Best areas to live in Oxford

With a population of 162,100* – 22% of which are full-time students – it’s natural to associate Oxford mainly with its university. However, you’ll soon notice that, once you step out of the city’s centre, Oxford and its surrounding neighbourhoods have so much more to offer you.

Oxford is home to roughly 4,730 businesses and has a growing economy. The average property price throughout the last 12 months was £579,955** but there are all sorts of properties and price ranges on offer here.

If you’ve been uhm-ing and ah-ing about where to move in Oxford, then the following area guide should offer you some inspiration on the best places to live. It really all depends on what you want from a neighbourhood.

Headington

To the east of Oxford’s city centre, you’ll find the suburb of Headington. It has easy access to the A40 and various local amenities, including pubs, restaurants and Oxford’s main hospitals. It's also home to the Oxford Brookes University campus, making this a great area for students.

Marston

If you’re looking for an affordable and beautiful neighbourhood close to Oxford and plenty of green space, then Marston may be the one for you. Bordering the River Cherwell and with easy access to the Northern Bypass Road, you’ll find property types ranging from semi-detached and detached to terraced houses and small cosy flats.

Jericho

Just north of the city centre, yet still close to the heart of Oxford, you’ll find Jericho – home to many historical buildings, pubs, bars, and cafés. Its Georgian and Victorian buildings are under conservation, so that the history of the area is maintained. Thanks to its many restaurants, cafés and shops, Jericho is vibrant and lively and even has canal access. It’s a perfect neighbourhood for young professionals and families alike.

Cowley Road

Cowley Road leads into Oxford from the south-east, attracting residents from all walks of life. Every year they host Oxford’s biggest street party – the Cowley Road Carnival that attracts visitors from near and far. The road is one of the main shopping streets in and around Oxford. This means you get a great atmosphere, a buzz of people as well as the convenience of being able to pop to the shops in seconds. With a variety of terraced houses, bungalows and semi-detached houses, Cowley Road has various property types to suit many buyers needs.

Iffley

As a quiet suburb, south of Oxford, Iffley is steeped in history with Victorian homes and traditional pubs as well as a range of new builds in development to accommodate its growing population. Its village vibe and proximity to Oxford, together with its walking routes along the Thames, have allowed Iffley to maintain a strong community feel, while warmly welcoming newcomers.

Is it cheaper to live in Oxford or London?


There’s no doubt that Oxford has a lot to offer and, in comparison to London, the city offers calmness and tranquillity, whilst not missing out on many of the capital’s conveniences. Additionally, London is just a stone’s throw away, allowing you to easily get your fill of the big-city life when you feel like it.

One thing that’s important to mention, and no doubt will be on your mind is the price. Living in Oxford is much cheaper than living in London. In fact, housing in Oxford is, on average, 55% lower in cost than in London*** making it a great area to buy.

No matter the type of property you’re looking for, we’re happy to help.

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