Where are the best places to live in Oxford? If you are going to work or study in Oxford, you may be thinking about this question. Oxford is a city steeped in history and renowned for its academic prestige. It is not only a great place to visit but also an excellent place to call home. With its rich cultural heritage, vibrant community, and ample opportunities, Oxford offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern amenities. Let’s explore some of the best areas in Oxford to live and consider where your new home will be.
Is Oxford a Nice Place to Live?
In a word, yes! There are several nice places to live in Oxford with a rich history, vibrant community, excellent amenities, and convenient location. Residents enjoy easy access to an array of amenities, including shops, restaurants, and leisure facilities, all within easy reach. The city is well-connected, with excellent transport links to London and other major cities, making it an ideal base for commuters. Moreover, Oxford boasts a diverse range of schools, from primary to universities, ensuring that education is at the forefront of the city’s priorities. Oxford is also a hub for innovation and technology and offers a range of career opportunities. From its picturesque streets lined with medieval buildings to its thriving arts and cultural scene, Oxford exudes a sense of warmth and community. Whether you’re drawn to its academic prestige, cultural richness, or tranquil surroundings, you are able to find a place to call home in this charming city.
Where are the Best Places to Live in Oxford?
There’s no shortage of nice places to live in Oxford. These areas are ideally positioned close to the city centre, and also offer a mix of amenities and good transport links. It’s hard to say which is the best area to live in Oxford, as each area has its own distinct character and vibe. Here we listed some of the best places to live in Oxford:
Oxford City Center
When looking for the best place to live in Oxford, the city centre must be taken into consideration. Living in the heart of Oxford means being at the epicentre of the city’s action. With the city’s best attractions, restaurants, and shops at your doorstep, the Oxford City Centre offers endless entertainment and convenience. Oxford City Centre is where you’ll find iconic landmarks like the Bodleian Library, the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford Castle & Prison, Oxford Botanic Garden, the historic Oxford University buildings, many meadows and parks, and lots more. You won’t need to use much public transport here, and you can walk from one central part to any other in around 30 minutes. To reach other Oxford districts, you have plenty of buses: the journeys are short, and the timetables are very regular.
However, you should be prepared for the higher cost of living that comes with the prime location. Property prices in Oxford City Centre can be higher than that in other areas, and parking can be a challenge. But it is always worth living in many residence options, including private rental apartments, homestays, and student accommodation in Oxford City Centre.
Headington
Headington is an eastern suburb of Oxford, at the top of Headington Hill which overlooks the city of Oxford and the valley below. You can find everything you need here as the area is well-served by many local shops, cafes, pubs, and restaurants, creating a bustling local economy. Headington is also known for its quirky and unique landmarks. The most famous of these is the Headington Shark, a large sculpture of a shark appearing to crash through the roof of a residential house. It is also home to a number of parks and open spaces, including Bury Knowle Park, which is a favourite among locals for its beautiful scenery and children’s play area.
Because it’s large and relatively affordable, it has a booming population and residents of all ages. Headington is also where the Oxford Brookes University campus is, so a lot of students and staff of that university live in this area. If you study or work within the city centre or even in London, you will find your commute easy. No matter which part of the district you live in, you’ll find connections to the city centre. Most bus journeys take between 15 and 25 minutes.
Jericho
Just north of the city centre, you’ll find Jericho, an enchanting neighbourhood with immense historical significance. Jericho was originally a place for travellers to rest when they reached Oxford after its gates had closed. That’s where the name might have come from, as it refers to a “remote place”. Jericho now offers a perfect balance between quietness and being central. Strolling through its picturesque streets, you will be captivated by the Georgian and Victorian architecture reflecting its past as a hub for workers during the Industrial Revolution. The Oxford Canal, which runs through the heart of the neighbourhood, played a vital role in the transportation of goods during the Industrial Revolution. Today, you can still witness the remnants of this history as you walk along the canal towpath, passing by narrowboats and picturesque locks.
Jericho is one of the best areas to live in Oxford for young professionals, students, and families alike. There is a vibrant cultural scene, with independent shops, bars, cafes, and bustling markets. It has rows of late Georgian and Victorian terraced cottages, artisan housing, and large modern apartment buildings built alongside the Oxford Canal on the site of the old Eagle Ironworks. This area also provides some best options for student accommodation in Oxford.
Iffley
Iffley is a village located just two miles southeast of the Oxford City Centre. It’s famous for its largely unchanged Norman church, St Mary the Virgin, and its proximity to the River Thames. Iffley combines a village atmosphere with close proximity to the city, so it is an attractive location for those looking for a balance of tranquillity and accessibility. It also offers a welcoming community spirit, several old-school-style pubs, and plenty of friendly faces.
Though it is a pretty laid-back district, Iffley is among the best areas in Oxford to live, especially popular with students. They come here for the relatively hip vibe, the relatively low rents, and the relative proximity to the city centre. In terms of housing, Iffley offers a mix of charming period properties and more modern homes, catering to a range of tastes and budgets. Many of the houses in the village offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside or the River Thames, adding to the area’s appeal.
Cowley
Cowley is a diverse and vibrant area, known for its industrial heritage and recent regeneration. It’s a popular choice for young families and professionals, offering a mix of affordable apartments, student accommodations, and modern amenities. There is a range of independent shops, some of the best nightlife and music venues, and restaurants with cuisines from around the world. The outskirts of Cowley is home to the BMW Mini plant and ARC Oxford (Advanced Research Cluster), a business park housing science and tech facilities as well as businesses. Cowley is most well-known for hosting the annual Cowley Road Carnival, the biggest party in the city. Every summer, the festival descends upon the neighbourhood and totally transforms the place. Cowley also has excellent transport links, making it easy to get to and from the city centre.
Marston
Marston is a quiet neighbourhood and also within walking distance from the Oxford City Centre. It sort of feels like a small homely village, and it offers access to schools, small shops, pubs, restaurants, playgrounds, and the huge John Radcliffe Hospital. It’s also just 2.5 miles from the city centre, so you can easily commute by bike or walk. Regular bus services and easy access to the motorway network are also available in this area.
Marston doesn’t have much in terms of shops, restaurants, or things to do or see. But if you’re looking for an affordable and beautiful neighbourhood close to the town centre with plenty of green space, then Marston may be the best area to live in Oxford for you. Marston also tends to attract more students because of its proximity to the Oxford Brookes Campus.
Summertown
When considering where to stay in Oxford, England, Summertown is one of the most popular choices, particularly among families, professionals, and academics. It’s far enough from the centre to be quiet and relaxed, but close enough to the centre to allow for fun weekend action. Residents here have everything they need close by. Summertown benefits from its own large shopping area on Banbury Road and South Parade, which includes some high street names, independent shops, supermarkets, restaurants and bars. There are also several fitness centres and parks, like Cutteslowe Park, which offer plenty of recreational opportunities.
Summertown is located just north of Oxford City Centre, making it super convenient for those who need to commute to the city. It’s well-served by public transport, with frequent bus routes connecting it to the centre and other parts of Oxford. Additionally, it’s within walking or cycling distance of the city. You can also find easy access to Oxford Parkway railway station, which has super-regular connections to London Marylebone.
What to Consider When Choosing Place to Live in Oxford?
- Budget: Research property prices and rental rates in your preferred areas to ensure you can afford your dream home. Consider the average rent and living expenses in different areas to find a neighbourhood that fits your budget.
- Amenities: Consider what amenities are important to you, such as access to shops, restaurants, leisure facilities, parks, and schools. Different areas offer varying levels of convenience, so choose one that aligns with your lifestyle.
- Proximity to Work/Study: If you work or study in the city centre, living closer could save you commute time.
- Transport: Oxford has a good public transport system, but some areas are more accessible than others. If you rely on buses, trains, or cycling, ensure your chosen location is well-connected.
- Safety: Safety is always a top priority. Research crime rates and safety features in your potential neighbourhood to ensure you’re moving to a secure area.
- Community: The community you live in can significantly impact your quality of life. Look for areas with a strong sense of community and friendly neighbours.
Conclusion of Best Places to Live in Oxford
FAQ about Best Places to Live in Oxford
Where is the most expensive place to live in Oxford?
In Oxford, the most expensive places are usually closely related to housing prices and living costs. There is no specific data that directly indicates a specific location as the most expensive place to live, but the Oxford City Centre and its surrounding areas often have relatively high housing prices and living costs due to their advantageous geographical location, abundant educational resources, and frequent commercial activities. Specifically, Summertown may be considered one of the areas with higher housing prices in Oxford.
Is it cheaper to live in Oxford or London?
According to the latest data, London has higher living costs than Oxford in most aspects, especially in terms of rental and housing costs. The cost of living in London is 15.2% higher than in Oxford. Therefore, from an economic perspective, currently living in Oxford is more economical than living in London.
Where do most Oxford students live?
Most Oxford students choose to live within the city of Oxford, with several areas particularly popular among students, including Jericho, Iffley, Cowley, and Headington. These areas are not only close to universities, but also have complete living facilities and a strong cultural atmosphere, making them very suitable for students to live in.
