Oxford is also brilliantly connected. London is under an hour away by fast train, the Cotswolds are practically on the doorstep, and the city itself is packed with independent shops, award-winning restaurants, museums, and green open spaces. Whether you're relocating for work, family, or a fresh start, Oxford is a city that rewards those who choose it.
Best Areas to Live in Oxford
Here are some of the best neighbourhoods this remarkable city has to offer.
Jericho
Jericho is arguably Oxford's most characterful neighbourhood — and consistently one of the most sought-after. Originally a resting place for travellers who arrived in the city after its gates had closed for the night, today Jericho retains a wonderfully distinct, cosmopolitan energy. Its streets are lined with late Georgian and Victorian terraced cottages, originally built for local workers and artisans, alongside modern apartments built on the site of the old Eagle Ironworks along the Oxford Canal.
At its heart is Walton Street, a vibrant main road packed with independent shops, cafés, restaurants, and lively bars. The neighbourhood is a conservation area, protecting its beautiful historic architecture for generations to come. Canal-side walks, proximity to the University of Oxford and Oxford University Press, and an eclectic arts and music scene make Jericho one of the best areas to live in Oxford for young professionals, academics, and families alike.
Summertown
Just north of the city centre, Summertown strikes the ideal balance between urban convenience and relaxed suburban living. The neighbourhood has its own thriving shopping hub on Banbury Road and South Parade, home to independent boutiques, supermarkets, well-regarded restaurants, and lively bars — all within walking distance of tree-lined residential streets.
Summertown is especially popular with families, thanks to the concentration of prestigious schools nearby, including the Dragon School and Summer Fields. The property market features handsome semi-detached and detached red brick Victorian townhouses, and the area is served by excellent bus links into the city centre and Oxford Parkway railway station. If you want the buzz of Oxford without being in the thick of it, Summertown is a superb choice.
Headington
To the east of the city centre lies Headington — a large, diverse suburb with broad appeal for students, professionals, families, and retirees. It is home to Oxford's main hospitals, including the John Radcliffe, Churchill, and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, as well as the main campus of Oxford Brookes University. Old High Street is a particularly lovely part of the neighbourhood, lined with 17th and 18th-century stone houses from the original village.
Headington Crossroads offers a lively mix of independent shops and high street names, while the area benefits from strong bus links into the city. And no guide to Headington would be complete without mention of its most famous resident — the Headington Shark, a 25-foot fibreglass sculpture poking out of a terraced house roof, installed in 1986 and now a beloved local landmark.
Cowley
Cowley is Oxford's most vibrant and culturally diverse neighbourhood, centred on the famous Cowley Road stretching southeast from the city centre. The area has a rich industrial heritage — the BMW Mini plant still operates on its outskirts — alongside a thriving modern scene of independent restaurants serving global cuisines, vintage shops, art spaces, and live music venues including the O2 Academy Oxford.
Every summer, Cowley Road hosts its legendary Carnival — Oxford's biggest street party, celebrating the area's extraordinary diversity with live music, a parade, and food from every corner of the world. Housing stock is primarily Edwardian and Victorian terraced and semi-detached houses, and the area offers some of the most affordable properties close to the city centre. It's an ideal base for young professionals, students, and anyone who thrives on community spirit and a lively social scene.
Marston
Marston is a quiet, green, and genuinely affordable neighbourhood to the northeast of Oxford city centre, bordering the River Cherwell. It has a pleasant village feel, with a good selection of local shops, schools, and green spaces, and is within easy reach of the John Radcliffe Hospital and Oxford Brookes University campus.
The area is popular with families, academics, and post-graduate students seeking calm and space without sacrificing city access. Properties range from cosy terraced houses to detached and semi-detached homes, and the cycle and pedestrian paths into the city centre make car-free living genuinely practical. Marston is one of Oxford's best-kept secrets for those looking to settle down.
North Oxford
Central North Oxford — encompassing the neighbourhoods of Walton Manor, Park Town, and Norham Manor — represents some of the most desirable real estate in the city. Early Georgian stucco-fronted houses in Walton Manor, classical terraced crescents in Park Town, and grand Gothic and Italianate villas in Norham Manor create a remarkably varied architectural character. Streets are generally wide, tree-lined, and spacious.
North Parade Avenue provides a charming selection of shops, pubs, and restaurants, and the area is walking distance from University Parks — one of Oxford's most beautiful open spaces. With excellent schools, easy city access, and a peaceful, established community feel, North Oxford is a natural choice for families and professionals seeking the finest of Oxford living.
Stress-Free Transition and Settling In
Oxford and its surrounding villages and towns make a wonderful base, whether you're relocating permanently or seeking a second home. Nearby options that combine Oxfordshire charm with great commuter links include:
- Abingdon-on-Thames
- Witney
- Woodstock
- Bicester
- Wallingford
- Kidlington
- Charlbury
- Burford
- Chipping Norton
Why Choose Oxford
Here's why Oxford remains one of England's most popular destinations for those looking to relocate:
Better Living
Oxford offers an exceptional quality of life. The city combines the cultural richness of a world-class university town with the pace and greenery of a market county — a genuinely rare combination. There are two rivers (the Thames, locally known as the Isis, and the Cherwell), the Oxford Canal, and numerous parks and meadows perfect for punting, cycling, and walking.
Transport links are excellent: London Paddington is reachable in under an hour from Oxford station, and the city is well connected by bus and road. Average property prices in Oxford sit around £597,000 — significantly lower than London, making it a popular choice for those who want access to the capital while enjoying a higher quality of life.
Historic Charm
The University of Oxford — founded in the 12th century and consistently ranked among the world's best — defines much of the city's character. Its 39 colleges are scattered across the city centre, and the iconic "dreaming spires" skyline is recognised the world over. The city's museums are world-class and entirely free, including the Ashmolean Museum — the oldest public museum in the UK — the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the Natural History Museum.
Outdoor Adventures
Oxford and its surrounding countryside offer fantastic outdoor opportunities. University Parks, Port Meadow (an ancient flood meadow), the Thames Path, and countless cycling routes make it easy to stay active. The Cotswolds AONB begins just west of the city, offering some of England's most beautiful walking and cycling territory within easy reach.
Education
Oxford is home to a wide range of excellent state and independent schools, including:
- Dragon School
- Summer Fields
- Oxford High School (GDST)
- Magdalen College School
- St Edward's School
- Cherwell School
- Oxford Spires Academy
- Headington School
And of course, the city is home to both the University of Oxford and Oxford Brookes University.
Industry
Oxford has a rapidly growing and diversified economy, anchored by the university but stretching well beyond it. The city has become a leading hub for life sciences, technology, and AI research — supported by the Oxford Science Park, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, and ARC Oxford (Advanced Research Cluster). The BMW Mini plant in Cowley remains a major employer, and the city is home to roughly 4,730 businesses across retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, and professional services.
Gentlevan Removals - Your Bridge to Oxford
Gentlevan Removals, based in Banbury, Oxfordshire, is your trusted partner for seamless house removals across the UK and Europe. We offer a full range of services, including
packing,
storage,
local house removal services, and even specialised
piano removals.
Planning a move to Oxford? Based in nearby Banbury, we know Oxfordshire inside and out — giving us the knowledge to provide personalised, cost-efficient solutions tailored to your needs. With Gentlevan Removals, you can count on a smooth and stress-free moving experience.
Ready to relocate? There are several ways to contact us:
We'd love to welcome you to the Oxford community with excellent service and warm assistance!
