Moving from London to Oxfordshire - Top Reasons For Relocating
Most Londoners have, at some point or another, dreamed about moving to the countryside. There’s something about the promise of an easier, more relaxed life that’s irresistible to anyone who’s been in the city for too long.
Still, in the last few years, the number of Londoners moving to the Wider South East — including towns in Oxfordshire — has been surprisingly high. In 2022, approximately 247,000 Londoners moved, compared to 200,000 the previous year.
What’s causing this mini-migration? Gentlevan Removals, operating across the U.K. and many parts of Europe, has been primarily focused on finding a solution.
In this guide, we compare life in Oxfordshire and the capital region to understand the pull of the countryside. We’ll also offer some crucial tips to any Londoner who’s planning to make the move. It’s a lot to cover, so let’s dive right in.
Why More People Are Moving to the Countryside
There are several reasons one would want to move to the country — and Oxfordshire, with its mix of tranquil living, historic cities and affordable neighbourhoods, offers many of these benefits.
Let’s examine the top reasons triggering the migration out of London:
Cost of Living
Most major cities around the world are currently facing a cost-of-living crisis, and London is no different. Data from late 2021 shows that over a million people were on the brink of absolute poverty, and this figure is only rising by the year.
Rising inflation, coupled with higher insurance costs and no significant hike in wages, has made life in the city incredibly unaffordable. In fact, many young professionals are starting to realise that they may never be able to buy a home in their lifetimes.
The towns and cities of Oxfordshire, meanwhile, stand to offer some respite. In fact, even Oxford, which is known for being one of the more expensive towns in the county, promises a more affordable life.
When including rent (for regular apartments), the average cost of living in the historic town is 22% lower than that of London. In Banbury, on the other hand, property prices can be as much as half of those in London, averaging around £290,000 as of 2024.
This move to the countryside is especially appealing for families looking for more space and a quieter, safer environment to raise their children. Young professionals and retirees are also increasingly drawn to the simple life, where they can find affordable housing options without sacrificing proximity to London’s cultural and business hubs.
Considering it’s such a short distance, the process of moving homes doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet either. On this link, you can get a free quote for removals from London to Oxfordshire to get an idea of how affordable the service can be.
Improved Quality of Life
In addition to reduced housing costs, people are increasingly drawn to the countryside for its promise of a better work-life balance. Life in London is fast-paced, stressful and can be overwhelming because of the sheer numbers of people — and the noise and air pollution that comes with this huge population. For many, each of these factors has a noticeable impact on mental and physical health outcomes.
Oxfordshire, on the other hand, offers a literal change of scenery. Life in these towns is a lot more relaxed — considering residents have access to more green space, as well as the opportunity to experience rural living without losing any of the benefits of the city.
Many studies have proved over the years that access to nature and green spaces can reduce stress levels, improve mood and contribute to better mental outcomes. Add to that the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities — like hiking, cycling, or nature walks — and you’ll soon understand just how much overall health stands to improve.
Remote Working/Better Connectivity
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the ways in which people earn a living — introducing the concept of remote or hybrid working. While many businesses have reverted to their pre-pandemic work models, many others continue to offer employees the opportunity to live in the city/town of their choice.
This has led to a significant rise in the number of Londoners moving out of the city.
A 2023 study, for instance, found that the population of several parts of Oxfordshire increased significantly following the pandemic. The population of Oxford rose by 1.07%, while South Oxfordshire saw a rise of 1.3% and West Oxfordshire’s populace grew by 1.09% between 2021 and 2022.
The jump in population has been so significant that a recent Oxfordshire Rail Corridor study has mapped out a vision for the rail network to support the growth of jobs and housing in the region over the next two decades. It also indicates that, when given the choice, many Londoners would prefer the rustic life.
At the same time, the rising connectivity between the major towns of Oxfordshire and London has meant employees can still follow a hybrid model — working from their laptops for a few days and making the short trip into the city when required.
Best Places to Move in Oxfordshire
With that said, Oxfordshire is a big place, and there’s no single reason why Londoners would prefer to move to the countryside. In fact, each town has its own charm, appeal and benefits. So where should you move? Here are some of the most prominent towns:
Witney
This market town is close to bustling towns like Oxford and Cheltenham but is known for its tranquil neighbourhoods, incredible food and drink options and significantly lower rental and property rates. It’s connected to London by a direct train line and is surrounded by lush greenery, allowing residents to experience both urban and rustic life.
Banbury
Even though it’s officially one of the cheapest towns to buy property in Oxfordshire, Banbury isn’t without its luxuries. The town is surrounded by the Cotswolds, which has been officially designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The vibrant town center, meanwhile, has plenty of cafes, restaurants and pubs to keep you occupied.
Oxford
Home to the world-famous Oxford University, the “city of dreaming spires” isn’t just a great option for students; it’s also one of the best places in the U.K. to live in. With plenty of old-world architecture to admire, paths to ride bikes down on and local events to enjoy — life in Oxford can be a big change from what you’re used to in London.
With that said, homes aren’t much more affordable for young professionals, considering Oxford has been ranked the most expensive place to live for solo renters. The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment is a little over £1,000.
Abingdon
Meanwhile, just a short drive from Oxford, you have Abingdon — a historic town with a strong community spirit and excellent transport links to London. It’s known for its great schools and family-friendly atmosphere — as well as more affordable rents, making it a promising option for anyone looking to escape the bustle of city life.
Wantage
History buffs will already be familiar with Wantage. This town is known for being the birthplace of King Alfred the Great and has several historic buildings and attractions that draw in hundreds of tourists a year. Coupled with the moderate cost of living, moving to Wantage can offer Londoners a huge spike in their quality of life.
While these are some prominent towns and cities, this is just an overview of what Oxfordshire can truly offer. For a more comprehensive list and comparison, head over to this article detailing the 15 best places to live in Oxfordshire County.
How to Ensure a Smooth Move to Oxfordshire
Once you’ve decided to make the move, it’s time to get into the details. Moving homes is never easy, even if your new accommodation is only a few hours away — and extremely well-connected to your old life. To make the process easier, follow these three steps:
- Make a few trips to the country: While the stats and images make for a compelling argument for moving to the country, only you can decide if it’s right for you. Make sure you visit the area a few times to get a better sense of what Oxfordshire has to offer.
- Compare options: Oxfordshire has a lot to offer — with each town boasting its own perks and attractions. Make sure you compare each option in detail to find the solution that fits your priorities.
- Start early: Starting the moving process months in advance may seem exceptionally eager, but trust us, the results of your hard work will be noticeable when you put together an eventual budget for your move.
- Work with professionals: There are many factors that families looking to move homes don’t account for — mainly because they lack experience. Working with a professional removal company like Gentlevan Removals gives you the peace of mind of knowing that an army of experts has your back.
Why Choose Gentlevan Removals for Your Next Move
So, what can Gentlevan Removals offer you when planning your local move?
For one, we’re a family-run business based in Banbury, Oxfordshire, with decades of experience helping people move within the area and understanding the best routes, access points, and local requirements.
But beyond that, we’ve built a strong reputation over the years for delivering very high-quality moving services. Our solutions have helped hundreds of families move within the U.K. as well as the rest of Europe — and allow us to assure clients that their valued belongings will reach on time and in one piece.
You can browse through our customised services — including packing, storage and transportation — to find a solution that works within your budget.