Moving to Oxford? Known as the “city of dreaming spires”, there are few places in the UK with a profile like Oxford. From a world-famous university to beautiful medieval architecture, Oxford is a postcard-perfect city that’s high in demand with home searchers.
It has a thriving cultural and historical scene, as well as well-known landmarks and excellent shops, restaurants and bars located all over the city. In this, we’re visiting Oxford to see what it’s like living in this stylish and sought-after city.
A brief history of Oxford
Known as one of the best UK cities, Oxford is home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world and first recorded in 12th-century records. The city played a prominent role in Anglo-Saxon times and during the English civil war in the 17th century.
Where is Oxford?
Oxford is located in the southeast of England and is the only city in Oxfordshire. It lies 56 miles northwest of London and 64 miles southeast of Birmingham. Neighbouring areas include Newbury, the Cotswolds and Gloucestershire.
Moving to Oxford
There’s a great choice of period and modern homes in Oxford. You will find Victorian and Edwardian properties around the city, as well as new-build developments and houses on the outskirts of Oxford.
Buying in Oxford
The average house value in Oxford is £550,655, with paid prices slightly higher at £568,818. Expect to pay around £827,647 for a detached home, £471,292 for a terraced house and £344,512 for an apartment.
Oxford property prices are considerably higher than the UK national average of £251,000. Over the last 12 months, house prices have increased by seven per cent and by an impressive 14 per cent in the last five years.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Oxford, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Oxford
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £1,150 per month in Oxford, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £1,760 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £1,880 per month.
Cost of living when moving to Oxford
If you’re moving to Oxford, you can expect to pay UK national average prices when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £12, the same as the UK average. A cappuccino is about £2.75, and one litre of milk is £0.90p.
Utility bills are also in line with the nationwide average: electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal cost an average of £153 (UK average £155). Broadband is about £31 per month.
Want to save money on your energy bills? Switching energy suppliers could help you save hundreds a year – and it couldn’t be easier to do!
Life in Oxford
Oxford is compact and largely pedestrianised, making it easy to get around on foot and enjoy the best of the city. Whether you’re appreciating the city’s history or enjoying its vibrant cultural scene, you won’t be short of things to do and see in Oxford.
Open spaces
There is plenty of green space among Oxford’s majestic buildings. Christ Church Meadow is set to the backdrop of grand architecture and is enclosed by the River Cherwell and the River Thames, while the University of Oxford Botanic Gardens is the oldest of its kind in the UK.
Transport links
Oxford is well connected by road and public transport. The train station is located just outside the city centre and has services to London Paddington, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh. For this reason, it’s a popular commuter town. The M40 is the closest motorway to Oxford.
Shopping
Head to Cornmarket Street and Queen Street for a spot of shopping at typical high-street shops. If you’re after boutique delights, visit the Boswell & Co department store with its independent retailers selling a range of products.
Eateries
The King’s Arms is the oldest pub in Oxford and somewhere to visit for tasty food and a few ales. Oxford also has a range of restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world, so you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options.
Nightlife
Embrace Oxford’s bar scene with a cocktail, there’s also an 02 Academy with live music acts performing regularly. Those looking for a night of dancing can visit ATIK with its four dance rooms and five bars.
Art & culture
Oxford is home to many theatres, including New Theatre, which puts on West End productions. You may also be interested in visiting Modern Art Oxford, which has exhibitions of international modern and contemporary visual art, plus a quirky cafe.
Things to do when you’ve moved to Oxford
Learn more about the city’s history with a visit to Saxon Tower of St Michael, Oxford’s oldest building. The Christ Church Cathedral is another popular landmark with its exploration of the city’s religious history.
What’s not to like?
The city is a tourist magnet, so it might not be to your tastes if you’re looking for somewhere more peaceful to lay down roots.
Who lives there?
Oxford has a population of just over 152,000 and a median age of 34.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 33 in Oxford, which is slower than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
Crime rates in Oxford average 3,296 per year and are lower than the national average of 10,000.
Moving to Oxford?
If you’re thinking about moving to Oxford, get Phil Spencer’s property report. It has all the information you’ll need before you move, and all you need is a postcode. This includes details of property value, local schools and much more. Get yours today and move with confidence!
Last Updated: January 19th, 2024
