Where to Live in Oxfordshire

In the south of England, there are few places that can boast the innate English charm of Oxfordshire. Bordering Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, this excellent county is home to remarkable natural beauty, historic towns and cities, and one of, if not, the most iconic educational institutions in the world.

This winning combination, along with the many other advantages Oxfordshire has to offer makes it one of the most desirable places to live in the country. There are plenty of property opportunities to choose from, so the big question is, where are the best places to call home in the county? In this blog, we’re going to run through some of the finest spots in Oxfordshire, discovering the magic of this corner of England as we go.

Oxford

It would be awfully remiss of us to start this list with anywhere other than the principal city Oxford. Nicknamed the ‘City of Dreaming Spires’, Oxford is well-known internationally for its leading university, and it is the University of Oxford in fact that has shaped much of the city around it.

With its striking architecture, its centuries of history and its thriving student heart, this city has something special to offer anyone who calls it home. Away from the university, Oxford is vibrant and welcoming, fuelled by a student population and an increased interest from the tech industries. A number of science and business parks attract high-value companies, and exceptional links to London connect Oxford with the wider world.

For residents, flourishing parkland like the Oxford Botanic Garden is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon, and a wealth of museums and galleries offer a feast of culture to those who love to explore.

Wallingford

Nestled between Oxford and Reading, Wallingford is a picture postcard town that sits on the River Thames. A classic example of a traditional English market town, Wallingford’s enchanting old-fashioned feel is just the place for retirees looking to move or families looking to raise children.

These days, the town’s elegant centre is a hub of activity thanks to its unique independent shops, its warm and welcoming restaurants and its cosy pubs. Perhaps the jewel in Wallingford’s crown is the Castle Gardens here, whose rolling turf, gentle trees and meandering footpaths cover the remains of what was once a major medieval castle from the 11th century. Having been built on by those who came after, there’s a whole lot of architecture to discover here - echoes of the past that have become part of the fabric of the park.

Residents of all ages will find a lot to love here, and the diverse property opportunities provide ample choice for new homes, such as Berkeley Group’s Highcroft development.

Witney

Another Oxfordshire town, this time built on the wool trade, Witney is a splendid place to live, giving unfiltered access to the impeccable Oxfordshire countryside. With a gentle laid-back feel to it, this picturesque place has a lot to offer its residents.

Perhaps the biggest draw to Witney is its enviable position on the cusp of the Oxfordshire Cotswolds which allows for plentiful rambles out into the hills and the countryside beyond. For nature closer to the town centre, Witney Lake and Meadows offer up the ideal place to take the kids to explore the great outdoors and still have time to get back for tea. 

The town centre itself is a treasure trove of different retail and gastronomic gems, including a medieval market that takes its visitors back in time to experience the Witney of old, famed for its exceptionally high quality blankets.

Henley-On-Thames

Poised on the border of the Chiltern Hills in south Oxfordshire, Henley-on-Thames is an attractive riverside town that gives a true taste of what this beguiling county is all about. As its name suggests, the town is cleaved in two by the Thames, and the main bridge is a striking Grade I-listed structure.

A lot goes on in this small and friendly place, with its market square regularly filled with day visitors and residents, discovering the market square with it traditional and artisan goods that reflect the history and heritage of Henley. There is also a calendar of events here to keep you and your family engaged throughout the year, including arts festivals and the famous Henley-on-Thames regatta that sees talented rowers take to the waters of the Thames.

Just a short distance away is the National Trust’s Greys Court, a Tudor stately home out in the beautiful Chilterns. With landscaped gardens and a lot of green space to explore, this is a wonderful day out for you and the kids.

Jericho, Oxford

Just a stone’s throw from Oxford’s city centre, Jericho is an Oxford suburb that matches the cosmopolitan charm of the city with the relaxed feel of many of the other entries on this list. Perhaps the biggest draw to this part of the county is the strong community feel – locals here are welcoming and active, putting on a number of family-orientated events throughout the year.
There are a lot of trendy venues here to discover, including independent cinemas, vintage shops and fashionable restaurants, many of which are housed in neo-classical buildings that give the suburb a grand and illustrious feel. The historic Jericho Wharf is also worth a visit – supported by the Jericho Wharf Trust, this site is under-development at the time of writing, set to become a community centre and a hub for the Oxford river boat contingent.
The quick walk into Oxford from Jericho makes it a breeze to get to the train station for commutes into London and explorations out across the rest of England.  

Wherever you plan on moving to Oxfordshire, there are plenty of property opportunities just waiting for the right person, couple or family. At Berkeley Group, we’ve got homes in Oxfordshire and across the rest of the south of England – find out more on our website.