Anyone in Oxford...?

[Markjay]

I need some advice please... not car related... thanks!

[Markjay]

It's about buying a house or a flat... in 2-3 years time maybe... which areas are recommended?

[TheBoy]

Not too far away. Mrs TheBoy is an Oxford lass....

[tunnie]

same here, you actually going to buy in Oxford?

Blackbeads estate & Kiddlington area are best avoided i think....

[Markjay]

Good...

Wife wants to move to Oxford in a few years time, and thought of going over there later this week to have a look around and get the feel for it (she's never been before). Where would you suggest we go, assuming we are not interested in the touristic side for this particular visit, but to see the areas where people actually live and shop etc...

Any advice you can offer will be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[Markjay]

same here, you actually going to buy in Oxford?....

Not immediately, but eventually...

[tunnie]

Good...

Wife wants to move to Oxford in a few years time, and though of going over there later this week to have a look around and get the feel for it (she's never been before). Where would you suggest we go, assuming we not interested in the touristic side for this particular visit, but to see the areas where people live and shop etc...

Any advice you can offer will be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Oxford used to be full of buses, worse than central London. They have since pedestrianised the main centre which is nicer... places to see all the usual of course.

But try the covered market some nice places in there, great place called Fasta Pasta if its still there sells great fresh olives and bread  

Also try Blackwells for a good read, down by the river is also nice in the summer. Many times with my parents got lunch from M&S and went down and sat by the river.

Try and avoid the main centre really tbh, its just full off the normal shops. Dixons, M&S, HMV ect that you see in any other city.

Walk futher up past all that and debanhams on your left, and head to the Ashmolian Museum (please excuse my rubbish spelling)

Lots of nice little shops and things many people don't see up there - Basically walk towards the John Radcliff, but not as far.


I plan to get my first house / flat in Bicester which is just down the road from Oxford.

Ohh and if the Mrs likes top brands, check out "Bicester Village" its a designer outlet that usual have very good discounts  

[Markjay]

Mega thanks tunnie!  

[Auto Addict]

What do you want to go to Oxford for?

It's full of students

[TheBoy]

I'm not a fan of Oxford. Its quaint, granted, but not a place I would want to live. Hugely expensive. Council was declared bankrupt a couple of years back, hence no real services for all that council tax.

Getting in and out is a right PITA.  Like most cities, esp proper University cities, there is a drugs problem, which may explain the petty crime figures that Oxford has. Last time I parked in the Westgate, it was £25 per day, so on par with London prices. Reasonable park and ride though.

For nightlife, got a certain buzz to the place - it is full of students after all. So lots of pubs/clubs/restuarants.

As Tunnie said, some nice shops, esp Blackwells - a huge bookshop (looks tiny from outside). Ashmolium Museum is huge, worth a visit.

As a car driver, I feel victimised by Oxfordshire CC - they go out of their way to hinder traffic flow.  If you plan on using your car a lot, traffic is an issue, esp within the ringroad, and around Botley, City Motors, and Headington areas on the ringroad.

The Universities own most of the land and buildings in the area, and this has prevented a lot of development. Not sure if this is a plus or minus point.

Places I would not want to live are Barton, Cowley, Cowley Road, Blackbird Leys (not as bad as media made out in early 90s), Rosehill, Headington - basically that whole end of the city.

The outlying villages are nice, but expensive.  Mrs TheBoy's folks live in Horspath, quite a nice little village. Garsington has a nice feel as well.  Wheatley is another place I wouldn't choose to live.

[Omegatoy]

can recommend a nice little village less than 23mins from Oxford, and im selling my house in it!!!! complete with extended garage!! place called Ardley
beautiful place to live!!  

[TheBoy]

can recommend a nice little village less than 23mins from Oxford, and im selling my house in it!!!! complete with extended garage!! place called Ardley
beautiful place to live!!  

And the tip just done the road....  

[tunnie]

can recommend a nice little village less than 23mins from Oxford, and im selling my house in it!!!! complete with extended garage!! place called Ardley
beautiful place to live!!  

My grandparents are possibly looking for a bungalow...  

[TheBoy]

can recommend a nice little village less than 23mins from Oxford, and im selling my house in it!!!! complete with extended garage!! place called Ardley
beautiful place to live!!  

My grandparents are possibly looking for a bungalow...  

If they buy Omegatoys place, will they let me borrow the garage

[tunnie]

can recommend a nice little village less than 23mins from Oxford, and im selling my house in it!!!! complete with extended garage!! place called Ardley
beautiful place to live!!  

My grandparents are possibly looking for a bungalow...  

If they buy Omegatoys place, will they let me borrow the garage

At a reasonable rate   - If you need to work under cover can always come over to mine at the weekend, just Mother to remove her heap