If you had to live within +- 5miles of Oxford...

[SavageHoutkop]

where would it be?

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Blenheim Palace.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

well, yes. Although I think it's a bit OTT myself...

Right, rephrase question.

Where would you realistically like to live within 5 miles of Oxford?

 

[Norm]

5 miles of the centre or...?

I like Cassington and Kennington but I don't know much about that far into the city. A bit further out, it's lovely, but pricey, round Dorchester / Burcot / Clifton Hampden.

Ooo, and Islip, it's beautiful there too.

 

[philipbh]

Radley Village perhaps?

Has own Station / Pub / Post Office / Shop

Public access to sports facilities at the College too

 

[monkeypony]

The 5 miles that's furthest away from the Blackbird Leys estate......

 

[nic]

Kidlington is alright.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

There's some lovely villages all around Oxford.

Head off in a Woodstock direction and you get some nice Cotswoldy type villages. If a rail link's important Islip and surrounding villages are nice. If you've a couple of million spare Boars Hill's got some mansion type houses. There are nice parts of Oxford too - pricey though if that's a consideration, mind you it's all expensive in Oxfordshire.

 

[Dayvo]

It's a bit more than five miles, but Witney, from what I've seen, is a pleasant enough town with friendly inhabitants.

 

[User269]

Try Oxford itself. Especially if you're planning on commuting there every day, as it'll take you ages to battle through the traffic even from Abingdon.

 

[SavageHoutkop]

even on two wheels?
I did note that there are some off-road cycle paths there last time I was down that way, we ended up along a canal somewhere (with me thinking... hmmm - about that cycling on canal towpaths permit I'm supposed to have gotten...).
Also the main road to Woodstock has a cyclepath alongside...

 

[Fab Foodie]

even on two wheels?
I did note that there are some off-road cycle paths there last time I was down that way, we ended up along a canal somewhere (with me thinking... hmmm - about that cycling on canal towpaths permit I'm supposed to have gotten...).
Also the main road to Woodstock has a cyclepath alongside...

Abingdon to Oxford is easy-pasy on 2 wheels and getting more popular There's a choice of several routes too; River, Radley + Kennington, Boars hill, Wooton Rd + Cumnor Hil. So variety is possible and choice of flat or hilly. 6 miles from centre to centre pretty much.

Abingdon's pretty OK place to live, good variety of housing/accom, nice river, good leisure centre, running track, Waitrose, Tesco and some local farm shops close by. Everything readily accesible by bike with plenty GOOD cycle farcilities. Good for families. Zillions of busses into Oxford too. Radley station good for trains and it's not far to Didcot station for lines to anywhere.

I was working in Thame when we moved here 8 years ago. Thame is very nice, but there is not so much housing available and what there is moved very quickly for silly money.
I'm glad we ended-up here, my teenage kids love the freedom of a quick bus ride into Oxford, we'd not have such ready access from Thame.


Let mke know if you want any more info.

Cheers
FF.

 

[Cranky]

It's a bit more than five miles, but Witney, from what I've seen, is a pleasant enough town with friendly inhabitants.

Dayvo is right about Witney but commuting to Oxford every day might be an issue.

Cycle journey is about 50 minutes (12 miles), mainly along the A40 cycle path. Not a bad path but good lights are needed in the dark, and when opposing traffic flow you can get badly sprayed in the wet. Otherwise, the two bus services are good but cost about £6 per day. Park and ride is another option but I wouldn't fancy driving the A40 during peak times on a regular basis - it can be a real grind.

Keep us posted on your decision. We might be neighbours!

 

[levad]

Cranky, we may already be neighbours! I hail from Witney and a lovely little town it is too. Now that the new shops and Cinema are open (M&S, Debenhams etc.) there is very little need to go to Oxford!!

The cycle route to Oxford isn't bad. I head off from Witney to north of Woodstock though so it is wild dark country lanes for me.

 

[User269]

Oxford's a great place. If that's where you're working............live there!
Then, enjoy the superb cycle tracks round the ring road, the other easy routes that get you out of the city and very quickly into the lovely countryside and excellent bike rides! Rather flat though. Well, compared with here anyway.