Moving to Oxford

[raci09]

We are moving to Oxford soon. My partner will be working in the OX2 area. I don't know much about Oxford. I have a 3 year old who will be starting school next September. Since now is the time for admissions, we need to quickly decide where to go. Neither my partner nor me can drive. So we will have to move to a place which has good public transport to OX2 and reasonable with good schools. Can you please help me to choose which area I should be looking for? I have not visited Oxford yet so anything will help me. Thank you

Some bits of OX2 are terrifyingly expensive, other less expensive but still nice. North Oxford and Summertown are v v pricey, Botley also OX2 but more affordable with good transport links into city centre. Think Botley has some decent primaries. Oxford has fab public transport, do you want city, suburbs, or countryside?

Thanks for your response.We are looking for City as we want to be close to amenities since we don't drive. The priorities are proximity to the office , proximity to supermarkets and other amenities and good nursery and primary school for my 3 year old.

Anywhere within the city limits will have good public transportation but often you will have to switch busses in the city centre. It's a small city though, so it's pretty easy to get around if you're living inside the ring road. What's your housing budget like?

We are looking to rent at least a 2 bedroom with maximum rent of £1200.

You are going to struggle on that, I'm afraid, especially in OX2. You might manage Botley and the buses aren't too bad.

Might be worth your husband commuting via bus and looking further out in say Abingdon.

This one is let but would something like this work for you? here'
Botley school and nursery within reasonable walking distance and lots of families nearby who will also be using them. Also North Hinksey School is close (not sure about how catchment works). Lots of buses to centre and food shops (though not huge supermarkets) close by.

There appear to be lots of 2-bed flats in that price range, and a few houses. Most are in Headington, Marston, and East Oxford. A huge area of varying character and schools, make sure you know which part of the city you're looking in. Outside the ring road in Headington is Barton (housing estate), Sandhills, and Risinghurt - the latter two are nice family friendly areas.

You should visit Oxford and look around the areas you can afford, this will help you decide which you like and will help you narrow down which school catchments you can afford to live in. Beware school catchments which cannot take all the children who apply - St. Andrew's in Headington is a good example.

There are some excellent Catholic primaries in the city, and a few CoE schools which prioritise churchgoers. (And some CoE schools which do not.)

Thanks a lot all of you. You have certainly given us ideas to move on. I will look at the areas.