Didcot versus Bicester

[Samara26]

I am considering a move to get closer to Oxford, due to its lively bar scene, and things to do but Im looking a bit further out due to budget.

House prices in Didcot and Bicester are comparable and I realise both areas are pretty quiet but both seem to have good amenities and then 12 minutes on the train to Oxford isn't bad!

Does anyone have any preferences or words of advice?

My budget is 350-370k for a 3 bed semi. No schools needed and work in IT, though remote mostly.

I'm also considering Outskirts of Cambridge, Chelmsford and Cheltenham, though that's quite far out. I'm currently in Reading but can't afford to buy what I want here, in terms of an ok area and parking and space.

You might need to think in terms of train lines. You can get to Didcot straight from Paddington Station, but would need to change at Oxford to get to Bicester. Also, Didcot is closer to Reading. Bicester has that big shopping outlet which brings in loads of tourists and locals.

@SalsaLove

You might need to think in terms of train lines. You can get to Didcot straight from Paddington Station, but would need to change at Oxford to get to Bicester. Also, Didcot is closer to Reading. Bicester has that big shopping outlet which brings in loads of tourists and locals.

Thank you, I'm not a big fan of london and only go there when forced but it's nice to have options. Been able to get to Oxford, Reading or surrounding towns for 'buzz' and socialising plus work is more important as I know there's not too much going on in either

Do you have a parallel thread running on moving to Cambridge too (also for the "lively" bar scene etc)?

Didcot is definitely changing (for the better IMHO), though if you want 'buzz' I am not sure Bicester or Didcot is exactly right as they are both pretty quiet family places. I'd choose Didcot over Bicester every time though - the trains to London are faster, Didcot has a much tighter knit community feel, there isn't a massive outlet shopping mall bringing people each day and causing traffic, etc. You can definitely get a 3 bed for the price range you want, through prices are going through the roof in Didcot at the moment (e.g. I just sold and for 15% over asking), so I'd try to come out and maybe stay a weekend to look at houses. If you want to be able to hop on the train to Oxford or Reading very quick and easy, I'd look to stay in Old Didcot or Ladygrove (about 5-10 min walk to station) - though you can get a bus to the train station from the Great Western Park where the new builds are (stay away from Noble Park New Builds or Milton Hill/Village - as way far out). I think you'd find it incredibly easy to hop in to Oxford or other places for shopping, dinner out, etc. Definitely the restaurant and craft cocktail scene is getting so much better in Oxford, and even within a short drive of Didcot there is getting to be some AMAZING cafes and places for coffee that are independent.

How about Witney? Bit more going on.. bus into Oxford is pretty regular and quick

If you want to go to London from Bicester, it’s a direct 45 min train from Bicester Village/North to Marylebone.

You haven’t asked about schools, so I’m presuming they’re not an issue, but Didcot secondaries far better than Bicester.

The new (enormous) Kingsmere estate in Bicester will have 3 beds in your budget.

@WhatAWasteOfOranges

How about Witney? Bit more going on.. bus into Oxford is pretty regular and quick

Witney traffic into Oxford is terrible as is anywhere else I may need to travel for work. There's no train station there, so no easy way out.

@WhatAWasteOfOranges

How about Witney? Bit more going on.. bus into Oxford is pretty regular and quick

Also I visited Whitney a few times and did t feel there was much there - shopping was pretty basic and I heard there's hardly any bars. It's around 20 mins drive to Oxford but then you have to park. I'm not keen on getting buses everywhere when I have a car tbh

@GladysTheOstrich

If you want to go to London from Bicester, it’s a direct 45 min train from Bicester Village/North to Marylebone.

You haven’t asked about schools, so I’m presuming they’re not an issue, but Didcot secondaries far better than Bicester.

The new (enormous) Kingsmere estate in Bicester will have 3 beds in your budget.

Yes I don't need schools. The train from didcot is faster into london than Bicester