North Oxfordshire Villages

[ShanghaiJane]

Hi

We're thinking of moving to a village north of Oxford. You seem to get more space for your money (at least in some villages - not North Aston or Kirtlington!), compared to the city, and I like the idea of living in a more rural environment. Problem is, we don't know them very well, and are a bit nervous about choosing the 'wrong one'. Does anyone know much about the Astons, Bartons, Heyfords, particularly Upper Heyford (what's happening with the airbase?). All advice and comments gratefully received!
ShanghaiJane

I don't know the villages you have mentioned well enough but I lived in Great Bourton for a few years, just outside Banbury. I really liked it, people were friendly enough and there was some sense of community with clubs and events at the village hall. Beautiful, beautiful countryside and all the amenities in Banbury 3 miles away. Great motorway links with M40 on your doorstep. Village schools great. Need to travel a bit for secondary though.
I would have really liked to have lived in Cropredy which has a canal running though it...great pubs and a yearly folk festival. Active community.
Perhaps try Deddington and Adderbury (really, really nice and good community) just South of Banbury.
Or Shutford.
I'm not sure about choosing the wrong one. Some places are certainly more lively than others, and more remote/ further from A roads. I would say look for somewhere with a primary school and a pub.
I think I have been talking about villages much further north than your search, but the plus side is that they are better value for money.
I would be careful about buying somewhere too close to Oxford, as traffic is chaos.
Ah, I'm hankering after it all now. Happy times. Good luck.

yes the villages round Banbury are lovely, all that honey coloured Hornton stone :)