Where to live near Oxford?

105 replies

Ruthietuthie · 23/04/2023 19:32

We are considering moving for a dream job in Oxford (currently in the US, but from the UK) but the salary (university position) is far less than we make now.
Where would be a lovely place to live, commutable to Oxford (although probably not going in everyday)? 500,000GBP budget, three bedrooms ideally, period charm if possible, good primary and secondary school. A friendly small town or village would be ideal, as I imagine we can't afford Oxford itself.
Thank you.

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Troglodytes · 26/04/2023 22:10

There are options, slightly further out.

Smallish part of a manor house, hour to oxford, excellent village primary school, excellent secondary school, in an AONB, on the Ridgeway, near the river, etc

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/134110322#/?channel=RES_BUY

you have to live your dream

Check out this 3 bedroom house for sale on Rightmove

3 bedroom house for sale in 3 Compton Manor, Compton, RG20 for £345,000. Marketed by Warmingham and Co, Goring-on-Thames

https://www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/134110322#/?channel=RES_BUY

Original poster

Ruthietuthie · 27/04/2023 01:10

@Troglodytes, this is absolutely beautiful. And the area of gorgeous. Thank you.

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lookingforhomemum · 29/06/2023 16:04

Ruthietuthie · 24/04/2023 00:10

@Sloop89, this is all news to me, so I am glad that you pointed it out. And good idea to rent first.
Our son's school is incredible - one of the best in the country, with wonderful teachers, music, art, sport, specialist librarians, and of course small classes and really high standards - and we love our house and neighborhood. My career is well-paid here, but depressingly stagnant, and I had always admired this Oxford department and program and particularly the context in which I would be working (one of the incredible museums). It is just so exciting intellectually.
But it means my husband giving up his career (which he would do - he wants me to be able to shine, and he's always been a "work to live" person whereas I am the opposite) and, perhaps, a significant cost to my son, which I am not ok with.
Going down to one salary, and a UK academic salary at that, would mean that we were on less than a 1/4 of what we earn currently. Written out like that it sounds like madness, I realize.
Lots to think about.

Hi there, I couldn't help but read your thread and follow. I am from London, looking to move to Oxford. I am wondering what you decided in the end? Thank you so much!

Original poster

Ruthietuthie · 29/06/2023 16:09

@lookingforhomemum, we decided to stay in the US. We just couldn't make it work financially :(
It has galvanized me to really seriously focus on moving institutions, so that's something, but as my husband couldn't keep doing his job in the UK (very niche academic field, but he's not publishing enough to be competitive for a UK academic job), we need somewhere where we can be work.

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lookingforhomemum · 29/06/2023 16:53

Ruthietuthie · 29/06/2023 16:09

Thanks so much for responding. I completely understand your decision. I was going to add that you've made the best decision for you and your family... and who knows what the future will hold. Personally, I believe you should fight for better pay out here in the UK and try to make them match your USA salary. You clearly have a wealth of experience from your thread, responsibilities and children. The University has enough money to pay you and you should be paid fairly. Sorry for the rant 😅but it's about time Academia start paying their staff properly, which is why there are many strikes going on in Higher Education in the UK. Wishing you the best and maybe when you have a few weeks of holiday, visit Oxford just so you can say you at least experienced it :)

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