Moreton-in-marsh, Charlbury - any experiences?

[jaquettalux]

Anyone have any experiences of living in or near these two places?

Young family, looking to move out of London. Wanting to be on Hereford - Paddington line as need to visit Hereford for family. Will need commute into London 1-3 times per week.

Looking for a sense of community, green space, good schools. Good amenities (high street shops, cinema etc) nearby (30 min drive or train).Do either of these locations sound suitable?

Grateful for any advice. Thanks!

Long Hanborough would fit your bill. It has a station on the Hereford/Paddington Line and is close to Witney which has a cinema and a great selection of high street shops. You’d also be close to Oxford if you wanted some city time.

Moreton has cheaper housing than Charlbury, but is further away from London if you need to go back on occasion. Charlbury housing is like hens teeth at the moment and there is strong competition as it has a really good community, always people looking for homes that don't exist unfortunately. If you want more life I'd probably choose Witney. Also, Cotswold council are probably going to build thousands of homes around Moreton, which is already congested and lacking in infrastructure.

Thanks both! Really good to hear your perspectives. We obviously plan to visit but it’s great get a sense from people who know it.

Witney looks to be a great option.

What makes Charlbury so much more popular than Moreton?

Hopeful bump!

Nearer Oxford I guess. And prettier.
Witney has some really beautiful bits.

will your employer be paying your travel? I go on that route from Kingham and it’s stupidly expensive.

Unlikely! Just looked at prices and wow!

I’d definitely second Long Hanborough with those criteria. It’s a big enough village that everything you need day to day is there, including the station. But it’s also v close to Witney for more shops and activities, and close enough to Oxford (8 mins by train) for everything else.

Why not live in Oxford? - it has all of those things and better transport links. There is lots of green space for a city too

Thanks both.

What areas of Oxford do you recommend looking into (if you know it well!)?

@jaquettalux Been lucky enough to live in witney for two years, Charlbury for two and Kidlington for the last 14 years.

Would recommend each, although would love to live back in Charlbury as the community is so fantastic. Local farmers market, free riverside festival, beer festival and fireworks to name a few.

Having worked in Oxford for 16 years, Summertown, Old Marston and Islip are good places to start looking but are some of the more expensive areas. Would avoid Rosehill and Blackbird leys. Kidlington, village just outside Oxford with great public transport links, is a much more affordable option.

This is so hugely helpful, thank you!

Kidlington looks like a good option for us. What’s it like?