Most people will have heard of the city of Oxford, if for no other reason than the reputation of Oxford University, but is it a good place to live? Let’s consider some of the key things to know about when considering Oxford as a place to live.
Culture
Oxford is one of the most historic towns in the UK and so has plenty of culture and history to soak up for those visiting or moving there. The famous university itself has many beautiful buildings and interesting architecture which are enjoyed by locals and visitors. There are even guided tours available to appreciate the buildings, with experts providing narration and fascinating historical insights.
The grounds of the university are also a great place to explore and offer a variety of other attractions that will help you get a feel for the place and its history. The Bodleian Library is still in use as a library open to the public but is also a beautiful building with a rich history ready to be appreciated. The Pitt Rivers Museum is the ideal place to learn about natural history and is one of the most popular Oxford attractions. It is also an affordable way to spend an afternoon out soaking up some culture. Christ Church Meadow for the outdoorsy among you is also a lovely place to relax and take in the scenery.
If you are considering moving and need a building survey Oxford, firms such as Sam Conveyancing can provide the required service.
Education
No guide to Oxford would be complete without mentioning education.
There are 250,000 or more students in higher education in Oxford, including those attending the renowned Oxford University and other institutions. Oxford Brookes University, another well-known university, offers courses with a slightly more vocational aim than Oxford University. There are 40 colleges that form Oxford University itself, which gives you an idea as to the scale of the institute. It is one of the world’s oldest universities and has a more traditional leaning than others, and also has some of the highest tuition fees in the country, which means that it’s not necessarily accessible for everyone.
Prior to university, children will, of course, be attending school and there are four main types to know about in Oxford: Community, Voluntary Controlled, Voluntary Aided and Foundation schools, all of which are managed by the Local Education Authority. There are also a range of independent schools for those who require them.
Sports is also a major part of life for both students and Oxford residents. There are plenty of sports to get involved with as part of university life, for example, and there is also a street sports program which runs over the summer and is aimed at children between 8 and 13 years old. The program encourages safe outdoor playing and getting to know your neighbours. Leisure centres and swimming pools with all the usual facilities are also available.
As a smaller and less populous city, Oxford is also known to be fairly safe with a relatively low crime rate when compared to cities such as London. As anywhere, there are different areas to consider, as some thrive more than others. Headington and Littlemore are a great start when considering some of the more sought-after areas.
