Best places to live in Oxfordshire

Are you looking for the best places to live in Oxfordshire to focus your property search?

From bustling market towns to small hidden gems, the choices are numerous. Whether you’re seeking a family home, retirement cottage, or a commuter base to access London, we can help you find your ideal home. 

Here we’ve hand-picked some wonderful locations that we consider among the best places to live in Oxfordshire.

Wallingford 

Wallingford is a buzzy market town with a riverside setting, a lively high street, and a keen focus on independent shops and places to dine out.

Considered among the best places to live in Oxfordshire, the town has literary connections with Agatha Christie, who lived nearby and wrote many of her novels in the area. It also features prominently in the TV series Midsomer Murders.

There’s plenty to see and do, including the remains of Wallingford Castle, the local museum, heritage steam train rides on the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway, and a popular summer folk and beer festival.

Well-regarded schools in the area include Crowmarsh Gifford C of E Primary and St Nicholas C of E Infants. For secondary education, Wallingford School is a respected local option.

Cholsey station is less than a ten-minute drive away, offering services to Oxford and London Paddington, albeit on a slower route. For faster connections, Didcot Parkway is a short drive further and provides direct trains to London in around 40 minutes.

Thame

Just north of Wallingford lies the bustling market town of Thame, often seen as a more affordable alternative to Marlow and Henley.

Its residents include a mix of locals, London leavers, families, young professionals, and retirees. The town’s well-connected location and sense of community make it one of the best places to live in Oxfordshire.

The attractive high street features a wide selection of independent shops and eateries, while the town is well served by green spaces. A number of cultural and lifestyle events take place throughout the year, including the Thame Food Festival and various community fairs.

Thame is home to three popular primary schools: Barley Hill, John Hampden, and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary. The town’s only secondary school, Lord Williams’s, has an excellent local reputation.

Commuters benefit from nearby Haddenham & Thame Parkway, offering direct services to London Marylebone in around 35 minutes at peak times, or just under an hour off-peak.

Witney

Families consider the thriving market town of Witney one of the best places to live in Oxfordshire for its strong community, proximity to Oxford, and good schools.

Well-regarded local primaries include Witney Community Primary, Hailey C of E Primary, Ducklington C of E Primary, Madley Brook Community Primary, and The Batt C of E Primary School.

Witney is reasonably well connected, with the A40 running east towards Oxford and west to the Cotswolds and Cheltenham. The towns of Bicester and Banbury, along with links to the Midlands, are also within easy reach.

For rail connections, Hanborough station is approximately 5 miles away, offering direct services to London Paddington in around an hour.

Chipping Norton

Chipping Norton, often affectionately called “Chippy” by locals, is a market town on the edge of the Cotswolds, known for its historic charm, lively atmosphere, and excellent local amenities.

The town centre in Chipping Norton features a handsome market square, traditional high street shops, cafés, restaurants, and a much-loved independent bookshop.

There’s also a theatre, a leisure centre with a swimming pool, and a strong calendar of cultural and community events.

Families are drawn to the area for its strong sense of community and educational options, with schools including St Mary’s C of E Primary School and Chipping Norton School, a well-regarded secondary that also offers a sixth form.

Surrounded by rolling countryside and scenic walks, Chipping Norton is one of the best places to live in Oxfordshire for rural living while maintaining good connections. Oxford is just under 20 miles away by road, and nearby Kingham and Charlbury stations provide direct trains to London Paddington in around 80 minutes.

Abingdon-on-Thames

This historic town, considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Britain, earns its reputation as one of the best places to live in Oxfordshire due to its charming streets and rich cultural heritage, with the River Thames providing a peaceful waterside setting.

Abingdon offers a wide range of local amenities, including a vibrant market square, independent retailers, cafés, and regular community events.

Well-regarded schools in the area include Thomas Reade Primary School, Caldecott Primary School, and John Mason School for secondary education. For further education, Abingdon and Witney College serves both school leavers and adult learners.

The town is also home to respected independent schools, including Abingdon School and St Helen and St Katharine for girls.

For commuting, Didcot Parkway is less than a 20-minute drive away and offers direct trains to London Paddington in around 40 minutes. Oxford Railway Station, just over 20 minutes away, provides alternative connections to the capital and the Midlands.

Sonning Common

Sonning Common is a picturesque village set in a semi-rural location close to the River Thames. Community life is vibrant, with a calendar of annual events and local initiatives that bring residents together throughout the year.

Independent shops, cafés, and community amenities contribute to the village’s warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular choice for families and retirees.

Education is well served by Sonning Common Primary School, which has a strong local reputation, and Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge for secondary education.

The nearest major railway station is Reading, around six miles away, offering frequent and fast services to London Paddington. The village is also conveniently located for access to both the M40 and M4 motorways, ideal for commuters and regional travel.

Henley-on-Thames

This pretty riverside market town blends the tranquillity of the surrounding Chilterns countryside with a lively, well-connected community. In recent years, Henley-on-Thames has become increasingly popular with families, attracted by its lifestyle offering, schools, and access to London.

The town is well served by a mix of primary and secondary schools, both state and independent, in Henley itself and in the surrounding villages.

Alongside convenient rail connections to London via Twyford and Reading, Henley has an art-house cinema, a thriving food scene, and a calendar full of cultural events including the renowned Henley Royal Regatta, Henley Festival, and Literary Festival.

Henley-on-Thames has much to offer homebuyers and is deservedly considered one of the best places to live in Oxfordshire.

Didcot

Didcot is a growing town in south Oxfordshire. Known for its convenient transport links, excellent leisure amenities, and evolving town centre it is increasingly considered among the best places to live in Oxfordshire for families and commuters.

The town offers a variety of housing options and a wide selection of shops, supermarkets, cafés, and restaurants.

Didcot’s Orchard Centre provides a modern retail and leisure hub, with a cinema, high street brands, and regular community events.

Didcot is home to several well-regarded schools, including Didcot Girls’ School, St Birinus School for boys, and a number of primary schools. The town also hosts the UTC Oxfordshire for students aged 14–19 focused on science and technology.

One of Didcot’s greatest assets is its excellent rail service—Didcot Parkway station offers fast, direct trains to London Paddington in around 40 minutes and to Oxford in approximately 15 minutes. The town is also well placed for access to the A34, connecting to the M4 and M40.

Chinnor

Chinnor, located at the foot of the Chiltern Hills, offers a peaceful rural setting with a good community and excellent access to nearby towns.

The village has a range of everyday essentials, including local shops, a post office, cafés, and a pharmacy. There are also several welcoming pubs.

Chinnor is home to the Chinnor and Princes Risborough Railway, a heritage steam line that adds to its charm.

Chinnor is popular with families thanks to its primary school, Mill Lane Community Primary, and easy access to a range of secondary options in nearby Thame and Princes Risborough.

The village is well placed for commuting. Princes Risborough station, just a 10-minute drive away, provides regular fast trains to London Marylebone in around 40 minutes. The M40 motorway is also within easy reach, offering straightforward road access to London, Oxford and High Wycombe.

Best places to live in Oxfordshire: Hidden Gems

Oxfordshire is home to many hidden gems. These smaller communities are among the best places to live in Oxfordshire for the enviable lifestyle and beautiful surroundings they offer. Here are a few of our top picks.

Dorchester-on-Thames

Dorchester-on-Thames is a peaceful and picturesque village near the confluence of the Thames and Thame rivers. It is one of the best places to live in Oxfordshire for those seeking a quintessential English village lifestyle within easy reach of Oxford and Reading.

At the heart of the village is the impressive Dorchester Abbey, a former Augustinian monastery that now hosts cultural events and concerts throughout the year. The village also has traditional pubs, a tearoom, a village shop, and scenic walking routes along the Thames Path.

Dorchester St Birinus CE Primary School serves the village, and a range of well-regarded secondary schools are located nearby in Abingdon, Wallingford, and Didcot.

Although the village itself does not have a train station, residents can reach Culham or Didcot Parkway by car in under 15–20 minutes for fast rail services to London and Oxford. The A4074 also provides convenient road access to both cities.

Burford

Burford is one of the most iconic towns in the Cotswolds, celebrated for its sweeping high street, honey-coloured stone buildings, and historic charm. Considered the southern gateway to the Cotswolds, Burford combines timeless beauty with practical amenities.

The town centre offers a selection of independent shops, galleries, tearooms, traditional pubs, and antique dealers, all nestled along its famous sloping high street.

Burford is popular with both families and retirees, with Burford Primary School and Burford School, a secondary with sixth form, both well-regarded and located within walking distance of the town centre.

While it feels delightfully rural, Burford benefits from good road links. The A40 connects it to Oxford in under 40 minutes, and nearby Charlbury or Shipton stations offer rail access to London in approximately 75 minutes.

Sutton Courtenay

Sutton Courtenay is a historic and highly desirable village set on the banks of the River Thames. With a blend of period homes, scenic riverside walks, and proximity to both Oxford and Didcot, it appeals to those seeking village life with strong connections.

The village has a small number of local shops, a post office, a popular village green, and several well-known pubs and restaurants—including The Fish and The George. It’s also known for its notable former residents, including Prime Minister H. H. Asquith and author George Orwell, who is buried in the village churchyard.

Sutton Courtenay C of E Primary School serves younger children locally, with secondary options nearby in Abingdon, Didcot, and Wallingford.

Didcot Parkway is just a 10-minute drive away, offering fast, direct trains to London Paddington in around 40 minutes and regular services to Oxford, Reading and the Southwest.

Wheatley

Wheatley is a characterful village just east of Oxford, surrounded by open countryside and sitting close to the Chiltern Hills.

The village has a bustling high street with a good mix of independent shops, a supermarket, cafés, a library, pharmacy, and pubs. Local amenities also include sports facilities, community centres, and access to countryside walking routes.

Wheatley C of E Primary School is located in the village, while Wheatley Park School, a secondary school with a sixth form, sits just outside the centre. Oxford’s excellent range of independent and state schools is also within easy reach.

The M40 is nearby for road connections to London and Birmingham, and Haddenham & Thame Parkway is around a 20-minute drive, providing direct rail services to London Marylebone in under 40 minutes. Oxford and its rail links are also a short drive away.

Deddington 

This small but lively town overlooks the Cherwell Valley between Oxford and Banbury, surrounded by scenic countryside and a collection of charming villages and hamlets.

Home to around 2,000 residents, Deddington features a wealth of historically and architecturally notable buildings, adding character to its well-preserved streetscape.

Despite its size, the village has a wide range of amenities, including pubs, restaurants, local shops, and services. The village hall serves as a social hub, hosting events, adult learning sessions, meetings, and activities for groups such as Scouts and Guides.

The adjoining grounds feature tennis courts, a bowling green, children’s play areas, and pitches for football and cricket, supporting an active lifestyle.

For commuters, Kings Sutton railway station is nearby, offering direct trains to London Marylebone in just under an hour.

Hook Norton

Known affectionately to locals as “Hooky”, Hook Norton is a charming village nestled between the market towns of Banbury and Chipping Norton.

It is best known for the historic Hook Norton Brewery, a family-run business founded in 1849, which continues to brew traditional ales and supplies to pubs across Oxfordshire and beyond.

The population of around 2,000 is supported by an active social and sports club and regular local events.

Despite its rural setting, Hook Norton offers a broad range of amenities, including a shop, post office, GP surgery, dental practice, veterinary clinic, library, primary school, and pubs.

The combination of countryside living and practical amenities makes it an appealing choice for families and those seeking village life with convenience.

Woodstock

Woodstock is a beautiful town on the edge of the Cotswolds, offering easy access to surrounding countryside and scenic walks.

Steeped in history and known for its elegant Georgian architecture, the town’s most famous landmark is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

The high street is lined with boutique shops, a traditional butcher and grocer, antique dealers, and independent art galleries. Visitors and residents alike enjoy a good choice of hotels, restaurants, and welcoming pubs.

Well-regarded local schools include Woodstock C of E Primary School and The Marlborough C of E School, which provides secondary education.

Oxford is just a 30-minute drive away, while London can be reached in around 90 minutes either by car via the M40 or by train from nearby Hanborough Station.

Charlbury

Charlbury is an attractive town known for its historic centre and beautiful countryside setting.

The town is well-equipped with a pharmacy, hairdressers and barbers, gift shops, a beauty boutique, and pubs. It’s also within a ten-minute drive of Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop, a popular local attraction. Charlbury residents benefit from regular clubs, and activities.

During the summer, the area plays host to local events such as the Charlbury Beer Festival and Wilderness Festival, held nearby at Cornbury Park.

Charlbury Primary School serves younger pupils in the town, while secondary education is available in nearby Chipping Norton, Woodstock, and Witney.

The town benefits from Charlbury railway station, which offers direct services to Oxford in around 15 minutes and to London Paddington in just over an hour. Witney and Chipping Norton are both around a 15-minute drive away.

The Wychwoods

The woodland area of The Wychwoods is home to three villages. Shipton-under-Wychwood, Milton-under-Wychwood, and Ascott-under-Wychwood. These attractive villages are located close together and have amenities including convenience shops, pubs and restaurants, and a primary school.

Shipton-under-Wychwood and Milton-under-Wychwood lie adjacent to each other and are situated around four miles from Burford. They are picturesque villages favoured for their welcoming local community and setting amongst the rolling Cotswold countryside.

Shipton Station offers a morning and evening rail service to Oxford and London Paddington, making it a viable option for commuters.

Just a mile to the east lies Ascott-under-Wychwood, a peaceful village known for its upmarket country pub and restaurant, The Swan, which also serves as a boutique hotel.

Watlington

The small but well-equipped market town of Watlington, located south of Thame, offers a charming mix of pubs, cafés, restaurants, and independent shops.

This cosy town claims to be the smallest in England and, not surprisingly, has a strong community vibe with over 60 community organisations.

While larger supermarkets are found in nearby Thame, the high street has an impressive selection of eateries, ideal for food lovers seeking variety and locally sourced produce.

Education options include Watlington Primary School and Icknield Community College for secondary education. Nearby independent schools include Godstowe Preparatory School in High Wycombe, which is well regarded for girls. Other nearby options for older students include Wallingford School and Lord Williams’s School in Thame.

The nearest train station is in High Wycombe, around 20 minutes away, offering fast services to London Marylebone in approximately 25 minutes. The drive into London takes just over an hour, depending on traffic.

Stratton Audley, Hethe & Fringford

Tucked away northeast of Bicester, the villages of Stratton Audley, Hethe, and Fringford offer a tranquil setting surrounded by open countryside, while remaining close to the town’s schools, supermarkets, and rail links.

These neighbouring villages are known for their characterful homes, including thatched cottages and period properties. Local amenities include traditional pubs, village churches, and scenic walking routes, making the area well suited to those seeking rural living without feeling remote.

Bicester is the nearest town offering a range of amenities, including the renowned Bicester Village designer outlet shopping centre. Bicester North railway station provides direct services to London Marylebone in approximately 45 minutes.

Best places to live in Oxfordshire

As property finders, we often assist clients in deciding the best places to live in Oxfordshire based on their requirements and preferences.

Our tailored home search service is designed to save you time and uncover the most suitable properties, including those not publicly advertised. We have access to off-market opportunities through our extensive network of local contacts and provide expert advice at every stage, from initial consultation through to successful completion.

Whether you’re relocating, upsizing, downsizing, or investing, Garrington offers objective guidance and professional support throughout your search.

If you’d like to find out more about the best places to live in Oxfordshire and talk with one of our expert buying agents, please do get in contact with Garrington for a no-obligation discussion.