The Big Decision - Village Tranquillity or City Living
The Big Decision - Village Tranquillity or City Living
Many of our clients, when they start their journey with us, have a precise idea of the type of property they require, but often they are undecided as to exactly where in Oxfordshire they would like to live. With so many competing interests; school runs, work commutes, varying lifestyles, how do you choose?
In this article we look at some of the things you will need to consider when deciding what works best for you and your family.
Pace of Life
Living in a village can offer a shift in gears from the pace of life many of our clients are used to. Moving from London, New York, and many other busy Cities, the quietness of village life can offer a refreshing change. With countryside walks on your doorstep, and the noise of the local wildlife buzzing through, this shift in pace can be just the change many of our clients are looking for. The villages throughout Oxfordshire are often still filled with great local pubs, farm shops, footpaths and bridleways, and offer a wide range of choice from complete rural living to being surrounded by a thriving village community.
However, for some, the pace of life is too big a shift from the larger Cities, and therefore living inside the ring road suits them much better. There are so many incredible restaurants, cafes and independent shops to choose from throughout Oxford, with most being walking or cycling distance from where you live. We often have clients moving in from village life, perhaps when children have grown up, or when buying their first home. They want to be able to walk to the theatre, or to the colleges to enjoy the abundance of what is on offer all year round. There is always something happening from literary festivals to weekly food markets, outdoor theatre productions to comedy nights.
Community and Connection
Villages often have close knit communities, with residents often wanting to upsize or downsize within the same village, or within close proximity. Church groups, village fetes, book clubs, yoga evenings and much more are often on offer throughout the villages in Oxfordshire. People tend to stay longer, building lifelong friendships across generations. Many Oxfordshire villages now have community pubs, serving both their local communities and the wider public.
Oxford is a transient city with many visiting academics, medics and students, and there is always someone interesting to connect with. There are many communities threaded throughout the city, including schools, parenting groups, students, streets and shared interests. Some streets are known to close down annually for their street parties, the Magdalen Road one being a favourite of ours. The cultural diversity and variety of people can be a huge draw for clients who enjoy a more cosmopolitan lifestyle.
Convenience and Commuting
There are a number of factors to consider when assessing the convenience and commuting of both village and city life, because like most towns, traffic and transportation can play a big part.
Many Oxfordshire villages are well connected with bus routes, nearby train stations, and easy road access. However, some are more remote and might require a car for commuting or day to day travel. For those working from home, this may be less of an issue than it once was. Some of the independent schools offer minibuses and coaches in and out of the city during drop off and pick up times from the Oxfordshire villages.
Living in the city offers quick and flexible travel. Public transport is frequent, cycling is common, and walking is often the easiest option. It is also easier to get to London or other major cities via Oxford’s train stations, Oxford City and Oxford Parkway.
A Question of Lifestyle
Choosing between village life and living inside the Oxford ring road is not about which is better, it is about what fits your lifestyle. Many people find that different stages of life lend themselves to different settings. Fortunately, in Oxfordshire, you do not have to compromise too much. Wherever you choose, you are never far from the best of both worlds.
If you are struggling to work out what is most important for you or are not finding the right balance then we can help. All our agents are experts at helping you understand where your priorities lie so that you can progress your search more quickly than you would be able to on your own. Give us a call on 01865 553 956 or email info@oxfordpropertyconsulting.co.uk to arrange a meeting.