Insights

Area Guide: Inside the Ring Road

Where’s best to buy with a budget under £1,200,000?

Oxford’s ring road (the A4142) forms a boundary around the city centre, and many great neighbourhoods lie within this area, offering a mix of quiet residential streets, proximity to the city’s amenities, and excellent transport links. Here are some of the best areas inside the ring road to live in:

Jericho

Best for: Young professionals, down-sizers, academics, and those who enjoy a trendy, vibrant atmosphere.
Why it’s great: Jericho is one of Oxford's most desirable neighbourhoods, offering a mix of Victorian terraced houses, modern apartments, and charming streets. It's just a short walk from the city centre and close to the University of Oxford, making it popular with academics and students. The area has a lively vibe with independent cafes, boutiques, and cultural venues. Our personal favourite is Branca at lunchtime, offering a wonderful selection of fresh salads and Italian treats to choose from.
Price range: Around £500,000 to £1,200,000 for most properties.

Summertown

Best for: Families and professionals who want a quieter, affluent neighbourhood close to the city centre with great private and state school catchments.
Why it’s great: Located to the north of the city centre, Summertown is an upscale area with a suburban feel while still being close to the heart of Oxford. It offers large homes, excellent schools, and a range of independent shops and cafes. There are good public transport links to the city centre and other parts of Oxford, making it ideal for families and those working in the city or university. It’s also a short drive to Oxford Parkway train station, for those needing to commute to London.
Price range: High, with family homes starting at £1,000,000 and upwards.

East Oxford

Best for: Young professionals, families, students, and those who want a mix of urban living with a bohemian flair.
Why it’s great: This diverse and lively area has a vibrant cultural scene, with popular spots like Cowley Road offering cafes, shops, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s well connected to the city centre and offers a variety of property types, from Victorian terraced homes to modern apartments. It’s an attractive area for those who want a more affordable option without sacrificing proximity to the city. With many local schools to choose from, East Oxford, and especially around Florence Park, is fast becoming a family hub. Our favourite spot is the Jolly Post Boys, offering wonderful food with a vibrant family atmosphere.
Price range: Relatively affordable, from £400,000 upwards, depending on the property type and size.

Oxford City Centre

Best for: People who want to live right in the heart of Oxford, with easy access to all amenities and attractions.
Why it’s great: Living in the city centre means you're just steps away from everything: shopping, restaurants, museums, and the University of Oxford. Properties in the city centre tend to be smaller, such as flats or terraced houses, but the convenience and the vibrant atmosphere are major draws. If you love being in the middle of the action, this is a prime location.
Price range: Expect to pay around £400,000 and upwards for small flats or terraced houses.

Headington

Best for: Families, healthcare professionals, and academics.
Why it’s great: Headington offers a more suburban feel while still being inside the ring road. It’s home to Oxford's main hospital (John Radcliffe), which makes it a popular choice for medical professionals. The area has great schools, parks, and a mix of family homes and modern apartments. It’s also well-connected by public transport to the city centre and the University of Oxford.
Price range: Prices are typically moderate, with family homes ranging from £500,000 to £2,000,000.

Wolvercote

Best for: Families and those looking for a quieter, more rural feel close to the city.
Why it’s great: Located just to the north of the city centre, Wolvercote offers a village-like atmosphere with charming cottages and family homes. It's close to Port Meadow, a beautiful natural area, and has great local amenities, including pubs and green spaces. Wolvercote is a peaceful place to live while still being within easy reach of central Oxford. Wolvercote has an incredible community hosting weekly farmers market, sea shanty singing and co-working drop in spaces.
Price range: Generally moderate, with prices ranging from £450,000 upwards.

Grandpont

Best for: Those who want to be close to the city centre but in a quieter, more residential area.
Why it’s great: Grandpont is located just south of the city centre and offers a calm residential feel, with tree-lined streets and access to the lovely Christ Church Meadows. It’s within walking distance of Oxford’s historic centre, making it a convenient place to live for people working in or around the city. The area has a mix of houses and modern flats.
Price range: Prices range from £350,000 for smaller properties to £600,000 or more for family homes.

Osney

Best for: Those who enjoy a more tranquil, riverside setting, close to the city centre.
Why it’s great: Osney is an island-like neighbourhood just west of the city centre, located near the River Thames. It offers a peaceful environment with a mix of period houses, modern apartments, and riverside properties. It’s still within walking distance of Oxford’s amenities and is known for its community feel.
Price range: Properties typically range from £350,000 to £700,000, with some unique riverside homes commanding higher prices.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a property within the ring road and are struggling to find something suitable within your budget, please do reach out to us. We can help you navigate commuter distances, school catchment areas, and where within the ring road your budget can best accommodate your needs. We work with a wide range of clients including families, downsizes, students and academics.

If you want to know more about our services and how we position our clients to make them the best buyers of the best houses then call us on 01865 553956.