East Oxford is a vibrant area of Oxford, attracting residents from all walks of life. Situated on the edge of the city of Oxford, East Oxford is the area between the Headington and Iffley roads to the east of Magdalen Bridge. It is an area of Oxford with its very own atmosphere and appeals to a wide range of people.
In this article, we explore what it’s like to live in East Oxford, its characteristics, amenities, attractions, and the pros and cons of calling this dynamic neighbourhood.
What is it Like to Live in East Oxford?
East Oxford is characterised by its diverse population, vibrant cultural scene, and thriving independent businesses. The area is known for its bohemian atmosphere, with an abundance of music venues, modern eateries and alternative shops dotted throughout the neighbourhood. The area is economically diverse and has a large student population.
Despite its free-spirited and bohemian atmosphere, East Oxford warmly embraces families and young professionals alike. Its wealth of local amenities and proximity to central Oxford make it a convenient choice. With easy access to Oxford station, commuting to major cities such as London and Birmingham is hassle-free, making East Oxford perfect for those seeking local charm and broader connectivity.
Also, the nearby charming villages of Iffley, St. Clements, and Marston share a common allure, featuring period properties and picturesque thatched cottages overlooking the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside.
Is East Oxford a Nice Place to Live?
East Oxford is a fantastic place to live, offering a vibrant and dynamic way of living that appeals to a wide range of individuals and families. From lively street markets and cultural festivals to tranquil green spaces and riverside walks, there’s always something to see, do, and explore.
Now let’s go into some more detail about why you might want to choose East Oxford as your next home.
Charm and Character
East Oxford’s undeniable charm lies in its picturesque Victorian terraces, quaint cafes, and independent shops, fostering a strong sense of community spirit. Residents are captivated by the area’s vibrant atmosphere and rich architectural heritage.
Cultural Diversity
East Oxford is renowned for its cultural diversity, which enriches the neighbourhood’s fabric. This is evident in its varied dining options, cafes, and cultural events, providing residents with a global culinary and traditional experience close to home.
Proximity to Oxford City Centre
Situated just a stone’s throw away from Oxford City Centre, East Oxford offers the perfect blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility. Residents can easily access the city’s renowned universities, museums, and historic landmarks, while still enjoying the peace and quiet of a more residential style of living.
Community Spirit
One of the defining features of East Oxford is its strong sense of community spirit. From local festivals and street markets to community gardens and neighbourhood initiatives, residents are actively involved in shaping the area’s identity and fostering a sense of belonging.
Family-Friendly Environment
East Oxford is perfect for families seeking a nurturing environment, offering numerous parks, playgrounds, and family-friendly amenities. With reputable schools, nurseries, and community centres, children have ample opportunities to thrive in this supportive community.
Safety and Security
East Oxford is widely regarded as a safe and welcoming neighbourhood, with low crime rates and a tight-knit community watch program. Residents can feel secure knowing that their neighbours look out for one another, creating a sense of trust and mutual respect that permeates the area.
Cultural Events
East Oxford hosts diverse cultural events and festivals year-round, spanning music, art, food, and literature. From the lively Cowley Road Carnival to the eclectic Oxford Literary Festival, residents always have something exciting to look forward to.
Transport Links
East Oxford does not have a major transportation hub, but its advantageous location near the city centre proves beneficial. At the nearby Oxford station, there are frequent services to London Paddington and Birmingham, with journeys typically taking around one hour.
Traveling north is equally convenient, facilitated by the CrossCountry route connecting Manchester Piccadilly and Newcastle via Birmingham New Street. Additionally, half-hourly services cater to commuters bound for Reading, Banbury, or Worcester, ensuring a smooth journey.
East Oxford’s residents benefit from superb road connections with the nearby M40, located just 15 minutes away. This provides easy access to major cities, spanning from Birmingham in the north to London in the south, both reachable in approximately an hour.
For international travel, both Birmingham International Airport and Heathrow are around an hour away by car.
Education and Schools in East Oxford
In a county renowned for its educational institutions, parents are presented with a wide array of schools accommodating students of all ages. Several local primary schools, including Larkrise Primary, East Oxford Primary, and St. Christopher’s, have received a rating of ‘good’ from Ofsted.
At secondary level, Oxford Spires Academy, a state-funded institution, stands as a favoured option among students and parents alike.
Nearby private establishments cater for students ranging from three to 18 years old. Among the most desirable options are Rye St Antony, an all-girls school, and St. Edward’s, which is coeducational. Both schools provide boarding facilities alongside day tuition.
The acclaimed East Oxford School of Ballet provides part-time classes and specialised programs for aspiring dancers. Students can pursue examinations accredited by the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing.
Schools rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in the area include The Cherwell School (ages 11-18), Windmill Primary School (ages 4-11), Oxfordshire Hospital School (special school, ages 3-18) and The Iffley Academy (special school, ages 5-18).
East Oxford Amenities
From trendy cafes and artisan bakeries to cosy pubs and lively music venues, East Oxford offers an array of amenities to cater to every taste and preference. Residents can enjoy leisurely strolls along the scenic riverbanks, browse the eclectic boutiques on Cowley Road, or sample international cuisine at one of the many restaurants lining the streets.
Employment Opportunities
With easy access to Oxford city centre and excellent transport links, residents have ample opportunities for employment and career advancement in a variety of industries. This is not to mention the employment opportunities within the direct area of East Oxford.
The city of Oxford, part of the UK’s Golden Triangle, is home to over 4,500 businesses, providing around 113,000 jobs. The following figures from Oxford City Council reveal the percentage of overall employment by sector in Oxford:
- Education (28.5%)
- Finance, IT and business and professional services (19.7%)
- Health (18.5%)
- Professional, scientific and technical (7.3%)
Arc Oxford, formerly known as The Oxford Business Park, is a hub for science and innovation, which is home to a variety of businesses.
Property Market in East Oxford
Housing costs, whether renting or buying, are relatively high in East Oxford. Despite the higher costs, residents are drawn to East Oxford’s charm and amenities, making it a desirable place to call home.
Property Prices in East Oxford
Our data shows that as of April 2024, over the last 12 months, the average price of a property in East Oxford is £432,076.
The average price by type of property is as follows:
- Detached: £692,538
- Semi-detached: £440,116
- Terraced: £478,275
- Flat/apartment: £290,312
If you are thinking of buying a property in East Oxford, you can take a look at our properties for sale in East Oxford.
Rental Prices in Easy Oxford
According to our data, the average monthly rental price in East Oxford as of April 2024 over the last 12 months is £1,586. The average monthly rental price by type of property is as follows:
- Detached: £1,738
- Semi-detached: £1,973
- Terraced: £1,663
- Flat: £1,403
Also, explore our properties to rent in East Oxford.
Attractions in East Oxford
East Oxford and the wider Oxford area boast a wealth of historical landmarks and cultural attractions where you can immerse yourself in culture, history and heritage.
Here are some of the main attractions in and around East Oxford:
- Pitt Rivers: A fantastic museum which displays the archaeological and anthropological collections of the University of Oxford
- Oxford Natural History Museum: Holds an internationally significant collection of natural history specimens and archives
- Oxford Botanic Garden: Founded in 1621, this is the stunning botanic garden is the oldest in Great Britain, and one of the oldest in the world
- The Ultimate Picture Palace: A highly regarded independent cinema in a Grade II listed building, showing a mixture of independent, mainstream, foreign language and classic films
- Pegasus: Located in the south-east of Oxford, the Pegasus is a young person’s performing arts centre with a program of dance, comedy and drama, and also hosts workshops
- South Park: The largest park within Oxford city limits on Headington Hill in East Oxford. Provides magnificent views overlooking Oxford
- Headington Hill Park: A beautiful park which is part of the grounds of Headington Hill Hall
Other superb attractions and places of interest in the wider Oxford area include:
- Christ Church Cathedral: One of the oldest remaining buildings in Oxford, which has been a place for worship for over a thousand years
- University of Oxford: The oldest university in the English-speaking world, and one of the world’s top universities
- Boledian Library: This magnificent library is the main research library of the University of Oxford.
Museums
There are a number of museums in and around the wider Oxford area. As well as the Pitt Rivers museum and Oxford Natural History Museum, you can also enjoy:
- Ashmolean Museum: Britain’s first ever public museum, where you can discover over half a million years of art and archaeology
- Bates Collection of Musical Instruments: A collection of historic musical instruments from the Middle Ages onwards
- Museum of History and Science: The History of Science Museum houses an impressive collection of early scientific instruments
- Story Museum: A fun family museum which celebrates stories through immersive exhibitions, events and galleries
Arts and Music
East Oxford is home to a thriving cultural scene, with a variety of venues and events showcasing the best in music, theatre, and art. From intimate live music performances and gallery exhibitions to theatrical productions and poetry readings, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in the neighbourhood.
Here are some of the most popular spots in the area:
- O2 Academy, Oxford: An iconic live music venue on Cowley Road, where artists spanning across a wide range of genres play
- New Theatre Oxford: The main commercial theatre in Oxford, with a capacity of 1,785 people. The theatres hosts a wide variety of shows including comedy and musical theatre
- Modern Art: One of the UK’s leading contemporary art establishments, showcasing exhibitions of international modern and contemporary visual art from established and up-and-coming artists
Residents can also enjoy shows at the Oxford Playhouse, and live music at the likes of Sandy’s Piano bar, The Bullingdon, the Jericho Tavern and The Wheatsheaf.
Shopping Options
East Oxford is a paradise for shoppers looking to discover unique treasures and one-of-a-kind finds. The area is home to many independent boutiques, vintage stores, and artisanal shops, offering everything from handmade jewellery and vintage clothing to locally crafted homeware and gifts.
Some of the independent shops in the area include:
- Indigo Natural Living: Located on Cowley Road, Indigo sells a wide range of wonderful, natural and sustainable clothing, babywear, soft furnishings and more
- Hamblin Bread: A highly regarded bakery and café, which uses sourdough bread from stoneground UK grain, and also offers farmhouse cheese and natural wine
- Wild Honey: A popular organic health food store and refill station
- Ballroom Emporium: An Oxford institution at the end of Cowley Road, specialising in vintage evening wear, prom dresses and ballgowns as well as men’s formalwear
East Oxford hosts a variety of markets too, selling everything from fresh produce and artisanal goods to handmade crafts and vintage wares. East Oxford Farmers’ and Community Market is a popular market which runs every Saturday from 10:00 to 13:00 from East Oxford Primary School. Here you can choose from a variety of high-quality, seasonal and local produce. Also, the historic Oxford Covered Market features more than 50 traders selling fresh produce, fashion, gifts, jewellery and flowers.
For shopping centres, residents of the area can choose from the likes of Westgate Oxford, Clarendon Centre Oxford and Templars Square.
Restaurants, Eateries and Bars
Food enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice in East Oxford, with an array of restaurants, cafes, and eateries serving up delicious cuisine from around the world. Its diverse choice of restaurants and eateries includes Caribbean, Persian, Lebanese, Turkish, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Tibetan and Nepalese options.
Here are some of the area’s most popular restaurants:
- Yeti: A Nepalese, family-run curry house offering specialities from the Himalayas
- Taste Tibet: A much-loved Tibetan restaurant and food stall, serving classic momo dumplings as well as other classic Tibetan food
- Antep Kitchen: A very popular Turkish restaurant, serving classic Turkish and Middle Eastern food. There is patio seating here too
- Pizzeria Trattoria Mario: A lively and traditional Italian restaurant serving handmade pizza, pasta and risotto
- Za’atar Bake: A casual Arabic restaurant and bakery serving delicious food with generous portions
- Tribe: An Indian restaurant with a warm atmosphere and delicious, authentic food
- Arbequina: A Spanish restaurant serving delicious food in a characteristic, buzzy atmosphere
This is just a snapshot of the diverse selection of worldwide food available in the area.
East Oxford boasts a lively pub and bar scene too, with cosy taverns, trendy cocktail bars, and historic alehouses aplenty. Whether you’re craving a pint of locally brewed beer or a classic cocktail with a twist, you’ll find no shortage of options to quench your thirst.
Gyms, Sport and Leisure
There are a number of gyms and leisure centres in the area to help East Oxford’s residents keep fit and healthy.
Standard gyms in the area include The Gym Group Headington, Feel Fit Gym & Spa, David Lloyd Oxford and Anytime Fitness. Iffley Road Sports Centre has a wide range of fitness and sporting facilities, but you usually need to book in advance before using the centre.
Project PT is a highly regarded gym and fitness centre in the area offering a variety of sessions. There is also women’s only personal training and group coaching at Tuffcore.
Science Fitness and Boxing is a top-rated gym which focuses on fitness through boxing and weightlifting.
If you are keen on rolling out the mat for some yoga, you are spoilt for choice in and around East Oxford, with a number of yoga studios to choose from. These include Iyengar Yoga Oxford, Every Body Studio, Simply Yoga Oxford and Tara Yoga Centre.
In spite of its bustling atmosphere, East Oxford is surrounded by an abundance of green spaces and picturesque countryside, providing residents with ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. From scenic parks and nature reserves to tranquil river walks and cycling trails, there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy in the area.
The Cotswolds is less than an hour’s drive away, and for green space within the city, there are the likes of South Park, Headington Hill Park, the University Parks, Florence Park, Shotover Country Park and Bury Knowle Park.
Cost of Living in East Oxford
The cost of living in East Oxford is relatively high, reflecting the city’s overall expenses.
Everyday expenses, including groceries and transportation, also contribute to the overall cost of living. Despite the higher costs, residents are drawn to East Oxford’s charm and amenities, making it a desirable place to call home.
Here are some of the average everyday costs you can expect in Oxford as a whole:
- Three-course meal for two people at mid-range restaurant: £58.00
- Regular cappuccino: £3.09
- 1 litre of milk: £1.46
- Loaf of fresh white bread: £1.24
- White rice (1kg): £2.45
- A dozen regular eggs: £4.80
- Chicken fillets (1kg): £8.64
- Apples (1kg): £3.03
- Banana (1kg): £1.02
Please bear in mind that these are average costs from Numbeo at the time of writing. Please check the latest everyday costs in Oxford at Numbeo if you are thinking about moving to the area.
Broadband Information
The average MBPS for broadband in East Oxford is 125MBPs. The average cost of broadband in East Oxford is around £26 per month. The amount you will pay will depend on your provider.
Pros and Cons of Living in East Oxford
As with any place, there are pros and cons to living in East Oxford.
Pros
- Vibrant community: East Oxford boasts a strong sense of community spirit, with residents actively involved in shaping the neighbourhood’s identity and fostering a sense of belonging.
- Diverse amenities: From trendy cafes and independent shops to cultural attractions and green spaces, East Oxford offers a diverse range of amenities to cater to every taste and preference.
- Convenient location: Situated just a short distance from Oxford City Centre, East Oxford offers easy access to the city’s universities, employment opportunities, and cultural landmarks.
- Family-friendly environment: With its abundance of parks, schools, and family-friendly amenities, East Oxford is an ideal location for families looking to put down roots and raise children in a supportive community.
Cons
- High cost of living: Like many desirable areas, East Oxford can be expensive to live in, with property prices and rental rates often above the national average.
- Traffic congestion: Due to its central location and popularity, East Oxford can experience heavy traffic congestion, particularly during peak hours.
- Limited parking: Parking can be challenging in East Oxford, with limited spaces available and strict permit regulations in place in many residential areas.
- Noise levels: The vibrant atmosphere of East Oxford can also mean higher noise levels, particularly in areas close to busy streets or nightlife hotspots.
Are You Thinking About Moving to East Oxford?
Whether you’re drawn to its charming streets, lively atmosphere, or cultural diversity, there’s no denying the allure of East Oxford. Our East Oxford estate agents are on hand to help make your move to East Oxford a reality. Our team provide a range of services to buyers and renters, as well as to those looking to sell or let out property in the area.
