In which quarter house in Oxford?

Leaving to visit or settle in Oxford, the archetype of the city of knowledge? This is our guide to the best neighborhoods to stay in Oxford!

Oxford, nicknamed "the city with dreamy bells" – the city of dreaming spires - is a mirror of British culture and its history: having a unique historical, academic, cultural and Gothic heritage in the UK – the city houses the oldest university in the Anglo-Saxon world -, Oxford is also an economic lung of England, located only 90 kilometers northwest of London. With a population of 159,600 (2015), the city built on the banks of the Thames River, the city is mostly young and student. Indeed, staying in Oxford will be more affordable than anywhere else in Great Britain.

With its architecture, museums and culture, its vibrant nightlife and its renowned welcoming population, Oxford continually attracts many people. Here's our selection of areas to stay in Oxford.

Oxford centre

In the centre of the city is the historic district, where most of the historic buildings in Oxford are located, cultural events, pubs, bars and restaurants, museums to visit. There is a wide range of accommodations available and all prices will be available to stay in Oxford: hostels (backpackers hostel), hotels and accommodation in the home. Attention, the demand for housing exceeds the offer of accommodation, with this area being very touristic and very popular: prices are likely to inflate especially in the summer.

We can walk in many pedestrian and commercial streets in a groubling and lively social life. It is the most picturesque and authentic part of the historic university city: noisy day, very quiet at night. Getting to Oxford Centre may be expensive but you will not have any public transport to pay!

Jericho

Jericho is a rather quiet residential area in the north of the city centre, with numerous pubs, bars and restaurants on the banks of the Thames and along Little Carendon Street. Port Meadows, along the Thames is a huge green lung allowing a walk in a green setting in the city to feel like it in the countryside. It will be nice to sleep in Jericho to be far from the tumult of the city center, especially if you love bourgeois and gentrified neighborhoods.

Cowley

Located southeast of the historic centre, Cowley is the popular and alternative cosmopolitan area of Oxford. Many nationalities with different cultures and countless students live there. The neighbourhood also attracts BMW employees, employed by the Oxford factory to make the famous “Mini” car. Many bars, cafes and international cuisine restaurants (Asian, Indian, European) allow a gourmet break if you are looking for more exotic specialties than English food...

Oxford suburbs

Are you looking to live quietly, rather green instead of staying in Oxford center in concrete and tourist areas? You've already done a hundred times the tour of historic universities and pubs in the city ? Here are areas where to stay in Oxford ideal for expatriated families: Botley, Cutteslowe, Grandpont, Headington. These neighbourhoods are close to the centre while allowing to find work (education, industry, services) and lower rents to stay in Oxford. Take the streets near the stations to reach the centre in a short time!

Main Photo Credit: Flickr – Dr Bob Hall