Moving to Oxfordshire: Everything you need to know before you arrive

Moving to a new country is an exciting step. New surroundings, new opportunities, new routines, and a fresh start. But if you’re not familiar with Oxfordshire, it can be hard to know what to expect at first. 

The good news? Oxfordshire is one of those places that’s easy to settle into. With welcoming communities, great connections and a balanced way of life, it offers a little bit of everything. Here’s what you need to know before you arrive in Oxfordshire.

Where is Oxfordshire?

Oxfordshire is located in the South of England, sitting between London and the Cotswolds. It's well known for its historic roots, green spaces and strong links to innovation and research.

What makes it so appealing is how liveable it feels. You’ll find bustling towns, quieter villages and plenty of open countryside, all within easy reach of each other. 

It’s a county that suits both fast-paced professional life and slower, more relaxed living. 

What is life like in Oxfordshire?

Life in Oxfordshire tends to feel balanced. Days are busy, but rarely overwhelming.

You might spend your week in the community into town, working remotely from home, or enjoying a local café before work. Evenings often mean a walk, a gym session or a relaxed night in. At weekends, there’s time for markets, countryside walks, or meeting friends locally.

It’s a lifestyle that gives you space without losing convenience.

Get to know Your Housemates

At OX Living, community is what transforms shared living into something special. A home isn’t just about the space; it's about the people in it.

Start small, say hi in the kitchen, share a takeaway, or suggest watching a film together. You don’t need to plan anything big; it's often those easy, everyday interactions that make a house feel friendly and relaxed.

Before long, you'll have familiar faces to chat with, laugh with and share those little day-to-day moments that make co-living so rewarding.

Choosing the right area…

Each part of Oxfordshire has its own character, so finding the right area depends on what you are looking for.

Oxford

A lively and cultural city with historic streets, green spaces, and plenty to do. Ideal if you enjoy being in the centre of things.

Bicester

Popular with commuters thanks to excellent transport links. Modern, growing and well-connected.

Didcot

Known for its strong links to science and technology. Practical, well-connected, and a popular choice for professionals.

Banbury

A traditional market town offering great value, good transport links and a strong sense of community. Wherever you choose, you’ll find each area offers its own version of Oxfordshire living.

Getting around

Oxfordshire is well-connected, making it a great option whether you commute daily or travel occasionally. There are direct links to London from Oxford, Didcot, and Bicester, as well as easy access to major road networks. Many towns are cycle-friendly, and local buses make getting around straightforward.

Living here means staying connected without feeling constantly on the move.

Getting settled in a new area

When you move somewhere new, feeling settled is about more than just unpacking boxes. It's about getting to know your surroundings and finding what works for you.

Exploring your local area, discovering your favourite café, or finding a nearby green space can make a big difference. Talking to neighbours or housemates and asking for recommendations helps you feel at home more quickly.

Those small discoveries soon turn a new place into a familiar one.

Finding a place to live

One of the biggest challenges when moving to a new country is finding the right place to live.

Many people relocating to Oxfordshire choose co-living, especially at the start. It offers flexibility, convenience, and a ready-made community, making the transition much easier.

At OX Living, homes are designed to help professionals settle in comfortably, with fully furnished rooms, simple monthly costs, and shared spaces that encourage connection. 

Remember: Settling in takes time

There’s no need to have everything figured out straight away. Getting to know a new area happens gradually, through routines, exploration and everyday moments.

Each walk, conversation and familiar journey helps build that sense of belonging. 

Oxfordshire has a way of making people feel welcome, and before long, it starts to feel like home!