Oxford house buying guide

Jericho is a historical suburb of Oxford, and is known as the city's coolest area thanks to its a vibrant, lively atmosphere. You'll find plenty of independents shops, cafes, restaurants and bars along its main street, as well as nearby green space to offer a perfect balance of urban and rural. It's no wonder its community is made up of students, professions and young families.

Known for its charming rows of Victorian and late Georgian terraces and large, modern apartment buildings - there are plenty of property types to suit everyone's tastes.

Transport

North of the city but within 15-20 minutes walking distance of the centre, Jericho is ideally placed for those who want to be close to the action. As well as on foot, you can also access the city on two wheels, or as a 10 minute drive via car or bus.

Local Schools

There are a couple of state primary schools in Jericho and North Oxford that are well rated, with Wolvercote Primary School in particular known for it's villagey feel. There is also a good selection of high schools, including the co-ed secondary school The Cherwell School which has academy status and is rated Outstanding.

As well as state schools, there is also a range of private schools, including the city’s oldest girls’ school Oxford High School, which offers Pre-Prep, Prep, and Senior education. In North Oxford, there's also St Edwards, d’Overbroeck’s and Summer Fields.

Property price growth

Over the last year, property prices in Jericho are 24% up on the previous year.

History

Named, it's believed, for being a place in medieval times for travellers to stay overnight after the city gates had closed, Jericho has been a suburb of historic Oxford for centuries. But it wasn't until the 19th century that the area was developed to accommodate workers in Oxford's local businesses. Houses were small and lacked basic drainage, leading to the area becoming a slum susceptible to cholera outbreaks.

It was only after the 1860s when the land by the canal was drained that the area around Albert Street was developed, dispelling its reputation as a squalid area of the city. After the 1960s, the rows and terraces were slowly renovated or replaced, transforming Jericho into the desirable area for young professionals and families it is today.

Also close to central Oxford, Cowley is situated on the southeast part of the city. It's narrow residential streets are home to mostly Victorian and Edwardian terraces as well as semi-detached houses and a couple of 17th century cottages.

It boasts a diverse and cosmopolitan community, with its share of independent shops, some of the best nightlife and music venues the city has to offer as well as restaurants offering platefuls of different cuisines. Each year the area comes together for the Cowley Road Carnival, Oxford’s biggest street party, with parades, music, dancing and food from all corners of the world.

Transport

Cowley is around an hour's walk from the centre of Oxford, or a 20 minute drive. You can also cycle into the city in around 15-20 minutes, or take a 30 minute bus journey.

Local Schools

There are a number of well-rated state primary schools in Cowley, including Cowley St. Laurence, Rabbsfarm and The Skills Hub. Secondary school wise, you will also have a range of good schools to choose from, including Pate's Grammar School, Sir Thomas Rich's School and Stroud High School - all with academy status.

Property price growth

Over the last year, sold properties in Cowley were 4% up on the previous year.

History

Cowley is an ancient parish of Oxford has been inhabited for centuries - the Roman road passed nearby and several Roman pottery sites and settlements have been found in the area. In fact, the name Cowley means Cufa's wood or clearing, which dates from the Anglo-Saxon period.

By the 12th century the area had an established parish, and retained its agricultural character until the mid-19th century. By which point various pubs, schools, colleges, factories and military barracks were opened and transformed the area, becoming Oxford's most populous suburb.

Witney is a historic market town 13 miles outside of Oxford offering a quieter life away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's a popular choice for families, thanks to its small town feel, with plenty of green spaces as well as local events like fairs, farmers markets and music festivals. And of course its quaint Cotswolds feel charms many newcomers!

Transport

Witney is a 35 minute drive into central Oxford, but there is also a bus which takes you into the centre which takes between 40 minutes to an hour. For those who like cycling, a ride into the city would take an hour on average.

Local Schools

There are a couple of primary schools to choose from in Witney, including the top rated Tower Hill Community Primary School and West Witney Primary School. There is also The Henry Box School and Wood Green School offering well-rated secondary education, both of which have academy status.

There's also The King's School and Cokethorpe School nearby which offer private education from young years all the way up to 16-18.

Property price growth

Over the last year, sold properties in Witney were similar to the previous year.

History

Witney is a history market town that derives its name from the Old English "Witta's island". In fact, the earliest known record of the area is in the Saxon charter of AD 969, which refers to "Wyttannige". In 1044 Queen Emma granted the Bishops of Winchester an estate in the area, which resulted in a palace being built next to the parish church, the foundations of which were excavated in 1984.

Since the Middle Ages, it's been known for producing woollen blankets - at one point there were five blanket factories in the town. In fact, Witney United FC nickname "The Blanketmen" come from this legacy. Unfortunately, the town's wool history came to an end when Early's, the most famous and biggest blanket producer who were in business for over 300 years, closed in 2002. But there are still locals who remain it's legacy, and you can learn more about its history at the Cogges Manor Farm museum.