Oxford vs. Cambridge: two desirable destinations
The annual boat race sparks fervent competition between Oxford and Cambridge, but when it comes to property, both of these historic cities are in high demand.
The rivalry between Oxford and Cambridge in their world-famous annual boat race spans nearly two centuries, but the appeal of these cities transcends even this storied tradition. Rich in history and offering serene living with convenient access to major hubs, recent years have firmly cemented their status among the UK's best places to live.
Property in Oxford and Cambridge is in high demand; new research by Knight Frank reveals a 17% increase in new residents flocking to Oxford over the past five years, while our recent expansion into Cambridge underscores the growing demand in the city. With a wealth of attractions in both areas, this demand shows no signs of abating anytime soon.
Prime real estate
While both cities hold undeniable charm, specific neighbourhoods or streets stand out for their prime real estate. William Kirkland, Head of our Oxford office, says Jericho, Summertown and Central North Oxford are the most coveted districts with excellent housing stock.
Slightly further out, Headington is a picturesque village with a strong community focus, while Watlington in South Oxford (OX44) recently joined the UK's million-pound postcode club. It's not far off the average price of a detached house in Oxford, currently at £901,708 (£440,092 across all property types). View our latest properties for sale in Oxford.
In Cambridge, where the average price for a detached home is slightly higher at £940,870 (£476,112 across all properties), popular areas include Newnham and Hills Road - the latter well-located for good schools. Elsewhere, the streets leading off Trumpington Road - Chaucer Road, Latham Road, Barrow Road and Bentley Road - are highly sought after and command some of the highest values in the region.
Paddy Pritchard-Gordon, Head of our Bishop's Stortford and Cambridge office, recommends The Backs, a picturesque area "where you'll see the punts go along the River Cam and residents enjoy stunning views." Just beyond the centre, Grantchester and Barton are pretty villages with good access to the city. "Mill Road is not so well known outside the city but is a vibrant area with lots of independent cafes, shops and restaurants," he adds. Explore homes for sale in Cambridge here.
Vibrant living
Beyond their architectural grandeur and esteemed universities, Oxford and Cambridge offer an excellent lifestyle that consistently ranks among the UK’s finest. Both are now globally established innovation hubs, attracting residents seeking a mix of the cutting-edge and traditional.
From leisurely strolls along Oxford’s scenic canals and exhibitions at Modern Art Oxford and the Ashmolean Museum to its beloved independent cinema, The Ultimate Picture Palace, and its many taprooms serving local brews, plenty of local entertainment is available. A few minutes drive from the city centre transports residents to serene countryside landscapes and the gateway to the Cotswolds. Here, Kirkland recommends Medley Manor Fruit Farm in Binsey, a family-run, pick your own farm with a pop-up café open from April.
Similarly, Cambridge has a thriving cultural scene; quintessential activities like punting along the River Cam remain ever popular. Elsewhere, the contemporary art on display at Kettle’s Yard, 40 acres of gorgeous greenery at the Botanic Gardens, and a packed festival calendar keeps locals and visitors entertained.
For shopping, Pritchard-Gordon recommends the Grand Arcade and central market square, plus a visit to King's College Chapel, completed during the reign of Henry VIII. Beyond the centre, there are several picturesque villages to ramble through, including The Hemingfords.
Culinary delights
Foodies will find plenty to savour in both cities. In Oxford, No.1 Ship Street, off the Cornmarket, offers fine dining in a cosy brasserie setting, serving modern British food. The Magdalen Arms is among the best of its many excellent pubs, known for its mighty Hereford Steak and ale suet crust pies. Elsewhere, head to the Cherwell Boathouse after a punt for exceptional riverside dining, and Bhoomi Kitchen delivers sophisticated South Indian food.
In Cambridge, Midsummer House is a two-star Michelin restaurant within a beautiful riverside cottage run by Daniel Clifford. Restaurant 22 is also Michelin-starred, offering plenty of theatrics and eye-opening flavours, and for a classic British gastropub, head to Parker’s Tavern. For more inventive British cuisine, The Old Bicycle Shop – quite literally Britain’s oldest bike shop – is a brunch-time institution with good vegetarian and vegan options.
Education excellence
In addition to their world-renowned universities, Oxford and Cambridge boast exceptional schooling options. In Oxford, families have access to top rated institutions like The Cherwell School and Iffley Academy, both Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’, as well as Windmill Primary and Oxfordshire Hospital Primary. Other top private schools are Oxford International School and Magdalen College. Cambridge also has several excellent primary and secondary schools, including The Perse School and They Leys.
Seamless connectivity
While their historical charm remains a cornerstone, Oxford and Cambridge both excel in modern connectivity. Oxford’s frequent train services to London can take you into the City in around one and a half hours or to southern England (Southampton in around one hour 30 minutes) and Birmingham (one hour 12 minutes). Cambridge prides itself on being a bike-friendly city, while its regular trains to major cities, including London in 48 minutes, makes it a popular choice for commuters and those seeking more space outside of the Capital.
