Anyone know Banbury well?

mumonashoestring

The husbeast, the baby and me are going to need to move some time in the next 5 to 6 months, and since employment prospects here (Bedford) are appalling we're looking at moving to the Oxford area. I know the city well, grew up in South Oxfordshire and worked in Oxford for years, but this time round I'll be working full time to support little'un and the husbeast as a stay at home Dad. We're looking at renting in Banbury and I wonder if anyone knows the town well enough to give me a good idea of any areas to avoid, or areas that get overlooked but are actually lovely? We'd be looking for a house with a garden, preferably walking or cycling distance to the town centre and station.

Thanks in advance for any useful info

marisco_2

I dont know the area well but hope someone will be along shortly that can advise you.

I have moved around quite often. When I haven't known people in the area who could recommend best places to live, I have rented a place on a short term basis. This has given me the chance to evaluate for myself which area suits me best before making the commitment of buying a property. Something that can turn into an expensive mistake if you get it wrong.

When taking recommendations from people you dont know you run the risk of 'someones idea of heaven, being your idea of hell'. Could you do some trips up there and explore the area and see what you make of it?

ttc39

My brother lives in banburyand have to say I haven't seen any bad areas

Goodlckwithbthe move

mumonashoestring

marisco wrote: »

Could you do some trips up there and explore the area and see what you make of it?

Thanks, we'll definitely be renting to start with and we'll be spending the bank holiday weekend having a good poke round to see what we can of the area. I've found in the past though that you can't always tell that much from looking so I'm hoping someone will turn up who has that 'inside' knowledge of of areas that are overrated, underrated, improving fast, have a drug dealer on every street corner etc.

taliwillow

I live in Banbury and have worked in one of the Estate Agents so know the areas fairly well. You are welcome to pm me if you like. We moved here 8 years ago and I love it. It really feels like home to me. How old are your children? School places are a bit of a challenge at the moment in Banbury but that depends on their age so getting a property close to a school could be handy if your children haven't started school yet.
Taliwillow

Rosemary7391

I grew up in Banbury - Cherwell heights is near the station and quite a nice area, on a map its all between Bankside, Hightown road and the Oxford road. You'll probably want the end farther away from Bodicote though if you're looking to get to the station. The roads just the other side of Hightown road are nice too, I don't really know the area the other side of the station that well though, as I never needed to get further than the station! Feel free to PM me if you like

JMW77

Yes very very well, lots of areas i would avoid.

PM me i know all the bad spots.

Kayles86

I'll be happy to help with opinions of good/bad places (yes there are a few!). PM me if you like