Is Abingdon a nice place to live in Oxfordshire for families?

Nestled between Oxford and Didcot on the banks of the River Thames, Abingdon is a gorgeous market town in the heart of Oxfordshire that perfectly marries a rural lifestyle with connections to the city.

A market town with a rich history, Abingdon has been around at least since the foundation of Abingdon Abbey in the Saxon times, but has been occupied since at least the Iron Age. An area steeped in tradition and culture, from commemorative bun-throwing ceremonies to being the origin place of Radiohead, Abingdon is a vibrant place perfect for young families and people looking to move away from the fast pace of the city.
 

Are there any good schools in Abingdon?

One of the biggest draws to Abingdon is its schooling. Abingdon is home to some of the best private schools in the country, including Our Lady's Abingdon and the renowned Abingdon School, whose alumni include the actor Toby Jones, the comedian David Mitchell, and the musician Thom Yorke.

There are also a number of highly rated state schools in and around the Abingdon area, including Thomas Reade Primary School, Caldecott Primary School, Fitzharrys School, and Larkmead School. 

What are Abingdon’s transport links like?

Abingdon is a hotspot for commuters who work in Oxford and London, offering convenient transport links to these major cities. The nearby Didcot Station offers direct connection to Oxford, Reading and London, all of which are reachable in under an hour.

Abingdon is also well-connected by road, with Oxford 20 minutes to the north and Newbury 30 minutes to the south, both along with A34. It is also the perfectly located for those looking to work at the nearby Harwell Science Campus.
 

What is there to do in Abingdon?

Abingdon offers a delightful range of activities and attractions for residents and visitors alike. One of Abingdon's main attractions is of course its location on the banks of the River Thames. As well as being a gorgeous spot for riverside walks and a thriving canoe scene, it's also home to Abingdon Lock, the oldest surviving lock chamber in the UK.

The town's bustling high street has a fair mix of well-known brands like Waitrose alongside independent businesses, as well as a weekly market that has been running since 1556. The town centre also closes down for two days every October for the Michaelmas Fair, the longest street fair in Europe which has origns dating back to the 1300s Black Death. 
 

What are the house prices like in Abingdon?

As is to be expected in a town filled with such rich history, Abingdon has a number of period properties that can have their origins traced back hundreds of years. However, there are also a number of new homes that have been and are being built in and around the Abingdon area, perfect for those who are more concerned with energy efficiency.

In terms of houses prices, according to Rightmove:

‘Properties in Abingdon-on-Thames had an overall average price of £417,946 over the last year.

The majority of sales in Abingdon-on-Thames during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £399,295. Detached properties sold for an average of £624,233, with terraced properties fetching £334,090.

Overall, sold prices in Abingdon-on-Thames over the last year were 7% up on the previous year and 13% up on the 2021 peak of £369,512.’
 

If you're interested in moving to Abingdon, check out all the properties listed in the area, and contact our local branch for more information.