Is Wantage a nice place to live in Oxfordshire?

Located in the gorgeous Oxfordshire countryside, Wantage is a historic market town that offers the perfect blend of rural and urban living. In this area guide we’ll be taking a closer look at what Wantage has to offer and why you should consider it being your next move.
 

What are the transport links like in Wantage?

Wantage is well-connected to the surrounding areas, linked to both the A34 and M4 through the nearby A338. This connects residents to nearby towns like Reading and Swindon, as well as bigger cities such as Oxford and London.

In terms of public transport, the town has a good network of local buses, which regularly run between Oxford and Abingdon. Though the town doesn’t have a train station, the nearest station is Didcot Parkway, which is only a 20-minute drive away and offers connections to London Paddington.
 

Are there any good schools near Wantage?

There are several excellent primary schools in Wantage, such as Stockham Primary School and Wantage Primary Academy, both of which are rated Outstanding by Ofsted. The King Alfred's Academy, a 15-minute walk from the town centre, is the main secondary school in the area and has been rated as Good by Ofsted. In terms of higher education, there are a number of nearby options at prestigious universities such as the University of Reading and the University of Oxford.
 

Are there any good pubs and cafes in Wantage?

Wantage is spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat and drink. There are plenty of traditional pubs such as The Shoulder of Mutton, which serves local ale and hearty pub grub, and the Crown & Thorns, which has a reasonably priced menu, a warm atmosphere and a very good selection of ales. If you're a fan of coffee and cake, The Bay Tree Cafe is a great place to relax and enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and a slice of homemade cake.
 

What is there to do in Wantage?

Wantage offers plenty of activities and entertainment for all ages. The historic Market Place in the centre of town holds a market every Wednesday and Saturday, and the Vale & Downland Museum is a community hub that celebrates local history, including being the birthplace of Alfred the Great. For those who enjoy the outdoors, The Ridgeway, an ancient trail that stretches 87 miles across the countryside, is a must-visit destination for families and walking enthusiasts.   
 

Is it expensive to live in Wantage?

If you’re thinking about buying a home and moving to Wantage, according to Rightmove:

‘Properties in Wantage had an overall average price of £395,512 over the last year.

The majority of sales in Wantage during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £376,552. Detached properties sold for an average of £601,402, with flats fetching £171,729.

Overall, sold prices in Wantage over the last year were 5% up on the previous year and 12% up on the 2020 peak of £353,857.’

If you’re interested in moving to Wantage, check out all the properties listed in the area and contact your local branch for more information.