The town itself has a small centre with a market square, but with the advent of some major expansion, whilst not everyone is happy with the development, the benefits of a larger customer base means that the amenities of Bicester will be attractive for those with families, young kids and older teens, with cinema, restaurants, etc. 

The original centre has some character properties of varying sizes.  Older housebuyers are also well served, with the Kings Meadow area being particularly popular, due to its large ex-US Air Force bungalows and unusually large plots.  The area is very flat, and less than 0.6miles to the High Street, so these properties are highly desirable.

There are other innovative developments of former forces sites, the Garden Quarter on former RAF Caversfield land has some particularly unusual conversions whilst retaining plenty of green spaces. 

Family-friendly new development is happening apace, and good value older family homes are in abundance. 

Villages to the South

Out of Bicester to the South west is the main M40 junction, and there is lots of development in this direction.  For  example, the villages of Chesterton and Wendlebury have pretty centres, and may not be separate from Bicester for too much longer.  The Kingsmere development includes primary and secondary schooling, a surgery, a care home and sports facilities.  Towards the South East Graven Hill gravenhill.org.uk is being developed as a ‘Build your Own’ site, as seen on Grand Designs ‘The Street’ with Kevin McCloud, this is a really exciting opportunity for individuals to get involved from the ground up in a new community.

Villages to the West

On the other side of the M40, Middleton Stoney and Weston on the Green are easily accessible to the A34 on the way to Oxford.  Kirtlington and Bletchingdon are a bit further off the main roads.  See more here.

Villages to the North

Stratton Audley and Fringford in this direction are some of the most beautiful villages in the area. Bainton, Bucknell, Stoke Lyne, Hethe, Hardwick, Cottisford, Barnards Green & Tusmore will be complemented by the eco-development on this side of Bicester.

Charndon, Calvert, Twyford, Chetwode, Godington,  Newton Purcell, Mixbury, Turweston have a variety of charms for their residents, but see Future note below as well.

See more in this direction, up the M40, on Brackley & Banbury and across to Buckingham and Milton Keynes.

Villages to the East 

Just outside Bicester, Launton is only a short distance from Bicester itself, but a narrow bridge over the railway makes it still feel like its own separate village, with local shops, pubs and a variety of property from bungalows to large stone houses.

Leading off the old Roman Road, Akeman Street, now the A41 towards Waddesdon  & Aylesbury,  there are villages of varying sizes and amenities, you’ll be able to find one that suits your tastes.  Locating yourself in this direction also gives you the option of using Aylesbury Parkway for an alternative commute, and Thame schools.  Ambrosden, Arncott, Blackthorn, Marsh Gibbon, Little Marsh, Summerstown, Poundon, Piddington, Ludgershall, Grendon Underwood, Edgcott, Tetchwick, Wotton Underwood – all have their own combination of attractions. For more in this direction, also see Waddesdon & Whitchurch, Thame & Aylesbury pages, and the Future note below.

Whilst technically in Oxfordshire, parents in Bicester can also access schools in Oxford, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire with ease.

State schools, particularly the Buckinghamshire Grammar system, operate catchment areas, so it is important to understand those and the chances of accessing a school if you are not in catchment.  Secondary schools Bicester Community and The Cooper are both “Good”, the new Bicester Technology Studio   is yet to be evaluated.  At the time of writing all 18 primary schools within five miles of Bicester were rated Good (if rated yet).  Many of the villages have their own primaries and nurseries.  Depending on your location, you may also look south to Thame, or east to Waddesdon & Aylesbury.

Independent schools have pupils from a wider geographic area.  A selection of schools that Bicester and the surrounding villages’ pupils can access are:

• Winchester House 
• Carrdus 
• Beachborough  
• Ashfold  
• Summer Fields  
• New College School  
• Swanbourne House  
• Akeley Wood 
• Stowe  
• Bloxham  
• Tudor Hall
• Thornton College 

Oxford Schools are all in easy reach, with many offering bus services through villages:

• St Edwards 
• Oxford High
• St Clare’s  
• d’Overbroecks 
• Dragon School 
• Rye St Antony 
• Headington 
• Wychwood 
• Magdalen College 
• Radley

• Waddesdon Manor
• Bicester Heritage Centre
• Aynhoe Park
• Stowe Gardens
• Bicester Village
• Bicester Gliding Club

The Proposed HS2 route goes through this area.  The East West Rail between Oxford and Cambridge is being revitalised, and may have a road route to accompany it, albeit the preferred option for that is currently further south than these villages.

Whilst it is obviously important to understand these future developments, it is of course impossible to know for sure on any house purchase what might happen in the future.  For example, the impact of HS2 will vary enormously from house to house, and sound can travel in unexpected ways rather than line of sight.  Also, if and when it is built, the HS2 trains will be electric and far less nuisance than current trains.  Other properties may be adversely affected during the construction phase, even a long way from the actual route.  With careful research and an open mind however, you may feel that the eventual impact will not be significant for you, and you can potentially invest in a property at a good price.