Jobs in Oxford | Pictures of Oxford

Oxford began life as a Saxon town in the early part of the 10th century. And by the 12th century, the city was growing in reputation as a seat of learning - at the expense of Paris - with the first colleges founded in the 13th century. From then the town has flourished and today, Oxford has a population of around 150,000 – more than 1 in 4 of who are students, the highest proportion in England and Wales .

Getting around Oxford
Approximately 40,000 non-residents travel to work in Oxford - around half the city's workforce which suggests that the daytime population is boosted by approximately 26,000 due to travelling workers. With that in mind, the weight of traffic entering the city via the surrounding M40 can be prone to slow moving commuter traffic which the council have attempted to alleviate with five Park & Ride services located on the Ring Road itself that run regular services at fifteen-minute intervals. But if you opt to drive yourself, be mindful that car parking is notoriously scarce and equally expensive.

The main rail station is an easy 10 minute walk from the city centre and is the main station for all local and national routes to and from Oxford . And most local bus routes in and out of the city stop at Gloucester Green coach station, High Street and St Giles.

Eating, drinking and shopping in Oxford
With a student population of some 30,000 and an overwhelming air of aspiration and decadence, it comes as no surprise to learn that Oxford has its fair share of cafes, first-rate restaurants and quality pubs together with a varied club scene - although Oxford could never be accused as being a clubbers paradise. And given its size (or lack of), the main restaurants and bars can be found in and around the city centre itself with a wide choice which encompasses cafés and tea shops, through to gourmet restaurants.

In terms of live entertainment, however, Oxford does not excel. That said, for those with a penchant for classical music you will find Oxford the perfect place with the college chapels and concert halls - such as Christ Church – frequently holding performances.

Or if you prefer theatre, the Old Fire Station Theatre, Oxford Playhouse and New Theatre run a busy schedule throughout the year.

Culturally, Oxford really is in its element. The Ashmolean Museum is Britain 's oldest public museum, having been founded in 1683. Whilst the Oxford University Museum of Natural History houses the University's scientific collections of zoological, entomological, geological, palaeontological and mineralogical specimens, accumulated in the course of the last three centuries. And the Pitt Rivers Museum is Oxford 's museum of anthropology and ethnology, still largely arranged in Victorian style, making this a rare museum experience.

But Oxford 's not just about sampling the culture, the city is also has a good shopping option too. Cornmarket and Queen Streets are popular shopping areas, as are the Westgate and Clarendon Centres and the traditional Covered Market. Book lovers are spoilt for choice. And just outside Oxford there is the factory designer outlet shopping village in Bicester.

And for the more active, there is a range of swimming pools and leisure centres, an ice rink and an athletics track, with further sports facilities available at the colleges. Ultimately, Oxford is a rowing town and the River Thames provides the backdrop for the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race.

Main residential areas
Think Inspector Morse and you'll have a clear understanding of the physical character of Oxford . Home to the oldest university in the English-speaking world, the city grew up around the university and the buildings that exist today boast some of the finest architecture in the country.

And with an abundance of green space, good schools and a thriving cultural scene along with its close proximity to the stunning Cotswolds, it is fair to say that property prices err on the expensive side. Not only that but, there is also a shortage of available property to buy given the fact that Oxford is – despite its obvious grandeur – a small city of just over 150,000.

However, there is a buoyant rental market away from the city centre. The areas of Headington, Marston, Elsfield and Cowley Road/Iffley Fields areas of North and East Oxford have a good choice of modern and traditional living at affordable prices (by Oxford standards that is).

If you're thinking of moving to the area, take a look at some of the current property available to buy or let in Oxford.

Take a closer look
A picture is worth a thousand words. You can see some images from in and around Oxford below.

Looking for local vacancies? See all current jobs in Oxford or find out more information on the local area.