Where to Live in Banbury

Best neighbourhoods for newcomers working at Cherwell Hospital

Whether you’re looking for something quiet and walkable or a place with better prices a short bus ride away, Banbury has several areas that are great for international staff. Most people live within 20–30 minutes of the hospital and find it easy to settle.

🟩 1. Town Centre (Banbury Central)

🚶‍♀️ Walking distance to Cherwell Hospital
💷 Rent: Medium–High
🛍️ Close to: supermarkets, bus station, shops, cafés

Living in central Banbury is the easiest option if you don’t have a car and want to be near everything. You’ll be close to markets, pharmacies, the main train station, and a range of restaurants.

✅ Good choice for those who prefer no commute
❌ Can be a bit noisy in certain areas

🌿 2. Grimsbury

📍 East of the train station
💷 Rent: Medium
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Mix of families, professionals, and migrants

Grimsbury is popular among NHS and care workers. It’s a multicultural, residential area with terraced houses and quiet streets. Close to Tesco, local primary schools, and Banbury Mosque. Well-served by buses.

✅ Friendly and diverse
✅ Walking distance to town centre
❌ Limited green space inside the neighbourhood

🟦 3. Easington

📍 South of Banbury centre
💷 Rent: Medium
🌳 Quiet, green, suburban

Easington is a quieter, leafy area with lots of semi-detached homes. It feels more residential and suburban, with access to small parks and good schools. It’s a bit further from the town centre but still walkable or one short bus ride away.

✅ Peaceful and popular with hospital staff
✅ Good balance of price and comfort
❌ You may need to take a bus or bike if working shifts

🟫 4. Bodicote (just outside Banbury)

🚗 10 minutes by car or 15 minutes by bus
💷 Rent: Lower
🏡 Village feel with easy town access

If you prefer more space and quiet, Bodicote is a small village just south of Banbury. Many hospital workers and NHS families live here. There’s a Co-op shop, a few pubs, and local walking paths.

✅ Lower rent and peaceful
✅ Still connected to Banbury by bus
❌ You’ll need to budget for travel

🟧 5. Hanwell Fields (northern Banbury)

🚶 25–30 min walk to centre / bus available
💷 Rent: Medium–High
🏘️ New-build homes, families, quiet

This is a newer development with clean, modern houses. It’s mostly residential with schools, small shops, and parks nearby. Popular with families.

✅ Modern housing
✅ Safe and quiet
❌ Further from hospital — expect a longer commute

🚫 Areas to be cautious about:

There are no “bad” neighbourhoods in Banbury, but some streets in Ruscote and Hardwick can be a bit more isolated, especially at night. These areas may also have fewer buses, so check before renting.

💡 Always visit or ask to see photos of the area before signing a rental agreement, especially if renting remotely.