Searching for a peaceful, rural town with a small-town charm, rich history, and a high quality of life? Maybe moving to Oxford, might suit your interests, a small, historic borough in Chester County.
Oxford PA is known for its historic downtown, rural landscapes, and sizable Amish population. In the 1700s, the borough was known as Oxford Village and Oxford Crossing. It acquired a post office in 1805, and it was officially incorporated as a borough in 1833. It’s named after Oxford, England, aka “the City of dreaming spires” in the UK, south of Birmingham.
Today, Oxford is a great place to live for those who want a small-town feel with historic charm, family-friendly amenities, and convenient access to Philadelphia and Wilmington. The town is known for its tight-knit community, walkable historic downtown, and local shops, restaurants, and farmers’ markets. With its peaceful atmosphere, moderate politics, and commuter-friendly location, moving to Oxford appeals to families and anyone seeking a quiet suburban lifestyle with rural surroundings.
Here is a look at what you can expect if you’re planning on living in Oxford PA, and need advice to confirm that it’s the right place for you.
Table of Contents
Where Is Oxford PA?
Oxford is in Chester County, in the southeastern corner of Pennsylvania, just north of the Maryland border and west of the Delaware border. Accommodation is available for those moving to Oxford who plan on commuting.
Accommodation is available for those moving to Oxford who plan on commuting, whether you need a short-term stay, temporary housing, or a comfortable place while exploring the area. Many visitors and newcomers choose vacation rentals for added space and flexibility, and platforms like Owner Direct offer a variety of homes in and around Oxford to suit different travel styles and budgets.
US Route 1 passes through the northwestern corner of town and connects with State Route 472, providing transportation options for drivers in Oxford living in Oxford PA looking to make day trips by car.
Pennsylvania Route 10 also begins at PA 472 and follows Third Street north. Public transport is provided by the SCCOOT bus route managed by the Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC). Amtrak also offers direct coach service to Wilmington and other major cities. Nearby communities include Hopewell, Nottingham, White Rock, Kirkwood, Cochranville, and New London.
It’s about 55 miles or a 1-hour 30-minute drive from Oxford, PA, to Philadelphia, PA. It’s also 36 miles or a 47-minute drive from Oxford, PA, to Wilmington, DE.
Oxford Population & Demographics
The population of Oxford, PA, is 5,763. The number of people moving to Oxford has been growing steadily over the past few decades, increasing by 13% between 2010 and 2020. It has a suburban atmosphere with a population density of 2,936 residents per square mile.
It’s popular among families and retirees and features more men than women. In Oxford, 31% of residents are under 18, and 20% are under 10. 55% of people living in Oxford are men, and 45% are women.
The area is mostly White, although it has a large Hispanic population and a growing Black or African American community moving to Oxford. The racial and ethnic breakdown is 50% white (non-Hispanic), 39% Hispanic or Latino, 8% Black or African American, 1% Asian, and 3% two or more races.
Notable people who have had the pleasure of living in Oxford PA include politicians William T. Fulton and John H Ware III.
Other Oxford demographics
- The median age is 36.4 years old.
- The median household income is $61,470, 20% lower than the state median.
- 81.6% of people living in Oxford have a high school diploma, and 31.9% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
- The foreign-born population is 13.7%.
Living in Oxford is safe. It’s a small, relatively rural community that’s somewhat isolated from the crime in larger cities, which attracts growing families. As a result, the Oxford crime rate is lower than both the national average and the Pennsylvania crime rate. The Property crime rate in Oxford is also very low, and your belongings will be perfectly safe. Here is a side-by-side comparison if you’re moving to Oxford and are concerned about crime.
- Total crime rate: 1,003 crimes per 100,000 people, 40% lower than the state and 53% lower than the country
- Violent crime rate: 272 crimes per 100,000 people, 10% lower than the state and 24% lower than the country
- Property crime rate: 731 crimes per 100,000 people, 50% lower than the state and 58% lower than the country
The Oxford Borough Police Department is available to address community crime, supported by 14 sworn officers and 5 civilians.
Cost of Living in Oxford PA
Is Oxford expensive? Living in Oxford PA is actually very affordable for all it offers residents. One way to assess the Oxford cost of living in an area is to examine the cost-of-living index. It compares the cost of typical consumer goods to the rest of the US, with 100 representing the national average.
The COLI for Oxford is 106, which indicates it’s about 6% more expensive than the rest of the country. The Family Budget Calculator, developed by the Economic Policy Institute, is also a great resource for those moving to Oxford. It suggests that the typical family of four with two adults and two kids would need to earn $138,316 per year to afford the cost of living in Oxford PA.
What you can expect to pay when moving to Oxford:
- Loaf of bread: $4.10
- Hamburger: $5.89
- Carton of eggs: $3.70
- Gallon of gas: $3.39
- Gallon of milk: $4.88
- Visit to doctor’s office: $142.96
- Average Oxford monthly energy bill: $220.88
Scale: Payscale
Oxford real estate is also quite affordable, even compared to the US housing market. According to Redfin, the median price of homes for sale in Oxford PA is $271,000, which is 38% lower than the median in the rest of the country. The median price per square foot of Oxford, PA homes for sale is $200.
Most residents own homes, although renters moving to Oxford will also find options. Census data suggests that 59% of Oxford, PA, real estate is owner-occupied, and 41% of homes are rented out. According to RentCafe, the average rent in Oxford is $1,266 per month.
Oxford Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Oxford
Oxford is a small borough encompassing about 2 square miles and therefore doesn’t have many distinct neighborhoods. The Borough Center is Oxford’s historic downtown that’s known for its preserved buildings, vibrant eateries, and walkable Main Street.
The neighborhood around Rocky Glen Road is known for its large homes and quiet streets, and there are a few newer developments on the outskirts of town, such as Langston by Key Custom Homes and the Estates at Tweed Crossing. In general, the best places to live in Oxford are in the southern part of the city, while the most affordable are in the east. So look in those areas if you plan on moving to Oxford.
Oxford Weather & Climate
Oxford PA weather is fairly typical of what you might expect from a town in the northeast. It has a humid continental climate according to the Köppen Climate Classification, which suggests four distinct seasons, including cold, snowy winters and hot summers.
The temperature usually ranges from 25°F to 84°F, though it can drop to 12°F in winter and reach 91°F in summer. The best time for tourists visiting a friend living in Oxford PA is usually June to September.
You’ll want to get ready for precipitation because it does snow in Oxford, and it also gets a decent amount of rain. It averages 47 inches of rain and 27 inches of snow every year. So bring an umbrella and snow shoes if you’re moving to Oxford!
Things to Do in Oxford
Looking for entertainment whilst living in Oxford PA? While you won’t find much action and nightlife, you’ll still find a healthy variety of fun things to do in Oxford, PA, to keep you busy. Avid shoppers moving to Oxford will find plenty of options at local business plazas like Oxford Square Shopping Center, Oxford Commons, and Oxford Farmers Market. Beyond shopping, here are a few other entertainment options and family activities in Oxford.
Oxford Area Recreation Authority Park
The Oxford Area Recreation Authority Park is a large public green space managed by the local municipal authority that features playgrounds, covered pavilions, sports fields, and paths to walk or bike, making it one of the best things to do in Oxford with kids.
900 W Locust St, Oxford, PA 19363 (610) 932-8447
Brandywine Museum of Art
Located in the nearby community of Chadds Ford, the Brandywine Museum of Art is a museum and gallery focused on showcasing local and regional culture, specifically the work of realist painter Andrew Wyeth and his family of artists. It’s a great destination for art lovers moving to Oxford.
1 Hoffmans Mill Rd, Chadds Ford, PA 19317 (610) 388-2700
Wyncote Golf Club
Wyncote Golf Club is one of the best things to do in Oxford, PA, for avid golfers who want a world-class public course with challenging greens and a driving range.
50 Wyncote Dr, Oxford, PA 19363 (610) 932-8900
Additional Oxford Attractions
Looking for more fun things to do in Oxford? The Oxford Area Recreation Authority has additional resources and Oxford family activities available on its main web page.
Oxford Restaurants
Although it isn’t particularly famous for being a culinary destination, you’ll still find a few good dining options, local pubs, and restaurants in Oxford PA, serving everything from comfort food to barbecue. Here are some of the best places to eat in Oxford.
SawMill Grill
SawMill Grill is one of the best restaurants in Oxford PA if you’re in the mood for a steak, burger, or plate of fish and chips along with a cold beer or cocktail.
306 Market St, Oxford, PA 19363 (610) 467-1909
PA Boys BBQ
PA Boys BBQ is another top Oxford, PA restaurant for those in the mood for authentic slow-smoked BBQ, served daily at their restaurant, food truck, or community events.
277 S 3rd St, Oxford, PA 19363 (610) 467-1112
Teen’s Place
Teen’s Place is a must-visit for anyone living in Oxford PA who likes soul food with an extensive menu of favorites like chicken and waffles, collard greens, and pulled pork.
37 S 3rd St, Oxford, PA 19363 (610) 467-0049
Jobs in Oxford
Moving to Oxford offers a stable economy supported by a strong job market in industries such as retail trade, educational services, and healthcare. However, the community has faced financial challenges, including a high poverty rate and an imbalanced budget.
Due to its small tax base, the local government has struggled to maintain its operating budget, leading to high real estate taxes. However, the borough has responded by implementing a 5-year strategic management plan after receiving a $52,500 grant from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.
Over 50% of jobs in Chester County are in the top 5 industries: health care, professional and technical services, retail, finance and insurance, and manufacturing. So anyone moving to Oxford may be able to find work in those industries.
Major Chester County employers offering jobs in Oxford, PA:
Payscale suggests that the average salary in the nearby city of Lancaster PA is $74,000. While data for employees living in Oxford PA isn’t available, they can expect to earn somewhere around that amount. From research assistant to public speaking expert, you’ll find a wide variety of great Oxford jobs available online in unique fields.
Oxford Schools
Families moving to Oxford will be pleased to know their kids will get a great education at the local elementary and secondary schools. The Oxford Area School District oversees the educational institutions in the community. They have resources on curriculum and on registering new students moving to Oxford on their website.
There are six schools in the Oxford School District:
- Jordan Bank Elementary School (Kindergarten)
- Elk Ridge Elementary School (1-2)
- Nottingham Elementary School (3-4)
- Hopewell Elementary (5-6)
- Penn’s Grove Middle School (7-8)
- Oxford Area High School (9-12)
Oxford Area High School is fairly well respected and ranks 305th in Pennsylvania with a 95% graduation rate.
Oxford is also the closest town to Lincoln University, a historically black college founded in 1854 that counts notable alumni such as Langston Hughes and Thurgood Marshall. Residents moving to Oxford are also welcome to visit the Oxford Public Library to check out books and other media.
Oxford Statistics & Information
- County: Chester County
- Oxford area: 1.97 square miles
- Oxford zip code: 19363
- Oxford area codes: 610 & 484
- Oxford elevation: 535 ft
- Oxford time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and 5)
- Closest airport in Oxford: The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is 40 miles away
Oxford PA FAQ
Is Oxford an Affluent Area?
No, Oxford is a rural area with a lower median and per capita income than the rest of Pennsylvania. The median household income is $61,470, 20% lower than the state average, and the per capita income is $35,806, approximately 20% lower. However, housing prices and the general cost of living are also lower, which is a major benefit of moving to Oxford.
Is Oxford PA In Amish Country?
Yes, Oxford PA is considered part of Amish Country. It has a large population of Amish residents and several Amish owned farms. Although Lancaster County is more famous for its large Amish community, Chester County also has a sizable and growing population of Amish people, many of whom are moving to Oxford.
Is Oxford PA Safe?
Yes, Oxford is safe. The total Oxford PA crime rate is 40% lower than the rest of the state and 53% lower than the rest of the country. It’s a small, rural community where residents are all very tight-knit, and as a result, it doesn’t suffer from the same crime rates as larger cities. Violent crime is also 24% lower than the national average, and property crime is 58% lower. So moving to Oxford is a great idea if you’re worried about crime.
What Is Oxford Market Famous for?
Oxford is famous for its Amish Market, which operates year-round and sells a variety of local produce, baked goods, meats, and hand crafts. Make sure to check it out after moving to Oxford.
Oxford PA Map
Discover more activities, attractions, and fun things to do after moving to Oxford with this map.
Thinking About Moving to Oxford?
Now that you know everything you need to know about moving to Oxford, you’re ready to decide if it’s the right place for you. When that time comes, you can trust the dependable Oxford PA movers at Suburban Solutions to make your moving day easy and efficient. Call (610) 314-6868 for a free quote from the top Philadelphia moving company.
