[craig1234564]

Narrowing down my search I am now comparing these two places, the populations look similar (about 1200 ?) so I was wondering how they compare?

[craig1234564]

on the wikkipidea thingy they are showing Oxford to have a population of 1581 but Darfield 1362 ?? now looking at a map Darfield looks bigger so I dont get it.

[Moorf]

To be honest, they are both great places for different reasons.

Darfield more small-town / Oxford more rural village.

I love both places and live pretty much smack between them both, but Darfield (for us) is a better commute in to Chch.

[craig1234564]

Ok thanks, so Darfield is bigger? do you know how the schools compare? does Oxford have a secondary school? I know that Darfield does. :)

[Moorf]

Hmmm, not sure about Oxford (Lisa might be along to recommend) but Darfield has a secondary school which is very popular and has a good reputation.

I don't have children so I'm afraid I can't help you on that front.

With regards to size, I would have thought Darfield to have more people too. But, it might be that Oxford population includes the many rural properties and communities surrounding it? Like Coopers Creek / Ashley? Again, I'm just guessing. Darfield is growing at a rate of knots, and so is Oxford.

New sections have just started being advertised in the heart of Oxford (they're taking down the old coal yard) and Darfield has sections going in all around it, so the populations are sure to continue to rise. Selwyn (the district Darfield is in) is the 2nd fastest growing region in NZ according to the Press a couple of weeks back.

[lisa]

Hi

Oxford has an area school (roll is about 450) so it takes children from age 5 till 18 if they want to stay - some leave in yr 9 to go into chc to school but mine are all still there - they will be in yr 11 yr 9 and yr 6 next yr. There are a couple of early learning centres with a new one opening soon.

As Moorf said a lot of new sections going in which will be changing the view from our lounge !!!

Hope this helps

Lisa