This is going to be difficult to not look at moving to the North West of England from a southerner’s point of view, having done quite a few South to North, East, South West, Midlands home moves over the years.
But recent trends suggest that many many southerners have discovered the North West and are choosing to make it their new home.
Let’s start by saying that North West England is not grim, flat caps, whippets or any other of the stereotypical descriptions some from south of Watford would have you believe. In fact residents of some parts of Northern England still class parts of the North West as being Southern England!
The North West of England will definitely impress and surprise people who have never ventured over the threshold of the North Circular.
North West England has some amazing countryside, cultural events, history, and state of the art shopping facilities. Everything you could possibly want or need is here, just without the crowds, stress, and costs that Southerners are used to.
Conversely, if you are moving down from the Yorkshire Moors you may be surprised at just what cosmopolitan, bustling centres of commerce and retail, some parts of the North West are. And equally how tranquil and stunningly beautiful most of the North West is.
And fear not if you already live in the North West, or indeed plan to move down, or across, to the North West because the County, City and Town Guide later on in this guide will give you all the information you need about where you plan to make your next home. From local transport timetables to local crime figures, weather statistics, cost of living comparisons, to comparing all the schools in your chosen area, all the important questions you need answers to.
In this essential guide to moving to the North West of England you will find:
The North West of England is attracting people to move there from all over the UK and it is easy to see why.
5 Pros of Moving to The North West Of England
As I warned you in the beginning, looking at the pros from the viewpoint of a southerner is going to be unavoidable. If you already live in the North West you already know what a wonderful place it is to live.
#1 More home for your money. There are some pricey and exclusive areas for sure in the North West, but compared to the South of England, whether renting or buying a new home, you will definitely get a more spacious home for your money.
#2 Amazing countryside. Yes, many parts of the UK have stunning countryside. But the North West has the Lake District, Pennines, and the Scottish and Welsh Borders, as well as some fabulous coastline. The largest natural lake in England (Windermere), the deepest lake in England (Wast Water), the highest lake in England, (Broad Craig Tarn), and the highest peak (Scafell Pike) in England are all in the North West. Not to mention the Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, Cheshire Plain and 3 AONB are all on your doorstep.
#3 Life is not so stressful. The North West, although with much industry, a few cities, and many commuters, is less of a rat race than other parts of the UK. Life is lived at a slower pace and people actually have time for each other.
#4 People. Many people from other parts of the UK have chosen the North West as their new home. Because of that if you are moving up to the North West you will not find it difficult to integrate into the local community. Like any new place you choose to live, take the time to get to know your neighbours and they will welcome you with open arms.
#5 Quality of life. Taking everything into consideration, less crowding, lower cost of living, excellent amenities, stunning places to visit, and beautiful fresh air, your quality of life is likely to improve by moving to the North West.
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#1 Once you leave you are unlikely to be able to afford to return to the South. For most people moving to the North West, especially from the South, it is a one-way ticket. Moving from an expensive area to a cheaper one is easier than vice versa. For this reason many people choose to rent a property in the North West to live in, and rent out their property in the South, allowing them to keep their foot on the Southern property ladder. Although many soon realise that they would not want to live anywhere else than the North West ever again.
#2 Public Transport. Moving from London to the North West? If you are moving from a city like London or Bristol, to say Gatley, then of course there will not be the range or frequency of public transport that you are used to. That will hold true for any part of the country. But move like for like, Bristol to Manchester for example, and you will benefit from a just as excellent public transport system. The more remote areas will have less buses, maybe the nearest train station will be 20 miles away, but your commuting time will be a tenth of what it was along the M4 or M25.
#3 Roads. Many parts of the country do not have the motorway connections that the Midlands have for example. But then the North West does not have to cater for the masses of traffic that some parts of the UK do either. Over half of the population of the North West live around Manchester and Liverpool and these Cities have very good road connections. The smaller population of most parts of the North West means that there is no need for the dual carriageways and bypasses that the huge volume of traffic in other parts of the country warrant. So just relax, accept that some local journeys will take you longer, giving you time to appreciate your wonderful new surroundings.
#4 The North West is not flat. If you are moving from Lincolnshire to the North West for example, you might be surprised how hilly the North West can be. But the hills of the North West will afford you some amazing vantage points to see out over the Pennines or Lake Windermere. Although of course those hills do mean that a fair bit of rain will fall on you, especially in Cumbria.
#5 The Weather. Wet and cold 365 days a year. Just kidding. Of course not, but the perception is that the North is colder and wetter than the south. Colder it certainly is than the South Coast for example, but the South West gets its fair share of rain too. However, if you are moving down to the North West then your climate is probably about to improve!
How to Find a Removal Company in North West England
The majority of people moving home choose to do so with the help of a reputable removal company. In this part of the guide we will share some invaluable links to guides to help you choose the right removal company and avoid the pitfalls of moving home.
Cheshire has much to offer home movers with some stunning countryside, lively towns, and some beautiful places to live.
Cheshire is a mainly rural county with many picturesque villages. From the City of Chester with its stunning timber-framed shops, to Hare Hall, set in beautiful gardens, a day at the races, to visiting the endless independent shops and markets, to a hike along the 35 mile Griststone Trail, there is plenty of choice of things to do to fill your leisure time. Cheshire is considered an affluent county with many commuters who travel daily into Liverpool and Manchester. Cheshire has three universities and a comprehensive state school system. The M56, M53, M62, and M6 motorways are within the boundary of Cheshire. Crewe railway station is a major rail interchange with services to Scotland and London Euston.
Warrington offers excellent value for money if you are looking to purchase your new home. Not as expensive as nearby Chester, Wilmslow, and Knutsford, but with great connections to just about anywhere. Central Liverpool, Chester, and Manchester are about a 40-minute drive away. There are excellent rail services with Manchester being no more than 45 minutes, Chester 30 minutes, Liverpool 50 minutes and Leeds in less than 90 minutes. There is a campus of the University of Chester, two colleges, fourteen high schools and numerous primary schools in Warrington. Warrington has a modern shopping centre with many high street and independent stores, an Ikea, and the largest M&S store in the UK. There are many local activities such as ten-pin bowling, an indoor karting centre, an indoor paintball centre, Laser Quest, snooker club, museums and annual festivals to enjoy.
What are the average property prices in Warrington?
Detached houses: £350,314
Semi-detached houses: £202,424
Terraced homes: £151,551
What is the average property rental cost in Warrington?
1 bed £495
2 bed £629
3 bed £715
4 bed £781
Is Warrington safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics for this area.
Chester, one of the best-preserved walled cities in Britain, is an architecturally stunning city with streets lined by beautiful timber beamed buildings dating back 700 years. The Cathedral is a thousand years old and Chester is home to the largest Roman Amphitheatre, and largest Zoo, in Britain. Manchester is just an hour’s drive away, Liverpool about 40 minutes, and Warrington just 30 minutes’ drive away. Manchester Airport is only 45 minutes from Chester. Trains will get you to Crewe in 20 minutes, Liverpool in under 50 minutes, and Manchester in about an hour. Property in Chester tends to be more expensive to rent or buy than nearby Manchester and Liverpool. Chester’s main industries are retail, tourism, financial services, and public administration. Chester has a university, college, a couple of independent schools, and a number of secondary schools, most of which are rated very highly.
What are the average property prices in Chester?
Flats: £151,614
Semi-detached houses: £233,541
Terraced homes: £194,537
What is the average property rental cost in Chester?
1 bed £991
2 bed £837
3 bed £1,104
4 bed £1,368
Is Chester safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics for this area.
Crewe is an excellent choice of home for commuters being just 35 miles from Manchester, and only 5 miles from the M6 motorway. Manchester and Liverpool are an hour away by train, whilst London Euston is only about an hour and a half by a direct rail service. Trains go to a number of major towns and cities including Birmingham, Derby, Cardiff, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Crewe is also scheduled to be a major hub for the HS2 when it opens. Manchester Airport is 30 miles away whilst Liverpool Airport is 40 miles from Crewe. Within Crewe are eight secondary schools, many primary schools, a college, and The Cheshire Faculty of Manchester University. There is Grand Junction Retail Park, the Phoenix Leisure Centre which has a cinema and tenpin bowling, the Victorian Queens Park with a boating lake, a theatre and a museum to fill your leisure time.
What are the average property prices in Crewe?
Detached houses: £223,684
Semi-detached houses: £136,722
Terraced homes: £102,006
What is the average property rental costs in Crewe?
1 bed £417
2 bed £517
3 bed £627
4 bed £834
Is Crewe safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics for this area.
Ellesmere Port is a destination in the North West that is benefiting from major investment with many new housing developments. There is a designer outlet village, a shopping park, a weekly market, and a number of independent stores in the high street. With plenty of outdoor green space including Rivacre Valley Nature Park, Stanney Woods, and Whitby Park to enjoy, as well as coastal resorts and beaches close by, you will get plenty of fresh air. There are many primary schools, three secondary schools, and a college in Ellesmere Port. Liverpool is less than 15 miles away, and Chester less than 10 miles, whilst the M56 will take you to Manchester. Liverpool is only 40 minutes by train and Chester only 30 minutes, Liverpool Airport is 22 miles away and Manchester Airport 32 miles.
What are the average property prices in Ellesmere Port?
Detached houses: £237,852
Semi-detached houses: £158,065
Terraced homes: £118,541
What is the average property rental cost in Ellesmere Port?
1 bed £456
2 bed £587
3 bed £725
4 bed £902
Is Ellesmere Port safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics for this area.
Runcorn is just 17 miles from Liverpool, 30 miles from Manchester, and 18 miles from Chester. From the towns two train stations are services to London Euston, Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool, Birmingham, Manchester, and North Wales amongst other destinations. Runcorn is only 22 miles from Manchester Airport and 8 miles from Liverpool Airport. Within Runcorn are many green spaces including four large parks and several smaller parks, as well as forming part of Mersey Forest, a community forest. Runcorn has a number of listed buildings and interesting places to visit such as Norton Priory, Halton Castle, the theatre, and arts centre. You have many options for a great days shopping with Runcorn Shopping City and Trident Retail Park, as well as a host of smaller and independent stores in the town. Chemical industries, logistics, manufacturing, and service industries are the mainstay of local employment. There is a college, 8 secondary schools, and many primary schools in Runcorn.
What are the average property prices in Runcorn?
Detached houses: £241,208
Semi-detached houses: £141,938
Terraced homes: £93,752
What is the average property rental cost in Runcorn?
1 bed £460
2 bed £526
3 bed £624
4 bed £1,060
Is Runcorn safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics for this area.
A simply breathtaking place to live. What else is there to say?
Cumbria is one of the most sparsely populated counties in the UK, with Carlisle and Barrow-In-Furness being the only major urban areas. Famous as the home of the stunningly beautiful Lake District National Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Hadrians Wall, Cumbria also falls within a part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Cumbria is dissected by the M6 motorway and Carlisle is a main station on the Glasgow to Euston route, as well as services from Leeds and Newcastle. The nearest international airports are in Liverpool, Manchester, and Blackpool. For such a rural county Cumbria has a surprising number of large employers ranging from Sellafield nuclear processing plant, to Pirelli tyre manufacturing, to many service industries, to tourism. There are 42 state secondary schools, 10 independent schools, four colleges and a university in Cumbria with the more rural secondary schools offering sixth forms.
Carlisle, surrounded by stunning countryside and steeped in history, is a major settlement in Cumbria with excellent rail and road connections. Carlisle is accessed from three major junctions off of the M6 motorway, the North East and Newcastle (57 miles) are easily accessible via the A69, and the A74(M) will take you into Scotland. Being a major train hub, Carlisle is only an hour from Glasgow and just over three hours from London, with regular services to the North East. Newcastle international airport is about an hour and a half away. Although more like a large town than city, Carlisle is earmarked for expansion and offers a wide range of opportunities for employment. There are many primary schools, six secondary schools, a college, and a university within Carlisle. For a wealth of affordable homes, the opportunity for employment, the local history, and perfect rural setting Carlisle is a popular destination for people wanting to move to Cumbria.
What are the average property prices in Carlisle?
Detached houses: £221,390
Semi-detached houses: £135,397
Terraced homes: £109,580
What is the average property rental cost in Carlisle?
1 bed £408
2 bed £501
3 bed £558
4 bed £683
Is Carlisle safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics for this area.
Barrow-In-Furness was once the biggest steel and iron centre in the world. Today it is the second biggest settlement in Cumbria with a fabulous 45-acre public park and numerous buildings of historic interest. Within the area of Barrow is some beautiful countryside, including two nature reserves on Walney Island, and on Piel Island you will find Piel Castle. Barrow is also home to the world’s highest concentration of wind turbines. Barrow is a major shopping destination within the Lake District with a large selection of chain and independent shops and a number of retail and leisure parks, as well as a large indoor market. There are 15 primary schools, 5 infant, and 5 junior schools, 3 secondary schools, and a college in Barrow. The A590 connects Barrow with the M6. There are a number of daily train services to Manchester, and connections to Carlisle, and Lancaster, as well as Manchester Airport, which is the nearest international airport to Barrow.
What are the average property prices in Barrow-In-Furness?
Detached houses: £269,444
Semi-detached houses: £172,337
Terraced homes: £100,563
What is the average property rental cost in Barrow-In-Furness?
1 bed £426
2 bed £483
3 bed £611
4 bed £1,128
Is Barrow-In-Furness safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics for this area.
Kendal is not even a stone’s throw from your front door from the incredible beauty of the Lake District. Lake Windermere is just a 15-minute drive away. Many people move here for the surrounding countryside and leisure activities that abound in the area. The M6 skirts Kendal, Manchester is about 90 miles away, whilst Barrow is about an hour’s drive away. Manchester is just 90 minutes, London Euston 3 hours, and Glasgow 2 hours journey time by train from Barrow. Famous for its mint cake, you will also find many good restaurants and cafes in Kendal. Kendal has three cinemas, a theatre and music venue, five shopping arcades, many independent shops, as well as several markets. Kendal has numerous primary schools, a couple of secondary schools, and a college of further and higher education. Property prices are higher in Kendal than the rest of Cumbria.
What are the average property prices in Kendal?
Flats: £142,862
Semi-detached houses: £214,790
Terraced homes: £192,857
What is the average property rental cost in Kendal?
1 bed £505
2 bed £636
3 bed £722
4 bed £960
Is Kendal safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics for this area.
Workington has undergone massive regeneration in the last 10 years but property prices here are still below what you can expect to pay on average in Cumbria. Between the coast and the Lake District, you are never far from some amazing scenery and great days out. Workington has a large shopping centre with a varied mix of chain and independent shops as well as a multiplex cinema. The train from Workington will get you to Carlisle in about an hour. Sellafield, a major employer in the area is about 30 minutes away by car. There are many primary schools, two secondary schools, and Lakes College is just outside of town.
What are the average property prices in Workington?
Detached houses: £202,838
Semi-detached houses: £119,326
Terraced homes: £83,703
What is the average property rental cost in Workington?
1 bed £394
2 bed £423
3 bed £593
Is Workington to safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics for this area.
Lower than average for Cumbria property prices, a beautiful harbour, easy access to the Lake District, and roughly in the middle of Carlisle and Barrow, makes Whitehaven a very desirable place to move to. There is an interesting range of shops in Whitehaven as well as supermarkets, high street brands, and a market twice a week. The market dates back to 1660 and within Whitehaven are about 250 listed buildings. Whitehaven has its own lighthouse which dates back to 1730. The A595 takes you to Carlisle 38 miles away whilst Barrow is just 45 miles from Whitehaven. Trains to Carlisle take about an hour or so, and Barrow in about an hour and a half. Newcastle Airport is around two hours away by car. There are 3 primary schools and 2 secondary schools in Whitehaven.
What are the average property prices in Whitehaven?
Detached houses: £245,286
Semi-detached houses: £129,355
Terraced homes: £90,342
What is the average property rental cost in Whitehaven?
1 bed £395
2 bed £518
3 bed £731
4 bed £750
Is Whitehaven safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics for this area.
Cities with every amenity, beautiful countryside, and great road and rail connections. Greater Manchester has it all.
Greater Manchester is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the UK. And despite being densely populated and industrialised, there are still many green areas to be found with 21 sites of special scientific interest. Greater Manchester has five universities and twenty-four colleges. Greater Manchester is the hub of the transport network for the whole of the North West and has excellent road and rail connections as well as being the home to Manchester International Airport. Not only is Greater Manchester the transport hub but also the economic centre of the North West, with Manchester being at the core of wealth generation for the district. Famous for its sporting connections, Greater Manchester is also known for its culture and art, with the highest number of theatre seats per head of population outside of London.
The top 5 Greater Manchester towns by population are:
Manchester is known as England’s second city, so as you would expect everything you would ever need or want can be found here. With the added bonus that everything is so much cheaper than down south, rent, for example, is on average half of what you would expect to pay in the capital. Manchester was voted this year as one of the best places in the UK to invest in property. You can shop to your heart’s content at an innumerable number of independent and high street brand stores. There is a huge variety of nightlife and restaurants, museums, art galleries, and theatre productions. Manchester even has its own Chinatown. The beautiful Peak District is less than an hour away and Manchester has some great parks such as Haigh Hall and Heaton Park. There is plenty of employment in Manchester especially in media, finance, creative and digital industries. Manchester Airport is on your doorstep and there is a multitude of motorways connecting you with the rest of the UK. Manchester has three universities and a vast selection of schools.
What are the average property prices in Manchester?
Flats: £167,630
Semi-detached houses: £225,855
Terraced homes: £172,294
What is the average property rental cost in Manchester?
1 bed £739
2 bed £926
3 bed £1,109
4 bed £1,361
Is Manchester safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics for this area.
Bolton has a wide spectrum of homes to suit most budgets from affordable terraced homes to multi-million-pound homes in the millionaires’ row of Regent Street and Brikdsdal Way. There is much regeneration planned for Bolton in the next few years. You will never run out of shops to explore as there is an out of town retail park, three shopping centres, a street market, a selection of all the major supermarkets, and a large number of independent, and chain stores. For those looking for outdoor leisure activities, the West Pennine Moors are on your doorstep. Bolton has a good road network with links to the M61/M60 motorways, with Manchester being just 13 miles away, and Liverpool only 37 miles, as well as the A6 which runs close by. Trains run to Manchester (in about 25 minutes) and Liverpool (the fast service gets you there in 70 minutes) amongst other destinations. Bolton has a good selection of primary schools, a couple of secondary schools, a number of independent schools, two colleges and a university.
What are the average property prices in Bolton?
Detached houses: £296,683
Semi-detached houses: £159,364
Terraced homes: £108,931
What is the average property rental cost per month in Bolton?
1 bed £463
2 bed £540
3 bed £791
4 bed £1,018
Is Bolton safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics for this area.
Sale is renowned for having some excellent schools and coupled with good value for money properties, is a very desirable place to move to. Sale has a good mix of modern apartments to traditional Edwardian properties both for rent and sale. There is plenty to do in Sale with regular art exhibitions and concerts in the Waterside Arts Centre, a good range of local pubs and restaurants, and an abundance of green spaces such as Worthington Park and Walton Park, as well as Sale Water Park. And you are just 20 minutes from Manchester city centre by tram. Manchester is just 5 miles away, and Altrincham only 3 miles away. The M60 is right on your doorstep. For a more interesting commute why not take the Water Taxi to Manchester city centre? As mentioned earlier Sale has some very good schools, with 19 primary schools, 2 comprehensive schools, and a grammar school. Sale is also renowned for its excellent childcare and preschool education, as well as after-school care services. With a real sense of community and the low crime rate, Sale is ideal for families.
What are the average property prices in Sale?
Flats: £144,250
Semi-detached houses: £326,818
Terraced homes: £241,183
What is the average property rental cost in Sale?
1 bed £676
2 bed £777
3 bed £1,104
4 bed £1,662
Is Sale safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics for this area.
The outskirts of Rochdale tend to be the hot spots for people looking to move here. Property prices are lower within the town itself, and are in fact are some of the lowest in the country. There are two shopping centres in Rochdale as well as many independent shops on the outskirts of the town. There are 14 secondary schools, 58 primary schools, and a college of further education in Rochdale. You won’t be short of parks to take a stroll in as Rochdale has 15, as well as a couple of golf courses. Rochdale is about 10 miles outside of Manchester. The A627(M) links with Oldham just over 5 miles away, as well as the M62 motorway. Trains run to Manchester, Halifax, Bradford, and Leeds. Rochdale is currently planning some major regeneration projects for the town.
What are the average property prices in Rochdale?
Detached houses: £265,760
Semi-detached houses: £146,944
Terraced homes: £107,181
What is the average property rental cost in Rochdale?
1 bed £447
2 bed £561
3 bed £618
4 bed £806
Is Rochdale safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics for this area.
Nestled between Manchester and Cheshire you have easy access to both the city and the countryside. Stockport has good transport links for those who are looking to commute. Just over 15 minutes by train to Manchester, Warrington in under 40 minutes, Liverpool about 70 minutes, and London Euston about 2 hours. Manchester is 7 miles away whilst Manchester airport is just 5 miles away, the M60 and M56 are within a stone’s throw. Within Stockport are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. Stockport is currently having some major regeneration work with retail, leisure, and office parks, as well as new homes being built. Stockport has 4 nursery schools, dozens of primary schools, 14 secondary schools, and 3 colleges, as well as a number of independent schools. There are 14 nature reserves in Stockport, a couple of shopping centres, as well as Cheadle Makers Market where you can buy locally produced goods.
What are the average property prices in Stockport?
Detached houses: £383,687
Semi-detached houses: £242,604
Terraced homes: £177,993
What does the average property rental cost in Stockport?
1 bed £599
2 bed £740
3 bed £961
4 bed £1,387
Is Stockport safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics for this area.
Seaside resorts, beautiful countryside, culture and history, as well as great value housing. Welcome to Lancashire.
Looking for a tranquil area with plenty of rural walks and quiet village life, stunning coastlines to explore, or do you want to live in the middle of all the excitement of an English seaside resort? Lancashire can offer you all this and more. There are many activities to fill your leisure time from theme parks such as Camelot Theme Park, and Blackpool Pleasure Beach, to castles at Clitheroe and Lancaster, to historic buildings such as Ruffold Old Hall and Astley Hall, as well as many beautiful areas of countryside. And to tickle your tastebuds you will find an array of foods that are specific to Lancashire such as black peas, Ormskirk gingerbread, Throdkins, Lancashire oatcake, Goosnargh cakes, and Chorley cakes.
Blackpool needs little introduction for those who love a traditional English seaside resort. But of course going to live in Blackpool will be very different from a short holiday visit, you will still have a thousand and one things to do on the seafront, but there are other considerations too. For commuters, Liverpool is only 27 miles away, Manchester 40 miles, and Preston 15 miles. Northern and Virgin trains offer services to most major stations in the North West and beyond, with trains taking about 70 minutes to get to Manchester and about 80 minutes to Liverpool. Manchester and Liverpool airports are only 37 miles away by road. Within Blackpool are two colleges, seven secondary schools, and about thirty primary schools. There are a number of shopping areas, as well as a modern shopping centre, and an out of town Retail Park.
What is the average property price in Blackpool?
Detached houses: £228,641
Semi-detached houses: £131,344
Terraced homes: £92,630
What is the average property rental cost in Blackpool?
1 bed £387
2 bed £522
3 bed £620
4 bed £711
Is Blackpool safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics for this area.
Preston, the largest city within Lancashire, has some great transport links. Via the M6 you can be in the Lake District or Manchester in about an hour, on the beach at Blackpool in about 30 minutes, or going to Liverpool will take just over 60 minutes. Trains will get you to Manchester in about 45 minutes, to Liverpool in about 60 minutes, and to Blackpool in about 30 minutes. Locally there are some major employers such as BAE, and because of its excellent transport links, many haulage and distribution companies. There are two large shopping centres with all the usual high street brands, and Miller Arcade with a number of interesting and independent shops. There are many bars, restaurants, and cafes around the centre of Preston. There is also an indoor and an outdoor market in Preston. Preston is home to the 6th largest university in the UK, four colleges, and about 10 high schools. Within Preston are a couple of museums, an art gallery, and Ribble Steam Railway, Samlesbury Hall, and Rufford Old Hall are all close by. There are plenty of nature reserves, animal parks, and sanctuaries within the area to visit. And newly opened is a climbing centre with 20 climbing walls of differing difficulty to try your hand at.
What is the average property price in Preston?
Detached houses: £258,663
Semi-detached houses: £154,514
Terraced homes: £106,108
What is the average property rental cost in Preston?
1 bed £518
2 bed £592
3 bed £696
4 bed £999
Is Preston safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics in this area.
Blackburn is surrounded by plenty of places for the outdoor enthusiast, from the West Pennine Moors to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, to numerous hiking and cycling trails. The shopping mall in Blackburn has all the major high street brands, and a good mix of independent stores can be found dotted all around the town. There is a good mix of local pubs, restaurants, cafes, and tea rooms within Blackburn. Just 21 miles from Manchester and 10 from Preston, the M65 links Blackburn to the M6 and M61. There are rail services which will get you to Manchester in around 50 minutes, and Leeds in around 90 minutes. Manchester airport is just 28 miles away from Blackburn. There are two further education colleges, nine secondary schools, and a few independent schools, as well as numerous primary schools.
What is the average property price in Blackburn?
Detached houses: £225,744
Semi-detached houses: £139,676
Terraced homes: £90,148
What is the average property rental cost in Blackburn?
1 bed £392
2 bed £469
3 bed £548
4 bed £769
Is Blackburn safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics in this area.
Burnley has the enviable attribute of being on the doorstep of some beautiful countryside, being only an hour by car from the centre of Manchester, whilst housing is very affordable. The Yorkshire Dales, Forest of Bowland, and open moorland surrounds Burnley. There are local museums, a theatre, art gallery, visitors centre, and Gawthorpe Hall to fill your leisure time. From flats above shops and Victorian terraces in the town centre, to modern new builds on the outskirts of town, most people will find a suitable home at a good price in Burnley. There are four retail parks, a large number of high street chains, as well as many independent stores in Burnley. Burnley has four railway stations, whilst Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds airports are all about an hour’s drive away, and the M65 motorway is a stone’s throw from Burnley. Preston is 20 miles away, and Manchester only 21 miles away. There are about 5 secondary schools, a college of further education, and many primary schools in Burnley. Boohoo, the clothing retailer has recently moved to Burnley and has created a lot of local jobs. Manufacturing and aerospace firms are also major local employers.
What are the average property prices in Burnley?
Detached houses: £192,751
Semi-detached houses: £132,290
Terraced homes: £66,657
What is the average property rental cost in Burnley?
1 bed £386
2 bed £404
3 bed £479
4 bed £631
Is Burnley safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics in this area.
Bamber Bridge is a family-friendly village with many good schools and colleges nearby. There is a cinema, parks, play areas, a tennis club, and the local leisure centre. There are hourly direct rains to Burnley, Blackburn, Accrington, and Preston. Trains to Manchester take less than one hour with a change at Preston for the fastest service, or an average of 90 minutes for other services to Manchester. Manchester is about an hour by car and is less than 30 miles away. Bamber Bridge has a great selection of local pubs from thatched inns to pub chains. There are a good variety of shops in the Capital Centre as well as many places to eat. In Bamber Bridge, there are four primary schools and a couple of secondary schools.
What are the average property prices in Bamber Bridge?
Detached houses: £221,274
Semi-detached houses: £137,125
Terraced homes: £105,645
What is the average property rental cost in Bamber Bridge?
1 bed £450
2 bed £500
3 bed £570
4 bed £675
Is Bamber Bridge safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics in this area.
Culture, nightlife, a booming economy, great value property, and some beautiful countryside right on your doorstep. Welcome to Merseyside.
Liverpool is the centre of commerce and economy for Merseyside but there is so much more to Merseyside than just Liverpool. Consider moving to Crosby which is a seaside town just 6 miles from Liverpool with many good shops and schools, or one of the idyllic villages on the Wirral Peninsula. Within Merseyside, you will find Haydock Park Racecourse, Knowlsey Safari Park, North Wirral Coastal Park, Birkenhead Priory, and Bidston Hall to name but a few highlights. There are 14 sites of Special Scientific Interest within Merseyside and 6 local nature reserves.
Everything in Liverpool is so accessible, it is just a short walk between all the major sights, shops, bars, and clubs. There are numerous art galleries, museums, the docks, Sefton Park, the Liver Building, two cathedrals, the list of things to see and do is endless. And the icing on the cake is that it is all so much cheaper than you would expect to pay in the South of England. The service sector, leisure, and tourism provide most of the employment within Liverpool. Liverpool is well served by the motorway network with the M62 connecting to the M6 and M1. The rail network connects Liverpool to most major towns and cities across the country. Just south of the city is John Lennon Airport with flights to nearly 70 destinations. The port of Liverpool offers ferries to Belfast, Dublin, and the Isle of Man. Liverpool has 3 universities and a college of further education.
What are the average property prices in Liverpool?
Flats: £119,381
Semi-detached houses: £183,962
Terraced homes: £116,752
What is the average property rental cost in Liverpool?
1 bed £530
2 bed £645
3 bed £750
4 bed £1,027
Is Liverpool safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics in this area.
Birkenhead is located just across the Mersey, opposite Liverpool, to which it is connected by the Queensway road tunnel. The M53 connects Birkenhead to the major motorways of the country. There over a hundred train services daily to Liverpool with the fastest journey taking just 8 minutes. Birkenhead is just 8 miles from Liverpool airport and 40 miles from Manchester airport. There is a primary school, two secondary schools, a grammar school, and a sixth form college in Birkenhead. Birkenhead Park is a beautiful area to relax in with lakes, a children’s play area, and a café to enjoy. New York’s Central Park was heavily influenced by the design of Birkenhead Park. There are a couple of art galleries, museums, an urban farm, and Birkenhead Priory, built in 1150, is well worth a visit. Within the Pyramids Shopping Centre you will find over 150 stores. And at Elegant Steps, the UK’s largest range of formal and wedding shoes can be found, including a service which can dye shoes and handbags to any colour you wish. Hamilton Square in Birkenhead has the most Grade 1 listed buildings outside of London.
What is the average property price in Birkenhead?
Flats: £84,964
Semi-detached houses: £136,912
Terraced homes: £90,561
What is the average property rental cost in Birkenhead?
1 bed £592
2 bed £718
3 bed £788
4 bed £1,105
Is Birkenhead safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics in this area.
St Helens has undergone major regeneration in recent years and now boasts two retail parks, several supermarkets, and a central shopping area with numerous high street brands and independent stores. Just 23 miles from Manchester and 11 miles from Liverpool, St Helens has great motorway links with the M58, M62, M57, and M6. Manchester Airport is just 25 miles away and Liverpool Airport only 12 miles away. On average there are about 50 trains a day between St Helens and Liverpool with an average journey time of just under 30 minutes. The daily 36 trains that travel to Manchester take on average just over 30 minutes travel time. St Helens has seven centres for post-16-year-old education including the excellent Carmel College. There is a nursery school, one infant school, one junior school, fifty-two primary schools, and nine secondary schools in St Helens. There are a number of large parks in St Helens, a couple of theatres, two museums, as well as numerous local sports clubs.
What are the average property prices in St Helens?
Detached houses: £248,985
Semi-detached houses: £138,713
Terraced homes: £89,132
What is the average property rental cost in St Helens?
1 bed £402
2 bed £460
3 bed £626
4 bed £800
Is St Helens safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics in this area.
Southport is a large seaside town just 15 miles from Preston and 17 miles from Liverpool. Famous for its beachfront Air Show, the British Musical Fireworks Championship, and the largest independent flower show in the UK, Southport also hosts several festivals including Southport International Jazz Festival, and a Food and Drink Festival annually. There is some great shopping in Southport with an indoor market, a street market, and a farmers market. You will find all the main high street brands and a good selection of independent stores. Golf is a major pastime in the area and has the highest number of championship link courses. There are 4 trains an hour to Liverpool taking just over 40 minutes, with trains to Manchester every 30 minutes taking about 75 minutes. It is only about 40 minutes to Liverpool by car. There are several secondary schools, primary schools, and two colleges in Southport.
What is the average property price in Southport?
Detached houses: £319,238
Semi-detached houses: £177,778
Flats: £121,147
What is the average property rental cost in Southport?
1 bed £533
2 bed £623
3 bed £697
4 bed £825
Is Southport safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics in this area.
Wallasey is made up of several districts on the Wirral Peninsula. Wallasey Village has a promenade, coastal park, and two golf courses. Liscard is regarded as the main shopping centre with a vast array of stores. New Brighton has a lovely long promenade and many leisure activities. Seacombe is a ferry port that serves Liverpool and Birkenhead. Poulton and Egremont are the other two districts. Within Wallasey are 12 primary, and 5 secondary schools. Wallasey is close to the M53 motorway, and the M56 will take you to Manchester Airport about 56 miles away. Wallasey to Birkenhead is only 5 miles, and to Liverpool is only 6 miles. Regular train services to Liverpool and Birkenhead take on average 20 minutes with services every 15 minutes.
What are the average property prices in Wallasey?
Flats: £101,974
Semi-detached houses: £174,485
Terraced homes: £108,982
What is the average property rental cost in Wallasey?
1 bed £509
2 bed £641
3 bed £574
4 bed £624
Is Wallasey safe to live in? Visit www.police.uk to find out the latest crime statistics in this area.
The average cost of living: What is the average cost of living in the North West? Visit www.expatistan.com where average prices for various everyday items are regularly updated.
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