Stockport named best place to live in North West by Sunday Times 

Stockport took the crown as the best place to live in the North West, according to The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2024.

As it prepares to celebrate the end of its triumphant year as Greater Manchester’s Capital of Culture, Stockport town managed to snatch another great title.

And with all the regeneration it has undergone, and continues to undergo, making it a popular choice as a place to live by young families and first-time buyers, the win will come as no surprise.

Stockport has lots to offer from a variety of independent businesses and shops, historical landmarks, great transport links, restaurants, shops, cafes and bars as well as plenty of lush green spaces.

The Sunday Times judges said: “The town in Greater Manchester is in the throes of a mighty metamorphosis that’s turning it into one of the most exciting towns around. The conversion of the vast Weir Mill into a new neighbourhood is well underway.

“The new Interchange project will link buses and trains around a new park while the historic streets around the Market Hall and the Underbanks are filling up with a joyous collection of funky independent businesses. 

“It’s functional and family-friendly, too, with unbeatable rail connections, parks, sports clubs and good-value houses up and down the property ladder.” 

Helen Davies, editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, says: “This guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each a fantastic place to live in 2024, from Dunkeld to Knutsford, Falmouth to Leeds. 

“Wherever you are on the property ladder, there will be somewhere to suit you.  

“These are all places where you can feel grounded as well as upwardly mobile: they have a mature sense of community, lively, supportive high streets and an eye to the future, whether that is eco-friendly measures, transport and regeneration, or imaginative inclusion of new housing.” 

The towns and villages (including two from Greater Manchester) that made The Sunday Times Best Places to Live list for the North West of England are:

Stockport, Greater Manchester 

“Stockport is in the throes of a mighty metamorphosis that’s turning it into one of the most exciting towns around. The conversion of the vast Weir Mill into a new neighbourhood is well underway.

“The new Interchange project will link buses and trains around a new park while the historic streets around the Market Hall and the Underbanks are filling up with a joyous collection of funky independent businesses.

“It’s functional and family-friendly, too, with unbeatable rail connections, parks, sports clubs and good-value houses up and down the property ladder.”

Christleton, Cheshire

“This best-of-both-worlds village is a premium postcode with two outstanding state schools, three roaringly good pubs, and upmarket homes in a delightfully rural setting. There is also a serious social scene and a busy calendar of community events.”

Kendal, Cumbria

“Kendal is having a resurgence. A disappointing town centre used to make the Gateway to the Lakes a dispiriting contrast to the majesty of the scenery on its doorstep. But a burst of entrepreneurial energy is breathing new life into the ‘auld grey town’, which is now home to all kinds of interesting artisan businesses.

“With the fells and wild swimming spots of the Lake District on one side and fast roads and railways on the other, Kendal is a supremely practical spot for anyone eager to enjoy the great outdoors.”

Knutsford, Cheshire

“Cosy and comfortable Knutsford is in Cheshire’s sweet spot south of Manchester — avoiding both inner-city bustle and a long commute.

“Interlinked high streets, a glitzy social scene and interesting architecture make it an irresistible destination for aspirational families and upwardly mobile young professionals.” 

Prestwich, Greater Manchester

“Prestwich is where you come if you want to enjoy Manchester’s buzz and have an affordable redbrick house with a garden. There’s a lively restaurant scene, a choice of parks and plenty going on, and the tram makes getting to the city centre a doddle.”

Ribble Valley, Lancashire

“There’s a reason this hearty corner of Lancashire has previously been named both the happiest and the healthiest place in the UK. It has glorious countryside, excellent schools, community-minded locals and a well-deserved gourmet reputation, thanks to its local produce and stellar roster of gastropubs.”

Sefton Park, Liverpool

“Choose one of the leafy streets around one of the loveliest urban parks in the country and you can guarantee that you’re in the best place to enjoy a city that’s definitely going places.

“As well as the park, you’re in pole position to enjoy the food, drink and boho atmosphere of Lark Lane, and the transport connections to both the city centre and the airport are impeccable.”

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