We have so many brilliant places to live here in Manchester, and with redevelopment and regeneration taking place in boroughs including Stockport, Rochdale and parts of the city centre, things are only getting better. Now, The Sunday Times has revealed its annual list of the best places to live in the UK, with a fair few North West spots making the cut.
The list was compiled after the expert panel visited each area, choosing the most desirable place to live in each region based on aspects including schools, transport, broadband speeds, amenities, access to high-quality green spaces and the health of the high street.
Altrincham named the best place to live in Greater Manchester
In a fairly unsurprising turn of events, the lovely Altrincham was named the best place to live in Greater Manchester. Described as “classy, cool and effortlessly comfortable“, the panel cited its high quality independent businesses and big brands on the high street, as well as the Foundation co-working space within the old Rackhams department store.
Altrincham’s leisure centre also scored the town points, reopening in August 2025 after a £20 million revamp, making it a hub for community and sport. Of course, Altrincham Market was also a focus of the feedback, drawing diners from around the region with its top notch selection of street food, whilst providing a cultural centre for the town.
Altrincham’s schools are also among the most successful in the country, hence the town previously being voted the best place to raise a family in Greater Manchester, and its tree-lined streets and abundance of parks makes it a wonderful place to live.
Didsbury also recognised as one of the best places to live
A well-known affluent south Manchester suburb, the panel would be remise to forget Didsbury in its ranking. The leafy, if “a little bit smug”, area is said to have “real Manc heart and soul” and truly charming properties, alongside friendly people and plenty of opportunities to get involved in the community.
Kids’ football club Fletcher Moss Rangers was also praised by the panel, giving families another reason to want to live in Didsbury, plus the bustling café culture and thriving high street is something to be admired.
The best places to live in the North West
Other North West spots highlighted by the panel included the Eden Valley in Cumbria, Lancaster in Lancashire, Aigburth in Liverpool and Macclesfield in Cheshire. The North West winners come up trumps in stunning scenic surroundings, café culture and high street health, and great schools in the vicinity, plus good connections into their respective main cities.
You can see the full study here.
