We’re well aware that we live in the best place in the world here in Manchester, but now two areas of Greater Manchester have been officially recognised in Britain’s largest independent buying agents Garrington‘s ‘Best Places to Live in 2024‘ guide. The analysis took place across England and Wales for the list, identifying places that offer the optimum blend of quality of life and strong value – and Greater Manchester boasts two in the top 20.
Data analysts identified more than 1400 cities, towns and villages across England and Wales that all score highly in at least one of five selection criteria – natural beauty and flood risk, wellbeing, heritage, schools and employment, plus value for money.
Chief among the ‘Best Places to Live’ is fifth-placed Bowdon, Altrincham, which Garrington describes as “an immaculate village near Manchester with tree-lined avenues that are home to well-heeled but discreet residents including a sprinkling of footballers and celebrities.”
At £709,000 for a typical family home, Bowdon’s property prices are among the highest in Greater Manchester, but their 5.9% fall in the 12 months to September 2023 won the village second place in the value for money category of the ranking, earning it one of two spots in the top 20 for Greater Manchester.
The North of England’s second highest ranking was achieved by 15th-placed Marple in Stockport. The town is within easy reach of the big city – it boasts two train stations and is just 10 miles from central Manchester – but offers a gentler pace of life. Marple’s rural location and famous canal-side walks earned it 33rd place in the natural beauty category of the ranking.
The highest ranked location in the Midlands, though we like to think Greater Manchester has adopted it somewhat, is fourth-placed New Mills in Derbyshire. The Peak District town enjoys commanding views of a natural rocky gorge known as The Torrs and boasts a mix of independent shops, cafés and pubs, as well as a lively programme of events and a thriving arts scene.
New Mills is the most affordable location in the top 20, with the price of a typical family home there falling 1.4% in 2023 to £409,662 – barely half as much as a comparable property in Epsom, the Surrey hotspot ranked just one place higher.
Prices also fell in Clitheroe, another northern hotspot, just a stone’s throw from Greater Manchester, and perennial high achiever in the annual ranking. The ancient market town in Lancashire’s picturesque Ribble Valley, boasting its very own castle, came 23rd overall after the average price of a family home dipped to £342,652.
The Top 20 Best Places to Live in 2024 list:
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Twyford, Berkshire
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St Albans, Hertfordshire
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Epsom, Surrey
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New Mills, Derbyshire
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Bowdon, Greater Manchester
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Godalming, Surrey
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Tring, Hertfordshire
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Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
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Farncombe, Surrey
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Henley, Oxfordshire
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Guildford, Surrey
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Woking, Surrey
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Watford, Hertforshire
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Bath, Somerset
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Marple, Greater Manchester
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Harpenden, Hertfordshire
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Ewell, Surrey
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Weybourne, Surrey
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Wallingford, Oxfordshire
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Chinnor, Oxfordshire
So, we’re pretty well covered here in the North West, what with lovely day trips, great commuter towns and now some of the best places to live in the country!