Are you thinking of moving to Manchester but have no idea where the best places to live are? Read on for my first guide to South Manchester, focusing on Altrincham and everything it has to offer.
Named the one of the ‘Best Places to Live’ in the North West by The Sunday Times for 5 consecutive years, it has undergone a huge transformation since I moved here in 2011, mainly centred around the hugely successful Altrincham Market. What was once like a ghost town is now a thriving hub showcasing a plethora of independent local shops and brands.
Located in South Manchester I advise Altrincham as a pivotal area for people to focus on when thinking of a move to Manchester and here are 5 reasons why…..
1. Amazing schools
Many families with school age children look at Altrincham if they are moving to Manchester because of the amazing schools in the area. With 6 out of 10 of the best state schools in the north west being based around Altrincham (Altrincham Girls Grammar School and Altrincham Grammar School for Boys being placed first and second), as well as excellent secondary and primary schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to consider if schooling is a top priority.
2. Transport Links
Planes, trains and automobiles, Altrincham has it all covered. Being a short taxi ride to the airport there’s never the faff and expense of parking your car at the airport before a trip and when you get home after a relaxing break, it’s nice to know you’re only a 15 minute taxi ride from home!
Altrincham Interchange, which is based on the mid Cheshire trainline has regular trains from Chester through to Stockport, as well as a Metrolink tram line to take you from Altrincham and into central Manchester and beyond.
There’s also great access to motorway networks- the M56 and M60 are short drives away-and it is either a short tram journey or 20 minute car ride to a train to be able to get to London Euston in approximately 2 hours, so whilst you might be moving to Manchester, you can still have fantastic access to the rest of the country.
3. Altrincham Market and independent shops
As I mentioned earlier Altrincham has a fantastic town centre. The market’s tagline, ‘Passionately Regional. Fiercely Independent’ has spread to the rest of Altrincham centre where you’ll find many quality, independent restaurants and shops plus some high street favourites. Food highlights include, but are certainly not limited to, Unagi for sushi, Blanchflower for brunch or Porta for tapas. I could, however, go on and on with places to recommend, we’re spoilt for choice!
4. Outdoor space
As well as local parks you can enjoy a lovely walk down the canal either heading towards Dunham or Sale, with coffee or beer stopping places along the way. There are 3 National Trust venues within a short drive, the closest being Dunham Massey where you can get up close and personal with the deer, or simply a walk down the river Bollin, which is especially perfect for dog walking on hot days when they need plenty of shade and water. If you want open water swimming, head to Salford Quays for all year round sessions in the docks or Pickmere Lake for a more rural setting. As well as all these places on your doorstep, moving to Manchester also gives you great access to fantastic places slightly further afield; the Peak District in an hour, Wales and the Lake District in 2 hours, and Scotland in 3 hours.
5. Big City Living
Whilst Altrincham has lots to offer you may be worrying about moving to Manchester outskirt areas and not being near enough to city centre life. Altrincham is a quick 20 minute drive to the Trafford Centre where you’ll find high street favourites and fabulous leisure activities and another 20 minute tram journey will get you into the centre of Manchester for The Arndale Centre with over 200 high street outlets, plus bars, restaurants, theatres, libraries and museums.
So, hopefully that tells you lots about what to expect if you are looking at moving to Manchester and are considering Altrincham as your new home, it has so much to offer within 15-20 minutes and it wasn’t named the best place to live in the north west for nothing!
Moving to Manchester and need help?
If you’d like anymore detail on South Manchester and Cheshire areas please contact me here and I’ll be happy to chat about where could be most suitable for you and your family.
