I lived in the Preston area a few years back, and I found it a wonderful place. We lived in Leyland, which is just on the south side of Preston, nearer to Chorley. That's an easy commute to Samlesbury by the way.
I would definitely recommend taking a really good look at Lancashire before heading south to Manchester (which I also love, but a city is a city, and Preston is more 'manageable').
Lancashire folk are among the best; they take you as they find you, and I made many friends there.