where to live between Blackpool and Manchester?

Does anyone have any suggestions for areas to live in between Blackpool and Manchester? We think the kids will go to school in Fleetwood, husband will commute to Manchester for work. Thanks!

Hi There,
stay away from Blackpool for sure, it's party central, full of stag and hen nights, used to be a very nice place but not anymore, it's very run down and dirty. Nice areas I would say are parts of Cheshire, it's clean (no litter) you'll find lots of litter here, very littlle crime, good schools and very well kept. I live in the Manchester area and wouldn't recommend it, it's no place to raise kids, lots of serious crime and again dirty.
Good Luck,

What about the Altrincham area? Cheadle and Sale? My husband will be working in Manchester ,but we can live in the suburbs.  Thanks! We are also looking at the William Hulme Grammar school for the kids.

My sister lives in Dutton..near Northwich........right down from the Guinness factory.......that is a lovely area..........Runcorn is just around the corner.........she is a teacher in the area.......and my BIL works for the Manchester School District.........

Here are my top picks in order..

1. Goostrey (rural but I like that, not for everyone) about 25mins to Manchester
2. Alderley Edge (Just lovely, the home of many celebs and footballers)
3. Wilmslow (Supposedly boosts the UK's biggest concentration of millionaires, quite posh like Alderley)
4. Altrincham (more going on, restaurants, shopping, pubs etc..)
5. Knutsford (quaint, just has a runway that goes over the top of it!)

Good Luck,
Let me know how you go on, I feel I have a vested interest now : )

If there are more posh ppl and footballers won't the house prices be higher as well?

Yep most def higher house prices but it's worth it if you can afford it. I don't know what kind of budget we are looking at but I think a smaller house in a better neighbourhood is the best way to go, just for low crime and better schools.

Thanks ukmisgirl! That was exactly what I needed!  Now I can continue the search with this info. Julie

Best of luck, let me know if I can answer any questions, I know this area and the housing market very well.

Hi ukmisgirl!  Which of those areas would be best for my kids ages, 15 and 10? It would be good to be in a leafy area, but also close to any shopping,movie theaters, etc. Do you have any info on private schools?  thanks again! Julie

Hey There,
Altrincham and Wilmslow would be the best bet for stuff going on for the kids. As for good private schools, there's two private one's in Alderley Edge, one is for boys and the other is for girls. I'm sure they have websites. I'll put an email in to my friend who lives in that area and she'll give me more information, my daughter is too young for school yet so we haven't thoroughly researched those avenues.
I'll be back.....

Here is the list of schools that my friend who lives in the area recommended...

Terra Nova - Goostrey  up to age 13
The Grange - Northwich up to age 18
 Altrincham Grammar
Hulme hall
Cheadle hall school
Urmston
Stockport Grammar
Loreto - ALTRINCHAM

http://www.privateschools.co.uk/private_schools_uk/uk_%20private_schools_h.htm

Thanks again, girl!  We will try to visit some of those next week, along with the visit to William Hulme Grammar school. When are you going back to Manchester, and do you know what area?  Julie

Julie,
I am in Manchester, been here since April of 04, we live in the Salford area which is a large part of Manchester. The village we live in is Boothstown, Worsley. I'd say I know the area really well.
Good luck!

At the risk of making sweeping generalisations ..... (!!!)

You'll find the south west suburbs of Manchester and the commuter towns in Cheshire, south of Manchester Airport the 'nice' places to live.  Leafy suburbs, nice town centres, good shopping, lots of countryside, good schools, good transport links into Manchester by road and rail, plus near to the airport.

I agree with the previous poster's recommendations.

However, beware of commuting distances - the drive from Blackpool/Fleetwood to Manchester would be horendous on a daily basis - at least 1.5 hours.

Good luck!