where to live between Blackpool and Manchester?

Thanks for that info! We have decided against the Blackpool area, and will be looking at Wilmslow and Altrincham. My husbands co. also wants us to look at Bolton, and the Bolton School for boys and for girls. Do you know anything about it? His co. is in Salford. Thanks! Julie

Hi Joanne! I don't know why I thought you were not in Manchester, but coming back, I must have read something wrong. My husbands co. is in Salford, have you heard of the Markem Corp.?  What about the Bolton area? Someone from the co. lives there, recommends it. 

Depends where in Bolton you are talking about, there are some pretty horrible places there but also I'm sure some nice ones. The house prices will for sure be cheaper than the areas I have previously suggested. The schools you mentioned I have heard of but can't say I know first hand what they are like. Oh and Bolton is good for shopping  I still hands down prefer Cheshire and honestly I think you would to. I wouldn't personally chose to live in Bolton. My suggestion is if you're going to be here would be to, drive around Cheshire then drive around Bolton, see what you think.

Thanks! That is what we will do. I'm pretty sure the Cheshire area will be where we want live, hopefully our housing allowance will be enough for that area. We may have to kick in some of our own money!     You have been extremely helpful!    Julie

While I don't live in Greater Manchester, my wife's gran lives in Knutsford and her brother and his fiance live in Withington (just in a bit from Didsbury) and DW did some job hunting in Cheshire and Lancashire a few years back.

Cheshire is definitely the 'Surrey of the North', lots of leafy towns and quaint villages and home of many a Man U. footballer.  Meanwhile, Lancashire has the reputation of dirty, grungy towns and not being so nice on the whole, but I'm sure that's a blanket generalisation, although I found Bolton a bit grimy which is a bit harsh as we were only there a day or so.

One town that is out west of Manchester is Warrington which I think is on the Cheshire side barely but is heading out towards Liverpool and Blackpool.  Anyone have any comments on Warrington?
Anything north of there is pretty much Lancashire.  I've not heard great things about Wigan but maybe someone might be able to comment better.

And, of course, you have Chorley as in Chorley FM - "Coming in your ears" 

Manchester is a really nice city but I suspect moreso for a couple than those with kids.  Salford is the only city-within-a-city that I can think of.  It is a city in its own right in the middle of Manchester.  Unfortunately, it has an absolutely dire reputation but the canals and Lowery Centre bit are quite nice actually, I think they've worked to spruce it up as best they can.

Good luck on wherever you end up.

Matt

Matt,

I think you pretty summed it up! As for Warrington, they are applying for city status, it's great for shopping but getting a little too big and busy for my likings.

Just got back last night from our 1 week whirlwind visit to Manch UK looking at homes, schools etc.... we looked at Cheshire area - Cheadle, Wilmslow...etc... but when all was said and done we found a great house in Worsley in easy proximity to Bridgewater School for the kids.  Husband's office is in Salford so that's close. We'll let them finish their spring semester in USA and then move over in June for 2- 3 year expat assignment.  My husband will begin "commuting" 2 weeks per month in Nov until end of spring.  Thanks for everyone's help and ideas - the area is beautiful, loved Worsley, and the Trafford Centre was as good or better than any USA mall!!  People were wonderful, food great (love those curry houses!), although the roundabouts will take a bit of getting used to!

So glad you gave an update of your trip!  It sounds like everything went well, and it sounds like your decision about staying in the US till June will work out perfectly.  Even having your husband "commute" will mean by the time you get there, he'll have ironed out all those beginning things!  Did the kids like what they saw?

How funny!
I live in Boothstown, just a mile or so from Worsley village. Boothstown is actually classed as Worsley. So what street are you on??? and don't worry about the roundabouts they are easy once explained, by the way my step dad is a driving instructor, I'll give you his number when you get here and he'll take you out if you like. Wow still can't believe you'll be my neighbour!!
Oh and the Trafford Center is part of my weekly routine, can't beat it!!

The house is right on Worsley Rd.  We might take you up on meeting with your stepdad! Once we get over there, we will have to get together! I would love to meet up with you at Trafford Centre!  Julie

I have friends who live on the top end of Worsley Road in a really large older house. You will be approx 5mins by car from my house. How exciting, just when do you get here?

The kids and I will be coming around the middle of June. We decided to let them finish their school year here, as it would be difficult for our 15 yr.old to change. My husband will begin commuting in Nov. I will keep you posted!  Julie 

Ukmisgirl,  My husband has asked me to get your stepdad's phone #. He will be there starting the 1st of November, and would like to inlist him for some driving lessons. You can go to my email and post it there.  Thanks! Julie

Hi Julie,
the email I sent you got bounced back? Anyways here is the phone number 0161 799 8750 name is Trevor, Orchard School of Motoring.
Good Luck!

Thanks so much!  If you are still in Worsley in June I'll look you up, if not good luck with your move back to the states!  Cheers! Julie