Moving to Manchester

[MaternalMusings]

Hey there

We currently live in Essex - though my OH and I are originally from the North East. We've lived down here for 10 years, after moving down post-uni to work in London.

We are moving to Manchester with work next year - neither of us have been to Manchester properly. Only been through the city whilst at gig's or connecting flights! So have zero clue when it comes to places to live/places to avoid. We have a 5 year old boy who has additional needs (mainly extra Educational support now, though he was born with Talipes, Torticollis and Hypermobility). My only real concern about moving is taking him out of school - as we've only just got him settled with the extra support he's in need of.

With this in mind, I was hoping Mumsnet might be able to help us out with any suggestions of areas to live? We'll be renting until we can get settled and eventually buy. My OH's office is based in the Northern Quarter. And we'd like to not live directly in the city - our current commute is 30 mins, so happy to commute into Manchester, whether that be by public transport or driving/cycling. Are there any 'Village' type areas within this length of commute? Or can anyone recommend schools that might be able to support with our needs, and then we can work out where to live, based on the school?

Many thanks in advance!

xxx

[Mummaofboys]

Garstang is a lovely town/village, it’s about an hour commute to Manchester and about thirty minutes to the seaside! A great country feel but not too far from civilisation. There’s a small town a few pubs, lovely village school and a Sainsbury’s. House prices are great, nice properties backing on to the canal.

[MaternalMusings]

Oh thank you Mummaofboys - will take a look tonight! x

[Mirrorxx]

We used to live in hebden bridge which is about 40 minutes on the train from Manchester Victoria. Nice cafes/shops but does suffer from flooding.
We now live in Prestwich in north Manchester which has a village type centre and is 15 minutes by tram to the duty centre

[Auvergne]

Hebden bridge is a gorgeous place but I wouldn’t really think it’s the best place to live if you are working in Manchester.

My Manchester knowledge is more based towards Trafford. We are frightfully leafy here Altrincham, Sale, Hale, Wilmslow are all lovely places. However, they aren’t for everyone. I live just outside Warrington and Manchester is very easy to commute from here. Wigan has an excellent special school and it isn’t all George Orwell and clogs.

[GrowThroughWhatYouGoThrough]

Bare in mind the commute into Manchester by car from outside of Manchester is horrendous. in rush hour it can take me 2hours where as on a clear run it takes me 20mins

[underneaththeash]

There's good schools in Heaton Mersey and nearby Didsbury has a village feel to it.
There's a tram stop nearby and I think its about 20 minutes to the centre of Manchester, you can also park at the tram stop. I'm originally from Stockport (which I wouldn't actually recommend), but my brother has lived I Heaton Mersey for 20 years and loves the area.

[Elmosmum]

Didsbury and the Heatons are lovely. Marple/Romiley are 30 mins by train into Manchester and are proper villages.

[Nomad86]

We've always lived in South Manchester which is an easy commute. Sudbury is lovely but pricey. Gatley is close by and a more affordable alternative, also great for families. 15 mins by train to Manchester. Marple Bridge is more rural but very pretty. I'd stick to places with a train route to Piccadilly as it's the closest station to the northern quarter and the trains are cheaper than trams.

[fizzthecat1]

Stay away from Stayleybridge

[NotPennysBoat]

Trafford for amazing schools. Anywhere on the tram line for commuting into town (agree don't even think about driving!).
South Mchr is more expensive than North (but IMO nicer and better transport links to South/M6/Airport). Do you have a budget in mind for renting/buying (& what sized house?) as that will narrow down your choices!

[Unescorted]

Chinley. The primary has a really good SEN and Chapel High school has a SEN school that works alongside the mainstream (both parts Ofsteaded outstanding). Train direct to Manchester Piccadilly. Best pub in the NW, hills, good vibe and a bob on curry house.
If you want to access the primary buy the house as close to the gate as you can.

[Everythingsr0sie]

Glossop/Broadbottom are great if you like the countryside but they're are within 30 minutes to Piccadilly on a train.

Marple/Marple Bridge/Romiley are also lovely and are on the train line.

I prefer this side of Manchester, we get a lot more house for our money than Wilmslow way and the Peak District is on our doorstep.
Folk are very down to earth and great fun too!

[Lanaa]

Garstang is miles away and would take wayyyy more than 30 minutes to get into manchester. IIRC there isn't even a train there.

Have a look at Monton OP. The house prices are reasonable and local school is great. It's less than a 30 minute drive into central Manchester, and there are trams and trains in Eccles down the road.

[Elmosmum]

Poynton and Bramhall are both lovely too, very village-y

[dun1urkin]

Most of the places that have been mentioned will be more than 30 minutes commute to the Northern Quarter
What commute is your DH prepared to do? And how much money have you got to spend on a house (when you’re ready to buy)?
That’ll significantly narrow things down
( to commuting from Garstang!!)

[dun1urkin]

Oh, and depending where in the Northern Quarter your DH’s office is Victoria station may well be closer than Piccadilly.

[flimflaminurjams]

Is this for real?

Get a map.
Look on rightmove.
Look at TFGM website re commute distance via trains/trams - driving into Manc is a pain from pretty much anywhere.
We have good schools up here you know, with SEN support and everything Look up the league tables, tour some schools.
Get your butts up here and have a look. We won't bite.