Nicest places in north west?

[Plantagenette]

Looking to move out of Cheshire, am a renter by choice and single after ltr ended. I would prefer to stay in this region, although depends where.
I have lived in Hebden Bridge previously although it’s a bit of an outlier in relation to pricing and arts, but don’t really have any urge to go back. perhaps a bit too pricey at the mo.

Any decent places to recommend? Don’t want to be too urban but not too rural either. Love south Cumbria and some areas in Lancs, and can go to visit for a while prior to moving. I wfh so no commuting issues. I like arts, nature, painting, animals, stuff like that. I have relatives near Wigan who say most towns/areas around there are a bit neglected now, although that is Greater Manchester I think……so I’m a bit out of touch. Any advice welcome!

Forgot to mention, I would prefer to avoid areas with known anti social issues, although it’s often pot luck!

Can you give us an idea of budget? Do you want to leave Cheshire completely or would you consider other areas in the county?

Altrincham is nice.

Ribble Valley is beautiful. Try Clitheroe, Whalley, Chatburn, any of the surrounding villages- all are lovely!

My mum.and Dad live in Greenmount near ramsbottom it's a lovely village I grew up.there!

Formby?
Quick train into Liverpool or Southport, access to the pinewoods nature reserve, the lovely beach, a short drive and you’re in countryside. 90 mins to the lakes or wales. Lovely village centre filled with independent restaurants and cafes and shops.

Thank so much, all tips appreciated.
I do want to move out of the county as decent parts are shockingly pricey and im just not that inspired here if that makes sense. I also have family and friends up there although not keen to go to Wigan from what I’ve seen. I also have family in the lakes but just not sure, the only off putting thing is the climate!

Budget no higher than £750pcm preferred. Cousin has a lovely apartment in Ambleside at £595 so not too bad.

Whalley or Clitheroe

I know little about some of these suggestions so will do a bit of research, thanks! Formby is one of those places I’ve always heard mentioned but never seen.

Ribble Valley! Clitheroe , Whalley etc

Is that price for a rental pcm?

You will really struggle in Ramsbottom or the Ribble Valley.

Rawtenstall perhaps.

Clitheroe is popular here! Is it a nice place to live?

Yeh, that’s likely. I’m just not willing to spend more as yet. Wonder why the Lakes is so affordable. areas of Lancaster used to be nice but I haven’t visited for a good while.

Kendal seems perfect for what you want

You would really struggle to find much in Formby for £795, possibly even anything decent in Wigan tbh.

Ormskirk/Aughton is lovely. Good schools too. It’s very close to Wigan but not like Wigan at all.

Liverpool is gorgeous

Ulverston or Kendal are both nice.

Crosby, just down the road from Formby.
Crosby beach has the Iron Men installation, 29 minutes by train into Liverpool, loads of restaurants, coffe shops etc.

Ribble Valley, Clitheroe, Whalley area you’d need a bigger budget.

Ribble valley, clithero, st micheals, lytham

Curious as to why almost everyone lists the same places. Some of the rubble valley area looks a bit too ‘investment/retirement’ for me. I want a bit more going on. Must avoid grange over sands then,

Sorry, ribble, the rubble part comes after the recession!

Penwortham, Longton, Tarleton, Hesketh Bank, Rufford are all lovely areas

Kendal sounds ideal for what you want, or maybe Skipton, not exact location wise as it's on the edge of the Yorkshire dales but close enough to countryside and to leeds and a lovely little town.