Nice areas near & around greater Manchester city, UK

[Chany]

Budget: 500k
Hi, we are looking to move to Manchester with our two kids (1 primary & 1 secondary) near and around Manchester City center. The area must be safe enough for our kids to walk around with their friends (as they will be teenagers soon!!) and excellent rated schools. We don’t mind city or rural area as long our two requirements above are there and also good public transport to city center would be a bonus. Thank you

I suggest you look at Prestwich and North Manchester as the team links into the City centre are good and your budget is reasonable.

Trafford is the best for schooling but also entering the 11+ system which may or may not appeal. Sale, Altrincham, Stretford all on the tram line but very expensive. Sale may be more affordable on a £500k budget or Timperley (part of Altrincham).

Otherwise, to avoid selective education at high school look at Lymm, Cheadle Hulme.

Didsbury is great - brilliant schools, village feel and on the tram

I looked Timperley and like the area, however I noticed that lots of houses on sale there have damaged flooring which makes me think that the area is flood zone?

Thank you, we are browsing around Didsbury now. Any area in Didsbury should we avoid?

Thank you. It does seem like we can afford a detached house in Prestwich, do you know if there is any area we should avoid? Will is safe to walk around neighbourhood in the evening?

Not that I'm aware of. I know a few people that live that way and never heard it mentioned. Have a look at the National Flood maps.

PS. Be aware Timperley is very competitive for secondary school places in particular. Research carefully what school you would realistically get into as catchments are ever shrinking!