Relocating from Chester and need advice on a commuter belt town to Manchester with good schools

[Starclan]

Morning,
We are relocating from Chester due to job changes and would like any advice on great commuter belts via train with good nurseries and family friendly facilities. Price range needs to be 2 bedroom terrace around 250k mark as we’re stuck with an ISA limit. Happy for advice for around 30min mark either way. Have been looking Altringcham (love it, but might be out of the price bracket) or the other way Hebden/Todmorden. Any suggests of areas around or suitable for our price range would be really appreciated as we will be trying to move soon.

Mossley and Stalybridge would be good to look at. Great train links (though maybe not as much over the next year when upgrade works take place on the line) and lots of terraced housing stock. Mossley has just been voted one of the best places to live in the UK. You could also look at parts of Oldham (Lees, Royton) , though commute would be bus and tram.

Think you need to be more specific what you want area & amenities wise. Loads places will be within your budget.

Altrincham and Timperley are well out of your price range unless you'll accept an apartment (and there's plenty of those within easy reach of the Metrolink). You're going to struggle to get anywhere in Trafford. I'd suggest you have a drive over to get a feel for areas, transport links for your commute, and then start looking at schools.
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Stockport is great and on the up. You could definitely get a two bed terrace for the £250k mark. I don't know much about the education system other than primaries but there seem to be plenty rated good around here (and a few outstanding)