Relocating from London. Where to live in Manchester?

[Betty2021]

Hi Everyone,

I'm thinking about relocating to Manchester (from East London) with my 2 year old son.

I'm a first time buyer and have max £315k to spend. I'd like a house with a garden, in a family-friendly area with good schools. I think I'd prefer a teeny tiny house in a nice area, than a bigger house in a not so nice area.

But also, as a single Mum, I'd like to start getting out once a month or so to try different things and to meet people. I'm in my thirties, and originally from up North although I've lived in London for over 11 years now and extracted all I can from it, as well as not being able to afford anything here!

Does anyone have any suggestions of where to look, and has anyone made a similar move?

Thank you

Why are you moving to Manchester? Is it for work in the City Centre?

I live in Cheshire which is on the outskirts of greater Manchester in a place called Grappenhall. Its semi rural in places but also very close to major Motor way junction which gives you access to every where! The schools are great to. You'd get a lovely little house for that budget.

Thanks for the quick reply :)

I’ve been trying to think of a location that’s affordable, linked up to London somehow for a once or twice a month commute. I also have a few friends in Manchester, and family in and around Leeds. I’m in London without family and friends (they’ve all slowly moved away). I’m currently employed in London but working from home, and actually I think I’ll be able to continue working from home fully, as we’re getting rid of our office premises for this reason. It’d be great if I could hang onto the London salary, but if it ends up not working out I figured Manchester would at least have some other employment options in the city centre?

I have just googled Grappenhall. It looks so beautiful, kind of like what I’m after really, but do you think as a newbie I’d have stuff to do and be able to meet people easily? Do you think I’d benefit from being closer to Manchester? A few people have just mentioned Altrincham and Didsbury to me but I wonder if I’ll struggle for my budget. Do you know what they’re like? I might have a drive up at some point and add grappenhall to my list!

Thanks again :)

Chorlton

Sorry for the really late reply!

Altrincham is very expensive for what it is. My kids go to school in Bowden there. Ex council houses are going for £300,000 + its bonkers considering it boarders the biggest council estate in Europe .

It depends what your after really. I miss Manchester City centre and the surrounding areas as the different cultures were very good. Ethic restaurants in the surrounding areas are fantastic and I really miss that.

We moved to Grappenhall because we wanted to see a bit of green. Its on the edge of beautiful country side with a few lakes and walks. The motor way access is a massive plus for us as we can be in Manchester City centre in 20 mins or Liverpool in 20 mins. Warrington Shopping centre is ok. Lots of the main retail stores and there is an Ikea, and retail park with Next, M&S, B&Q, Nandos ect. Grappenhall is in Warrington and they have just spent a lot on regeneration on their town centre. There is a foodie Market, Botanist, new cinema, trampoline park ( lots of play areas)

Knutsford is only 15 mins away with lots of lovely restaurants, bars, cobbled streets, old fashioned markets etc. Its really nice there at xmas.

In regards of things to do...if I want to go out for a meal drink I either go in to Knutsford of Stockton Heath ( which is nice too 5 mins down the road and have a lovely park) It its nice out then we will go to pickmere lake to paddle board/ go for a walk on one of the trails/pub lunch ( lots of country pubs)

I would have a look around Boothstown and Monton

Super late to this thread but only just saw it when I did a local search. Can second Monton, have just moved having lived there for 8 years. Brilliant for mums/parents, lovely high street. But would also extend that to parts of Eccles. (Emphasis on "parts") It's on the doorstep of Monton but has better transport links (train and tram) and recently has had alot of young professionals and families move there due to new developments. But it's a good deal cheaper than Monton. Worth doing a drive around.

Hi, we made the move up north from London about 3 years ago. After agonising for a ridiculously long time over where yo live we eventually decided on stockton heath. It's lovely. It's got a great community family feel. It has really good restaurants, cafes and shops and the schools are good. Are eldest has just started in primary school and loves it.
There are beautiful walks from your doorstep and travel to Manchester, Liverpool and London are all really straightforward. Warrington train station is a 5 minutes drive away and has a direct train to London.
I didn't know a single person when I moved here but have found meeting people very easy as there is a lot going on.
Feel free to contact me if you have any specific questions. Good luck!! X

Hi- we’re thinking of moving to Manchester from the South East. I’ve read most of the “relocating to Manchester” threads on here and an area that is often mentioned as nice-without-being-too-pricey is Prestwich. I’ve seen some promising looking houses online too. But from what I can tell the secondary schools don’t look great. Does anyone in the area have any insight? Which are the best schools locally? Or should we avoid the area altogether and try to find somewhere in Trafford or wherever?