Moving to Manchester!

[FatBottomedGal]

I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice about nice places to live around the Manchester area? My partner and I are potentially going to be moving up there (from SW London) at some point this year, initially renting to get our feet a bit, and then buying a house when we've settled. A little about us – we’re early 30s, no children (none on the horizon either), both working full-time Mon-Fri. We’ll both be working in Manchester and are happy with a bit of a commute - after doing the London commute for so long anything less than half an hour would be a huge treat!

What we’re really looking for is somewhere with a nice community feeling and green spaces, but also good links to motorways and public transport to Manchester City Centre. Open to all suggestions!

Chorlton in south Manchester has lots of little restaurants, pubs and cafes. It's close to the town centre but has green spaces (chorlton water park, Longford park etc). Houses are expensive largely because of the above and the good schools though. If budget is a big factor Stretford is a good alternative.

I grew up around Cheadle Hulme - lots of trains and goodish motorway connections. Not ultra-green but some wide suburban streets with big gardens. Bramall Park not far off - also easy to get out into Cheshire countryside.

If you want a less than half hour commute door to door, that will really limit where you could live. Public transport is not as joined up or frequent as it is in greater London. You'll need to be very central or on a tram or train route.

Lots of threads on this already - might be worth a search.

Green spaces and 30m commute I'm not sure is doable. It also depends where you are working.

North Manchester is generally cheaper, but not deigned as 'trendy' as south Manchester. South Manchester has a higher quota of hipsters and trendy bars.

Thanks everyone, I will do a search for some more ideas as well!

I should add that our budget for a house is £350k

There are several recentish threads as pp say. I would also consider Heaton Mersey/Norris. You will get a bit more for your buck than in Cholrton.