Irlam/Partington (Manchester)

[errlam]

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Looking to move to either Irlam or Partington areas next year. Wanting to know a bit more about the general areas, schools, crime etc. From what I hear they are on the up. We have 2 children under 3 so mostly interested in what it's like for young families.

Where are you moving from OP? Do you know the areas at all? Is there a particular reason you're targeting these areas? Neither has a great reputation but they're quite different & fall under different authorities I think for schools etc (Partington comes under Trafford and Irlam comes under Salford).

House prices in both are fairly cheap but both suffer a bit from isolation on the fringes of Manchester with poor and limited public transport. Partington in particular is poorly connected to the M6 and west via back lanes and a toll bridge which results in long tailbacks. They have a reputation for being a bit insular. I dont know much about schools but the high school in Partington at least anecdotally is the poor relation in the Dean Trust.

Thanks both. Moving to be closer to my mum and dad who are in Sale, Trafford but can't afford the area they are in. Looking for somewhere within 15/20 mins with houses at about £150-170k. There doesn't seem to be much available!!

We do both drive and DH will be commuting by bike to Altrincham so transport links aren't too much of an issue

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I don't know about Partington, but I live in Cadishead (next to Irlam). There is a Facebook group called Irlam and Cadishead Community Views that you can join to get a bit of insight to the area.

I would say the Primary Schools are good. There are quite a few of them - but they swap and change as to which are the best.

DS is 15, and in Year 11 of the High School. DS is doing OK there, but it's not a good school - they were taken over by their second Academy chain a couple of years ago, and there have been improvements. Considering how well the Primary Schools do in their SATS locally - they really do underperform.

I have never been a victim of crime, and I wouldn't say it was a high crime area. There are obviously a few "well known" locals etc ... but I think you get that everywhere.

On the whole, people are really friendly and it is a bit out of the way - but we are surrounded by lovely wildlife areas (the Moss) etc.

Not really sure what else you want to know - but you can PM if you have any questions.

Thanks @beeknees123 that's really helpful. It probably is mainly primary schools I'll be thinking about, we are hoping we might be able to afford to move into Trafford area by the time oldest is starting secondary (about 9 years away). I'll have a look into the Facebook group, thanks!

I grew up in Irlam and now live in Sale but commute regularly.

Some older but well built houses near Baines Ave, opposite the Baths & park and with decent gardens.

If you have children I would move as close as possible to the School you choose. Although catchment boundaries to the schools are quite stable, new pockets of development can mean in actuality that children are drawn from an even closer area to school than previously.

As mentioned, local High School has a history of underperforming but some improvements made. The Catholic High School is doing extremely well.

Lots of lovely people in Irlam and also a few ‘known’ to the police. Same as everywhere.

Plenty of access to green space but limited access to walkable restaurants.

Good access to M6, M60, Trafford Centre and a decent train station with lovely community cafe/bar.

Cheaper than Urmston but Urmston has more diverse shopping facilities.

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