Is there anywhere near Manchester where it doesn't rain?

[BonnesVacances]

We used to live in the NW but moved to Hampshire. Now for various reasons we're considering moving back up. But the reason we left in the first place was because of the amount of rain.

We were in Rossendale which admittedly is a valley so it got more rain than usual. But it was so drizzly all the time and DS developed a respiratory issue because of the constant damp.

But we really like being near Manchester, so where is near Manchester but has reasonably good weather? Neither of us is from either area so we don't have any attachment to any particular area. Just looking for somewhere new to settle.

Points to consider:

Budget would be £450k for a 4 bed detached house with parking. We'd be WFH so commuting isn't a factor.
When I say near, I just mean close enough for it not to be a big expedition to pop into Manchester for shopping or a night out.
Driving in is fine. Though public transport would be helpful for DC.
Schools not an issue as DC will be at uni.
Not in the middle of nowhere. I don't do rural!
Doesn't rain all the time!

Oh, you’re the one who was enthusiastically recommending York to the OP, aren’t you? Tone deaf and easily offended to boot. Now you’re seeking revenge, yawn. Is this the best you’ve got?

Have you been to York recently to inspect its dazzling array of shops? There are vacant units everywhere. It’s desperate. It’s not even close to being in the same league as Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield, Leeds and Newcastle. Rather like a market town. You may not have noticed that market towns don’t have the description withdrawn when they cease to hold a regular market. Or that places that do, like Birmingham, get to be called something else.

If you could be happy with Leeds and Bradford for shopping, theatre, eating out etc between them they have everything and it's much drier this side of the Pennines.
The further East you go the drier it gets. Pissing it down right now mind you.

@Iamthewombat , your tone is coming across as being unpleasant. FWIW, York is a cathedral city.

Another one who can’t stand being gainsaid. You were the one who bizarrely recommended north Wales, right? Then reared up in outrage when I posted that I couldn’t understand why people were still suggesting North Wales, the Wirral and York to an OP who specifically stated that she wanted to be able to access Manchester easily for shopping and nights out.

St David’s, Wells and Ely are cathedral cities but I don’t think anyone would dispute that they are on the parochial side. York at least has a bit more about it than those places but shares that feature.

@Iamthewombat , I didn't rear up in outrage. I didn't feel gainsaid.
I don't like it's being told by others how am feeling.
You seem to be picking arguments with several posters.

Warrington is traffic congestion hell.

The answer to your question is Newton-le-Willows. Direct train to Manchester in under 20 mins. Close to M6 junction so 30 mins into the city in good traffic. Airport in 25 mins.

It rains everywhere in Britain! The only way to avoid it is to live abroad.

Poynton and Hazel grove are nice i think. Personally lived in wilmslow my whole childhood and various other places in cheshire and didnt notice it raining there any less.

All the shops in the town centre are closing though. Moved to new superstore. It's mainly cafes now, even the charity shops are closing. The council are also building houses on any spare land and hiding the money in their off shore accounts.
Schools aren't great
Hard to get into doctors and dentist.
The local general hospital is practically now a glorified cottage hospital as lost most of its services.
Lived in macc for 25 years and can't afford to leave as priced out by all the new builds. Lots of ex council houses for sale.
Due to being foot of the pennies, got our own eco system

Sandbach is absolutely NW not Midlands.

Its in the range of BBC NorthWest Tonight for starters and it's in Cheshire.

The Midlands start at Staffordshire

Once youve passed J16 on the M6 you are officially in the North.

That's the Barthomley interchange and is just in Cheshire

@aliceinshackles I live in Macc and work at the hospital and don't recognise your description other than the new retail park taking from the town.

Which service ps have let the hospital? I know maternity has temporarily for safety.

I've found the schools are fine, there's loads so one will suit your child.

Newton le willows??! Jesus.

If she's going to buy that side of Warrington, much better to buy on Winwick Park.

www.rightmove.co.uk/properties/126198986#/?channel=RES_BUY

Newton Le Willows is one of the most bizarre places I've ever been to!