Move to Southport

[JackieOhOhOh]

I hope someone can help with some local insight. I currently live down south with my husband and I want to return home. We’re looking to move to Southport in January and as a couple in our 60’s we are wondering which area will be best for us, Ainsdale, Hillside, Birkdale or Churchtown. We’re not quite ready for the pipe and slippers so we’re looking to join various things to make new friends locally and we enjoy visiting restaurants, bars, theatre. Being by the station seems like the best idea but I do like the property around Churchtown but wonder if the convenience of the station is the best option. I have friends in Ainsdale and Birkdale and both love the area they are in. We’re planning to rent when we move up to give us time to explore but in the mean time I would welcome peoples thoughts. To add the complication, I’m moving my mum up with me and we’re debating whether to try to find a house with an annexe or some sort of ground floor extension that provides a large living/bedroom and a shower room. Any thoughts? Would driving to the station or getting the bus become a bind or is it not a worry for those living in Churchtown?

Bumping this.
I like Southport but haven't ever lived there just been there for holidays. Good luck

I live in Birkdale and it's lovely. We considered Churchtown pre-kids, but I was commuting by train to the Wirral then, and I couldn't face the trek to / from the station.

I think if you do think you'll use the train a fair bit, and use public transport to get to it, it would soon wear then.

If you did drive to the station, Birkdale and Ainsdale both have free parking for rail users.

It's probably worth coming up and having a wander round Ainsdale, Birkdale and Churchtown to see which you prefer. Hillside doesn't have the same amenities on the doorstep really.

Thanks for your reply. We’re coming up week after next to look around rental properties and we’ll hopefully secure somewhere. When it comes to buying, is there anywhere in Ainsdale/Birkdale that you would avoid? I hear there is a wrong side of Birkdale but I’m not sure where people mean. I hear people talking about shoreside being a good area but it looks very expensive. Any idea? My husband ideally would like to be 20 minute walk from the station and beach.

The nearer you are to Southport's centre, the less nice Birkdale gets. It'll be noticeable without having to deduce though!

What's your budget? That will determine where you go.

lived in liverpool and commuted to southport for years. i love ainsdale. beautiful place

£300,000-£350,000

Birkdale. The village is really lovely with a bit going on. My grandmother used to live in the birkdale area of Southport and we are local so we went round the area often.

You're unlikely to get the coast side of the tracks for that (the shore side you talk about, though that's the nickname, not its actual name). They're are a few houses in / near the village which would suit, however. I think you'd like Birkdale village itself.

Birkdale village.
Churchtown village is lovely but quite touristy (if that makes sense). Lots of bars and restaurants plus independent shops catering more for visitors than locals. I get the feeling Birkdale has more of a community feel if you are in the right spot and certainly better transport links.

Thanks. I really like the property types in Churchtown but I think we will want to use the train quite a bit so Birkdale or Ainsdale is probably the sensible choice. Is there anywhere in particular in Birkdale that you’d avoid? I’ve heard anything to the left of Liverpool Road as you look at Google maps is fine but I don’t know where it starts to get a bit iffy off to the right or how close you can be to the top of Lord Street?

The top of Lord St isn't Birkdale. There are nice houses / parts of Birkdale on both sides of Liverpool Rd. However, there will be less in your budget on the left.

Aughton Rd is really the road where the difference starts. Village side of Aughton / Upper Aughton is mostly fine. Other side, not so much (IMO).

Hi, thanks so much for your help. We’re cash buyers and could buy on the left but I really don’t want to rattle round a huge house at my age. There’s just the two of us (my mum may only be with us temporarily) so a three bed detached or semi is fine. Plus my husband is Italian so at some point we will spend a bit more time there. Your explanation makes a bit more sense now when I look at Google maps. It’s confusing because when I search Birkdale on Rightmove they list houses off Lord Street and say they are within walking distance of the village. Zoopla refers to Castle Walk as Birkdale. I’ve stayed in an AirBnB right by Hillside Station and AirBnB list it as being in Birkdale! I guess it’s a selling point as everyone wants to live there 😂 I just want to get it right but I’m sure when we come up next week to look at rentals I’ll be able to see where looks nice or not. I’m just nervous as my husband is from down south and where we live now I don’t worry about locking the car or even the patio door at night and I see people posting on NextDoor about attempted car theft/burglary/anti social behaviour and it makes me nervous. Thanks again for your help.

Hi, we are moving up to the North from Dorset, I'm originally from Liverpool, we're looking for an apartment and have picked out a few but not sure which area is best, can anyone advise, is area around Hesketh Park nice? We've also seen a few in Birkdale, is Victoria Park area OK? We're in our 60's but still lively!

@Joshsude My auntie lives on Park Avenue. I have lots of nice memories visiting my cousins there and walking to Hesketh Park :)