Where to live - west Manchester

[Fluffyjumper834]

I have a new job based in Blackpool and DH works in Manchester. We are not from the area but will be buying a house nearby.

Are there any locations people recommend? Budget is up to £500k, looking for areas which have big parks within a short drive and things to do. Thinking west Manchester as I'd like to be within an hour's drive from Blackpool. DH office is in Sale too.

£500k would get you a four bed detached on one of several relatively new estates in the Walkden/Mosley Common area with good access to both the M61 (jct 4) and the M60 (jct 13).

There are plenty of local parks; for big ones you'd be looking at Pennington Flash, Blackleach Country Park amongst others.

Is his office close to the Metrolink in Sale because I wouldn't particularly want a drive that involves the M60 at rush hour daily!
£500k for what? flat, house, how many bedrooms, are school catchments important??