Moving to Manchester - and I have no idea where to go. HELP ME PLEEEEAAAASE

[Ohforfoxsake]

So, we are going to Manchester, DP has a job in Salford.

So far I have investigated Altrincham but the LEA have told us that its highly unlikely the children would get into the same school. Its really important to me that they do as they are upping sticks and leaving all their friends behind. I don't mind home educating until places come up, but not as a long term solution.

Or, we could move further out and move out from the city (currently in London so that appeals). If DP can do a maximum one hours commute, its possible.

We have 4 DCs so want to base our search around good schools - they are in primary at the moment, but will soon be in Secondary and we don't really want to move twice, so we'd like to get it right first time round.

I am stumped and have no idea where to look. Any suggestions, words of wisdom or pointers would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

Twice!
Seriously Quarry Bank Mill is fab (DS's liked it, but DH loves it there)

I like that house - a lot. I looked at it the other day (online).

I don't think I'm going to need Estate Agents, with you all on the case

So, have we decided then? Wilmslow is looking favourite.

You can walk to Quarry Bank Mill in less than an hour.
Thanks for the wave Myredcardigan - the houses to the west of Priory Road (?) are newer than the ones to the east, but the situation is still very nice.
Is the lovely little tennis club still there?

Where's the tennis club? Am I being thick? Is it near the rugby club? I'm curious now.

Fox, if you buy that house you must pop round for large amounts of welcoming red wine! (I'm about 4min walk from there)Just cause I feel like I know you already!

Pownall Park LTC- though this website doesn't seem to have been updated for 4 years! Fond memories of DS2 aged 3 (now 17) dressed in whites with mini racket, at summer tennis camp.

Doh, yes, it's still here. Think it's been eclipsed somewhat by the tennis stuff at the fitness place on A34. I have seen planning notices up for it for a clubhouse or something so maybe they're going to revive it.

I work in Wilmslow

one of my colleagues lives in Handforth (near the centre). That house looks lovely Fox, I think it's near the big Tescos and not near Colshaw

Lilymaid's house is in a nicer part. I used to jog around there

just read some more of thread and realise I live in the 'twee' area

Hi PB1! Was it me who said that? Probably. Sorry!

er, yes it was don't worry I won't hold it against you
before we moved here we looked in Sale, Alti and Bramhall as well. Never thought of Wilmslow for some reason! We settled on here cos my dad lives the other side of the Peak District.
We have lived in Mcr before but much nearer the centre, near one of the student areas.

It is nice where you are. When we were househunting we had a lovely coffee and cake in a little deli on the high street where you could sit outside. I was just looking for something a bit more urban. Though I have to admit, Wilmslow is a bit up its own bum. As someone else said, fur coat, no knickers!

Aww, that's nice Myredcardigan, thanks!

(oh, and you're on, by the way!)

Of course, finding the area is only the first step. Once I've been up and done a reccy, we can start house hunting - the fun part!

S'pose I'd better ask DP what he thinks ....

Hello again
Lizzylou - Wigan is miles nicer than Bury,honest! But if OP can afford South Manchester, then I'd have to agree that would be her best bet.

Honeymum, I would never have even considered Wigan if you hadn't mentioned it, but its on the list now. Will definately check it out. Its all good! Thank you

TBH I have only been to Wigan once and it wasn't a good experience, but I think that was more to do with the company I was with!
There are some posh parts, I know.
I like Bury, don't think it's a dump at all...but then our other large town close by is Burnley, so it's very favourable in comparison . Besides, DH is a Bury native so I expect it is more familiar to me. I wouldn't want to live actually in Bury though!
I have realised that I have managed to slate almost all Northern towns on this thread, but it is very tongue in cheek. I love living up North, far better than where I'm from.

Hapy Househunting Ohforfoxsake

Hi again
It's worth a look. It depends what you are after. It's not as swish as Wilmslow that's for sure but there are lots of interesting places close by to shop and eat and v good schools, good choice of housing in semi-rural locations (try Standish or Orrell for example) and good connections to everywhere else. Straight into Salford on the train too. I would also take a look at Monton/Ellesmere Park for proximity to Manchester and lots of bang for your buck. My sister loves it there - it's very neighbourly. Secondary schools might be an issue if you can't get into the catholic comp though.
Good luck!

Yikes, I am from Wigan originally, family still live there and they are desparate to get out. Would not advise you to move there but maybe visit Haigh Hall for half a day!!

DH works in Manchester and commutes each day from Mid-Cheshire, have a look at some proper villages like Great Budworth, Lower Peover, Plumley, Bunbury, Cotebrook, Lower Whitley, Church Minshull, Whitegate.

Or some towns further afield but easily commutable in less than an hour like; Tarporley, Holmes Chapel, Nantwich.

Other areas worth considering; Delamere, Cuddington, Sandiway, Hartford, Sandbach, Hale, Wistaston, Malpas.

DH is from Surrey and he is right at home here, loads for kids to do, excellent schools and even better sixth forms, low crime and lots of countryside.

You are going to love it!

Thanks Honeymum and Serin!

Lots more to look at, they are going on the list.

What do you mean by a 'proper village'? Sorry, I am a city girl and only ever lived in cities. Its not a church, a pub and a post box is it? I'm not sure I could do that

Er yes, better scratch off the proper villages then!! You would need wellies for most of them

Still check out the small towns Tarporley, Nantwich, Holmes Chapel!!

Come to Wilmslow, you know you want to!

All I will add is that there's a reason places like Wilmslow and Hale are so expensive.

In my opinion;
Wilmslow- Snooty but lovely. Great high street, excellent schools, lovely green spaces.

Hale- Beautiful housing stock, fab resturants, tram line into Manchester.

also

Bramhall- Excellent schools, nice park, good village centre and gastro type bars/cafes

Didsbury- Chic and hip. Where the graduates want to live when they leave uni. Nice but very busy high street. Housing stock very varied. Schools ok at primary. More trendy young professional than families though obviously families live there. Oh and it's Manchester CC so higher council tax and car insurance.

am easily swayed by promises of copious amounts of red wine Myredcardigan

Red wine + Hale = Nearly getting run over by a tram! (IME)

LOL! Perhaps a wee village is safer