Moving to Manchester, commuting to London

[MamaQ1]

Hi Mumsnetters
Apologies if this has been covered before!
Hoping to move from London to Greater Manchester for DH’s work (Working near Macclesfield) but I will need to commute to London once every 2 weeks. Any advice on a good location for us both? I’ve seen on google maps it takes 2 hrs from Stockport to London, not bad! But where would be best to buy a house in Stockport? I also like the look of Trafford but commute may be longer...
Our budget is £350K and ideally want a 4 bed detached house (would settle for 3 bed). Saw a lovely house in Offerton but heard mixed things about the area... any thoughts?
We have a 2 yr old so good nurseries and primary schools (preferably ofsted outstanding) are a must. I really want a family friendly, nice neighbourhood where it is safe to go for walks/ to the park at anytime of the day. Happy to consider places within Manchester as well with good transport links and schools.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I would aim to be close to either Stockport or wilmslow train stations - just under 2 hours to Euston from either of those. Or Macclesfield itself, there is one virgin train an hour that goes through there.

You won’t get as much for your money closer to wilmslow but the schools are better, which is the same as everywhere...good catchment = higher house prices. Try Cheadle (near Stockport) or Tytherington (near Macc) or Altrincham (£15 in cab to wilmslow), all have decent schools but not as extortionate as alderley edge, Hale or Wilmslow. Good luck! It’s a lovely part of the north.

Offerton isn't great, I wouldn't be Keen on living there. TBH your budget is not realistic for a 4 bed detached house in a "nice" area. You might get a new build in Northenden (not bad, not great). Semis are much much more common and a much more realistic prospect. In Stockport you might get something in Heaton Chapel which is ok, Heaton Moor is nicer but probably out of your price range.

Thank you for the advice Captainj1 and oldbirdy! It definitely helps narrow down the search. Best wishes x

I'd recommend looking at the Heatons. You can get a train from Heaton Chapel station to Stockport (3 mins) and from there straight down to London. Heaton Moor is £££ but the other Heatons (Heaton Chapel, Heaton Mersey and Heaton Norris) are more affordable. Although I'm not sure you'd get anything detached.