Thoughts on West Cheshire/Wirral for move

[Kasherry]

We are thinking of moving to West Cheshire or Wirral and are researching schools and areas. Thought i'd post here incase anyone has done the same, has an local knowledge of the better (but not Caldy prices!) family areas compared to the areas to avoid (every place has them, right?)/

Also looking for opinions on primary and senior schools (or Grammar schools).

I'm originally from Liverpool and my husband is Italian. We have lived in London for 25years and I just hate the thought of bringing my children up here as teenagers, the danger levels are increasingly far too fast. So, a nice coastal/rural village type place with a lovely community, village school and decent transport to bigger cities like Liverpool or Chester would be great.

Would love to hear your thoughts.
Thanks so much!

My village ! Malpas!
Brilliant schools, good amenities and gorgeous countryside. Other villages in area like Tilston, tattenhall,farndon all use the same high school.

30 mins from Chester up the A41.

I really like West Kirby. Right by the sea, a few nice pubs and restaurants, train to Liverpool. I don't really know about local primaries, but a lot of the secondary schools on the Wirral are very good.

If you're moving from London though, be prepared that public transport up here is no where near the standard you are used to. I know it is expensive down there, but up here it only really exists for people commuting to Liverpool / Chester. Combine this with the grammar school system which means kids are often living miles away from school friends and you end up in a situation where your teenagers will be relying on you a lot for lifts to/from friends houses.

In terms of areas to avoid - these certainly exist but it is difficult because most places on the Wirral with "dodgy" areas also have nice areas. Sometimes this can be as little as two roads away.

There are lots of lovely villages on the outskirts of Chester. Hoole for example, or Mollington.