Altrincham remains one of the best places to live in the North West, according to The Sunday Times.
The newspaper last year judged Altrincham to be the very best place to live in the region, labelling it “a cool slice of suburbia with big family houses and a new-found buzz”.
And while it has (inexplicably) dropped one place to second on the list – which is published on Sunday – it still receives a glowing review on account of its “vibrant market, high-achieving schools and convenient location”.
The list is topped by Kirkby Lonsdale in Cumbria, while others in the top 10 include Knutsford, Bollington, West Kirby, Ramsbottom, Levenshulme, Ancoats and Aigburth.
Here’s the Sunday Times’ full citation about Altrincham: “We crowned this super-suburban market town the best place to live in the northwest last year, in honour of the high street’s transformation from zombie to Mancunian zeitgeist.
“In November, the curtains went up on an Everyman cinema and in the same month it was judged England’s high street of the year, just reward for the £6m regeneration scheme that has helped fill the empty shops, smartened up the streets and turned pretty Goose Green into a smart urban oasis for drinkers and diners.
“The home-baked cherry bakewell that completed the town’s transformation is the revamped Alty Market, with its local, seasonally inspired stalls and a bountiful food hall that is packed with drinkers and diners from elevenses until last orders.
“From culture to countryside, we’ve found the ideal locations to make a happy home.
“But Altrincham’s not just about skipping from morning cappuccinos to craft beer from the Stubborn Mule Brewery, via artisan pizza and sweet potato fries. WA14 has always been a sought-after destination – even the old council-house area of Broadheath has a Waitrose.
“Its schools have always been top of the class, and its location at the end of the tram line to central Manchester couldn’t be handier. These days, though, the tram ride can be strictly for business – there’s no need to head into town for a night out, even if the market’s overflowing. Try Sugo for pasta and the The Con Club for steaks and sushi in a former Tory working men’s club.”
