The North West of England has a lot going for it. With its culture-rich towns, world-famous National Parks, and beautiful coastlines, it’s easy to see why many believe the North West is one of the best places to live in England.
With so many attractions, what are the best places to live in North West England? Are you moving from elsewhere in the country or even the world? Maybe you’re already in the North West and want a change, or you’re considering property investments. This article highlights the top towns in North West England. And why Lancaster steals the spotlight.
The best places to live in North West England
While there’s no shortage of towns in North West England, our top 5 all share a similar appeal: an increasingly rare combination of qualities. We’ve placed importance on:
- Green space
- Strong community feel
- Independent high streets
- Good schools
- Solid transport links
- Easy access to countryside AND urban amenities
Before we go into more detail, here’s a snapshot of our top 5 North West towns, UK:
- Lancaster
- Altrincham
- Aigburth
- Didsbury
- Macclesfield
Why Lancaster is one of the best places to live in the UK
It’s only fair that we give our number one North West town the page space it deserves. Keeping the above criteria in mind, let’s explore why Lancaster is one of The Sunday Times’ “Best Places to Live in the UK” (which you can find out more about in this article from the Lancaster Guardian).
A rare balance of environments
Lancaster stands out for its seamless blend of diverse settings. Residents of Lancaster love having countryside, coastline, and city living all within minutes, including:
- The Lake District National Park and the Forest of Bowland. Both are within a 40 min drive.
- The coast at Morecambe Bay. The 16 mile bay offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea, the Lake District mountains, and the Pennines.
- City centre green space at Williamson Park. The park features the iconic Ashton Memorial, which overlooks the city and Morecambe Bay. It also boasts a butterfly house, a mini zoo, and a pretty Victorian garden.
Well connected, but calm
Lancaster has the same great UK-wide connections as big cities, but it feels much more relaxed without the rush and congestion. Those connections encompass:
- A compact, pedestrianised city centre focused around Market Square, within walking distance of many of Lancaster’s suburbs.
- Direct services from Lancaster railway station to Manchester, London, Scotland, Yorkshire, and Cumbria.
- The M6 and A6 – both major routes, North and South.
Culture, heritage and an independent spirit
Lancaster has a depth of character that feels historic, creative, and progressive. You’ll find:
- A strong independent scene of cafés, shops, bars, and art venues.
- Historic landmarks, including Lancaster Castle, the Judges’ Lodgings, and lovely walks along the Lancaster Canal.
- A lively cultural presence with annual events, such as Light Up Lancaster, Lancaster Music Festival, and Play in the Park by The Dukes Playhouse.
Strong community vibes
For those asking, “Is Lancaster a good place to live in North West England?”, here are the factors that set it apart:
- More accessible house prices compared to many North West UK hotspots.
- Well-regarded schools and a strong family appeal.
- A genuine sense of community, with plentiful local events and a “small city” feel.
Where to live in Lancaster
Within Lancaster, there’s a diverse choice of places to live. Some people love the city centre with its proximity to amenities. Others like the period properties of Scotforth and Bowerham.
If you want a mix of space, scenery, and community, consider Halton. It’s one of the most desirable places to live in Lancaster.
Living in Halton, Lancaster
Halton is just a few miles from Lancaster. The area has a village feel but also offers easy access to city amenities. Set along the River Lune, it’s great for anyone seeking a calm lifestyle while still feeling connected.
Here’s why Halton, Lancaster, is a top pick for families and professionals:
- A pretty, peaceful village setting with a strong community feel.
- The access to picturesque riverside walks along the River Lune.
- Its easy connections to Lancaster city centre and the M6.
- Its proximity to the countryside and outdoor spaces.
- The slower pace of life.
With the balance of countryside living and everyday convenience, more people are considering the move to Halton. Take a look at developments like Olive Green View to see some newer homes in the area, all of which fit naturally into Halton’s village setting.
Property snapshot: As of late 2025, average house prices in Halton are about £189,000. This makes it more affordable than the rest of the North West, yet it still provides great value for a village setting.
Other places to live in North West England
Let’s circle back and take a closer look at the rest of our top 5. Here’s what makes each of these towns in North-West England special.
Altrincham
This attractive town is conveniently located near the M56 and M6. Altrincham is known for its thriving market, vibrant independent food scene and excellent schools. Green escapes like Dunham Massey and Stamford Park add to its appeal.
Property snapshot: Altrincham is one of the more premium markets in the region. Average property values typically range from around £480,000 to over £560,000, depending on the property type.
Aigburth
Close to the M62 and well connected to Liverpool city centre, Aigburth is popular for its diverse and relaxed vibe. Sefton Park, Otterspool Promenade, and the River Mersey are all nearby for enjoying nature.
Property snapshot: In Aigburth, average property prices typically fall between £270,000 and £350,000. This offers a fairly accessible entry point for a sought-after Liverpool suburb.
Didsbury
Didsbury has a leafy, village-like atmosphere. With good access to tram, train and bus networks, it’s ideally positioned for commuting to Manchester. Fletcher Moss Park and the River Mersey provide standout green space, while two lively high streets feature independent cafés, restaurants, bars, and shops.
Property snapshot: House prices in Didsbury average roughly £375,000. This reflects its popularity, strong schools and proximity to Manchester.
Macclesfield
Located near the M6 and A537 and with intercity rail links, Macclesfield is well connected but sits on the edge of the Peak District National Park. This makes the area ideal for countryside access while still offering a traditional town centre.
Property snapshot: Macclesfield offers mid-range options, with average house prices sitting at around £300,000, appealing to buyers seeking value near the Peak District.
Explore new build homes, Lancaster at Olive Green View in Halton
It’s easy to see why Lancaster is number 1 on our top 5 towns in North West England list. If this article has piqued your interest in living in Lancaster, check out homes for sale in Halton.
Halton, Lancaster, offers affordable homes, a beautiful setting, and great links to the city, motorway, and rail network. Plus, there are excellent schools, a supportive community, and nearby cultural options.
At Genesis Homes, we pride ourselves on knowing and understanding the localities of our developments. If you want to chat about living in Lancaster and explore new build homes in the area, reach out to our friendly team of experts. We’ll guide you through your options and answer any questions about the region.