Help relocating to Manchester area

[Aled Mann]

Hi guys, I hope some of you can advise me on this!!  Basically, I was recently informed that my job was relocating from North Wales to Manchester.  I am married and have a young daughter in primary school and my wife is employed full time.  We are considering the move but are completely overwhelmed with the places to choose from to relocate to and would like some advice on which of the following locations would best suit our needs?

Altrincham
Bury
Chorlton
Didsbury
Knotsford
Prestwich
Sale
Swathe
Todmorden
Wilmslow
Worsley

We are basically looking for somewhere close to Manchester (within a 45 minute drive as that is what I'm doing currently).  The location would ideally be surrounded by countryside (a home from home) and close (i.e. within a 10 minute drive) to an upmarket and modern town with a great night life (cinema, pubs, clubs and restaurants etc).  A good school is also very important.

Thank you in advance for any help or advice you can give on this!

All the best,

Aled M.

[celeste]

Have you thought of Urmston?  Try googling Trafford, Manchester and Cheshire estate agents

[Stolen Dreams]

Altrincham is nice and is handy for Manchester. There's quite a few areas to it so take your time and check. Also a lot of rental property available. Didsbury and parts of Chorlton are nice as well, especially for young families ( i.e. you still want to get oput occaisionally)

[Aled Mann]

Thanks guys!  Keep 'em coming!! 

[Aled Mann]

Right, after some rigorous investigations I have narrowed it down to:

Chorlton
Sale
Didsbury
Altrincham
Prestwich
Bury
Wilmslow
Knutsford

OK so it's not great but it's a start!   

Can anyone now advise which of the above is the best for having a life (I.e. shopping, cinema, bars, restaurants etc) - basically a young, trendy, cosmopolitan place that's safe and green (as in parks etc not CFC free! )

Thanks guys!!

[celeste]

Didsbury

[Aled Mann]

I've lived in Withington before and used to go out quite a bit to Didsbury so I fancied somewhere different this time...

Is there anywhere else that offers what Didsbury has near by? 

What about Altrincham?  That's fairly close too with good schools.

[celeste]

If you want night life and lots of bars you could live in Altrincham and get the metro tram into Manchester - only 25 mins.

[celeste]

It's worth noting the Metro tram service is to be extended to East Didsbury and Withington, when it will be finished you would have to inquire.

[Aled Mann]

I think Bury is winning the race so far for the following reasons...

1) It has a large cosmopolitan population with a decent high street (also further exciting developments opening 2010), nice bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs
2) It has fantastic primary schools that score well on the league tables
3) Rental properties are better value than closer areas that offer a similar lifestyle (i.e. Didsbury)
4) It offers better opportunities of re-employment for my wife who is a retail manager

So...if anyone knows of any reasons that we should steer clear then please let me know!!  Otherwise I think we will be seriously considering this area!

Is that a good or bad idea?  LOL!   

[celeste]

It's the terminus on one  Metro tram service and it has a very good market.

Would I live there, I wouldn't go there

[Aled Mann]

Sorry?  Terminus on one?  I'm Welsh you'll have to excuse me...  

Are you saying you would avoid Bury like the plague?  

[celeste]

Altrincham - Victoria Station - metro line goes on to terminate there.

[richard tj]

I'd suggest Altringham.  It's a nice area to live.

[sergey]

Hello Ricky! how are things going on on windy hills?