For the second year running, Altrincham has been named the best place to live in the North West by the Sunday Times’ ‘Best Places to Live’ guide. This follows its win as the UK’s best neighbourhood in 2020 according to the same guide.
The Sunday Times creates its list each year by what makes a community great – from schools, air quality, transport and broadband speeds, to culture, green spaces, community spirit, attractive homes and the health of the high street.
Altrincham scores extremely highly in all of these categories, being described as “where suburbia meets utopia” by the guide.
Highlights include the local school system, with Altrincham Grammar School for Girls named the North West state secondary school of the decade by the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide, and the Altrincham Grammar School for Boys coming in second. Add in proximity to Manchester’s best colleges and universities via the extensive local tram system, and a whole range of outstanding primary school options, and it is clear to see why so many parents are desperate to move their families to the area.
There is also a wealth of green spaces either in or close to Altrincham. Stamford Park is a beautiful Grade II Listed space which is incredibly popular with local residents. Slightly outside of Altrincham you can find Dunham Massey which is operated by the National Trust and combines a stunning outdoor venue with a real sense of history.
However, what most impressed the judges was Altrincham’s now-iconic food and drinks scene. Well known for its innovation and forward-thinking mentality, Altrincham Market is at the heart of it all – and it formed a major part of the judges’ thinking when giving Altrincham this award.
As well as playing the major role in Altrincham’s rise over the last decade, the Market proved itself to be the true heart of the area over the last year. It stepped up to provide for its community even more than usual during the Covid-19 pandemic despite all the challenges that brought.
The Property Editor at the Sunday Times, Helen Davies, said of the awards: “Our focus for this year has been community, countryside and convenience.
“This year’s guide has never been more important, as the pandemic has taught us how much we rely on our homes and communities and has led many to reassess our priorities on where we really want to live.
“It hasn’t been a year for big cities or small villages. Instead, it is small towns that have shone – big enough to have everything you need within walking distance and small enough for everyone to feel connected.”
Are you looking for your next property? Altrincham is going from strength to strength and the awards keep rolling in, making this the perfect time to purchase a new home in the area.
The Address, Altrincham brings a total of 36 luxury one- and two-bed apartments alongside three-bedroom duplexes to the centre of one of Manchester's top suburbs.
Finished to impeccable standards, all units feature private balconies. With an impressive central atrium, The Address offers residents the ideal living space from which to explore bustling Altrincham, with the main shopping areas, market, cafes and restaurants all fewer than two minutes’ walk from the front door.