Two Greater Manchester towns officially named among the best places to live in the UK

Two towns in Greater Manchester have been named in a list of the best places to live in the UK, according to a guide by The Sunday Times. Prestwich and Altrincham have been selected among four other locations in the North West as part of the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live in 2022.

The comprehensive guide, which features 70 locations in total, is put together by The Sunday Times' expert judges who take into account a wide range of factors, from schools, transport and broadband to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street.

It is the first ever year that Prestwich has made it onto the list. Last year, Altrincham was named the best place to live in the North West, and was described as the Greater Manchester market town where “suburbia meets utopia” and one of Manchester's 'best' destinations.

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The Sunday Times' favoured Altrincham yet again for its 'magical' food hall and market that was transformed from 'the worst high street in Britain' into one of the region's best destinations.

Judges also noted that some of Altrincham's schools, which include Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, are among the best in the North West. The tram also offers easy access to MediaCityUK, the city centre with scenic parks and the Cheshire countryside close by.

The average house price in the area, according to Halifax, is £531,000 which is a growth of 10% since 2020 - showing its increase in demand during and after the pandemic.

The Sunday Times' Best Places to Live guide, which is in its 10th year running, also looks to celebrate improving towns, villages or city centres, and locations bursting with community