Nice affordable areas to live in Cheshire.

Where to live in Greater Manchester?

• Hi, I am looking at places to live in Greater Manchester, I am in my 20's, living on my own and I would like an area that is quiet, residential and family friendly, that sort of leafy,suburban lifestyle and not 'rough or intimidating'. Just because I will be on my own and I am very new to Manchester. A bonus would be good transport links to Manchester City centre such as the metro link but I don't mind about that too much. I'm not from Manchester originally so I need some help: I've heard of: Didsbury, Irlam, Ellesmere Park, Prestwich, Stockport (not sure which parts to look at) and Worsley. I've also looked at Wilmslow as some people have told me that its better to live in Cheshire and travel in than live in Manchester as it's quieter but I'm from London originally so I like the idea of a city that is smaller than what I am used to as there is the diversity of people, always something to do, busy and lots of shops!!!! I don't mind which bit of G. Manchester as I can travel in but I don't know Bolton, Rochdale, Oldham very well so I really want to avoid those. And if possible I don't want to live in the city centre. I feel very lost and I was just wondering if any one can give me some ideas on the areas I've mentioned a lot of demands I know but I have faith ;p Thank you very much in advance :)

• Answer:

  Places like Wilmslow are NOT in Greater Manchester, but near enough to commute. I am biased, but would say you would have to go a long way to beat Prestwich. It is leafy, but very well connected to town via the Metro. Bowker Vale, Heaton Park, Prestwich and Besses all cover the western side and village part of Prestwich. It is also easy to get in by car and bus; anything from 2.5-5 miles up the road from town.Google some properties, for sale in the area, and get an impression! The postcode is M25. Very close Whitefield is M45 and one or two roads, just over to the western side of Heaton Park are in "Manchester" and would be M8. It is well established with some families having lived there for generations. There are strong Jewish and RC communities, with a growing population of people of Pakistani origin, moving that litttle bit further up the road, as the Jewish people did in their time, up from nearby Cheetham Hill. Do not be put off by locals who may poo poo anything North!! Prestwich and Whitefield are EXCEPTIONS to that old chestnut!. You have the city centre and all it offers on the doorstep but still live in leafy suburbia. From Prestwich tram stop you are 10 minutes to the centre; that is the envy of many a south Manchester bus commuter, believe me! Have we answered a similar question from you before????