Best places to live in Cheshire

Published Apr 3, 2024

13 mins read

The North West region of England has seen its popularity soar in recent years, here we consider the best places to live in Cheshire, which is perhaps one of the most cosmopolitan counties in the region.

Offering peaceful countryside living and beautiful waterways, the county also has Chester’s lively cathedral city, with its University, and some buzzy towns offering fantastic shopping and nightlife.

Home to the famous Cheshire Golden Triangle — an area known for the highly desirable towns and villages — Cheshire is noted for its large homes, the lifestyle on offer and the many notable residents who live there.

Here are some of the best places to live in Cheshire for you to consider.

Macclesfield

Key facts:

Education: The town is home to numerous primary schools for ages 4-11 and several secondary schools serving ages 11-18. Macclesfield is known for educational institutions like The King’s School, Tytherington School, All Hallows Catholic College, and Fallibroome Academy, all highly regarded for their strong academic programs. There is a highly regarded co-educational, independent school in Macclesfield, The King’s College;

Transport links: Macclesfield is on the Peak District National Park’s western edge, thus strategically situated for transport links both East and West of the Pennines. To the North West is Altrincham, the M56 motorway and road links to the North West. To the South West lies Buxton in the heart of the Peak District. London is approximately 175 miles (281 km) to the South East—a drive of around four hours;

Trains: Trains from Macclesfield run to Manchester Piccadilly to the North and Stoke-on-Trent and Birmingham to the South. Services to Manchester take less than half an hour.

Is Macclesfield a good place to live?

Macclesfield offers both country living and city-centre working, with Manchester less than half an hour’s train ride away.

Macclesfield enjoys the Peak District’s scenic beauty immediately to the East and the whole of the Cheshire Plain to the West.

Together with its bustling historic streets lined with independent shops, cafes and restaurants, and outstanding schools nearby, it may be little wonder that Macclesfield ranks so highly in the best places to live in Cheshire list.

Wilmslow

Key facts:

Education: It includes several primary schools, catering to ages 4-11, and secondary schools for ages 11-18. Notable for high-quality education, examples include Wilmslow High School and Alderley Edge School for Girls, both recognised for their academic excellence. Just 9 miles (14.5 km) away in Macclesfield is the highly regarded co-educational, independent King’s College, founded in 1502;

Transport links: Wilmslow is in the countryside approximately 9 miles (14.5 km) equidistant between Stockport to the North East and Macclesfield to the South East. It is only 4.7 miles (7.5 km) from Manchester Airport, giving access to the M56 motorway towards a junction with the North-South M6 motorway and on to North Wales. London is approximately 199 miles (320 km) to the South—a drive of roughly three and a half to four hours;

Trains: Wilmslow station is on the main Crewe to Manchester line with the journey to Manchester Piccadilly taking approximately half an hour.

Is Wilmslow a good place to live?

One of the best places to live in Cheshire, Wilmslow along with its neighbours Prestbury and Alderley Edge, are parts of Cheshire that offer some of the most desirable residences.

The village lies outside the boundaries of the Greater Manchester conurbation, yet is still only 11 miles (17 km) or so from the city centre.

If you work in Manchester, the commute is easy and straightforward, with plenty of excellent schools in the neighbourhood.

Poynton

Key facts:

Education: Home to several primary schools that serve children from ages 4 to 11, offering a strong foundation in various educational disciplines. Secondary education is similarly comprehensive, with institutions for ages 11 to 18 that are recognised for delivering high-quality education, including the reputable Poynton High School;
Transport links: Situated approximately 11 miles (around 17.7 km) from Manchester. and around 16 miles (approximately 25.7 km) from Manchester Airport with connectivity to major motorways such as the M56 and M6;
Trains: Served by Poynton Railway Station on the Manchester Piccadilly to Stoke-on-Trent line. This provides residents with direct and convenient access to larger cities for work or leisure, with Manchester being a mere 20-minute journey by train.

Is Poynton a good place to live?

Poynton offers a balance between the peaceful countryside and the bustling city life. Its location, outside the Greater Manchester area but within easy commuting distance, presents a perfect blend for those who enjoy tranquility without sacrificing the perks of city amenities.

The desirable Poynton stands out as one of the best places to live in Cheshire, especially for families and professionals working in Manchester or seeking a high-quality living environment within Cheshire.

Stockport

Key facts:

Education: Stockport boasts an array of primary and secondary schools that are committed to fostering academic excellence among students aged 4-18. The area is recognised for its focus on quality education, schools like Stockport Grammar School and Bramhall High School are commended for their academic standards;
Transport links: Located approximately 7 miles (11.3 km) southeast of Manchester city centre, making it an excellent choice for commuters. It is well-connected by major roadways, with easy access to the M60 motorway encircling Manchester, linking to the M56 for travel towards North Wales and the M6 for north-south travel across the UK. London is approximately 160 miles (257 km) to the South, with driving taking around four hours;
Trains: Stockport railway station is a central hub on the West Coast Main Line, providing swift and regular services to Manchester Piccadilly, with a journey time of about 10 minutes. This station also offers direct services to other major cities, including London Euston.

Why live in Stockport?

With its rich industrial heritage and vibrant town centre, Stockport combines the convenience of urban amenities with a wealth of cultural and recreational activities. Its proximity to Manchester allows for a quick commute.

Stockport’s extensive retail and leisure facilities, along with its historical sites like Stockport Viaduct and Bramall Hall, add to the town’s appeal making it one of the best places to live in Cheshire.

Lymm

Key facts:

Education: Lymm is equipped with a selection of primary schools nurturing pupils from ages 4-11 with a commitment to high educational standards. Secondary schooling is equally commendable, with Lymm High School being a notable institution for students aged 11-18, known for its strong academic and extracurricular programmes;
Transport links: Approximately 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Manchester, making it a viable and attractive location for those commuting to the city. Additionally, Lymm’s location near the M6 and M56 motorways facilitates straightforward travel to both the North and South of England and towards North Wales;
Trains: While Lymm does not have its own train station, nearby Altrincham and Warrington provide railway links that connect residents to the national network.

Is Lymm a good place to live?

The village is renowned for its community spirit, historic features such as Lymm Dam, and beautiful walking trails along the Bridgewater Canal.

The combination of Lymm’s natural beauty, its vibrant community events, and its connectivity renders it a prime example of one of the best places to live in Cheshire.

Sale

Key facts:

Education: With numerous primary schools dedicated to providing students aged 4-11 with a solid educational start. Secondary education is similarly impressive, with establishments such as Sale Grammar School and Ashton on Mersey School providing comprehensive education to students aged 11-18 and achieving notable academic success;
Transport links: Well-integrated into the Greater Manchester transport network, Sale is approximately 5 miles (8 km) southwest of Manchester city centre. The town’s accessibility is further enhanced by its proximity to the M60 motorway;
Trains: Well-served by the Metrolink tram service, which offers frequent and reliable connections to Manchester and other key destinations across Greater Manchester.

Why move to Sale?

This thriving town within the metropolitan borough of Trafford, combines the appeal of suburban living with the convenience of urban amenities. With an array of shops, cafes, and parks, such as the picturesque Sale Water Park, it is a favoured choice for families, professionals, and retirees alike.

Sale’s vibrant community life, characterised by events, local sports clubs, and cultural activities, contributes to its reputation as a friendly and dynamic place to live.

Bollington

Key facts:

Education: Several primary schools that nurture young minds from ages 4-11. Secondary education options are available in nearby towns, with Bollington itself fostering a conducive environment for academic pursuit and character development;
Transport links: The town’s transport framework is well-suited for its size, with convenient road access to the surrounding Cheshire region and beyond. While Bollington is not directly connected by a motorway, it is situated close to the A523, providing a direct route to the larger Macclesfield and Stockport areas, and onwards to the extensive motorway network of the North West;
Trains: Although Bollington does not have its own train station, nearby Macclesfield offers regular train services to Manchester, London, and other major cities, making it a viable commuting town for professionals. The local bus services also link Bollington with the surrounding towns, facilitating easy access to a broader range of amenities and services.

Is Bollington a good place to live?

For those seeking the tranquillity of rural life coupled with the vibrancy of a close-knit community, Bollington is an outstanding choice. The town is renowned for its picturesque setting amidst the rolling hills of the Peak District, offering ample opportunities for outdoor pursuits.

Bollington’s historical architecture, canal paths, and scenic walking routes contribute to its idyllic character. Its active community life is highlighted by various local festivals, markets, and cultural events that bring residents together.

Chester

Key facts:

Education: Boasts a comprehensive education system. It features a variety of primary schools for ages 4-11 and secondary schools for ages 11-18. The city is distinguished by reputable institutions such as The Queen’s School and The King’s School, Chester, both renowned for their academic standards and educational quality; Three miles (5 km) from the centre of the city, is Christleton High School, a public sector secondary school with some 1,300 students aged 11 to 18. Chester University has several campuses in the area offering a wide range of study options;

Transport links: Chester has excellent regional—and national—links to the motorway network. It is only a mile or two for access to the M56 North East to Manchester and to the West into North Wales. It’s also close to the M53 motorway North to Liverpool. London is 198 miles (319 km) to the South East—a drive taking around four hours;

Trains: Chester is especially well served by rail services, with trains to Liverpool (Lime Street and Central), Manchester Piccadilly, Crewe, Holyhead, and Wolverhampton. Liverpool, for example, is around 45 minutes away by rail and Manchester a little over one hour.

Why live in Chester?

Chester is an ancient city dating back to at least the Roman era (when it went by the name Deva Victrix).

Today, the walled cathedral city is the second most populated town in Cheshire (after Warrington) and serves as the county’s administrative centre.

A historic yet vibrant city in its own right, Chester is close to—and ideal for commuters—to both Liverpool and Manchester.

Knutsford

Key facts:

Education: Offers a solid educational framework. The town is home to a selection of primary schools serving ages 4-11 and secondary schools for ages 11-18. Knutsford Academy and Cheshire Studio School stand out as key institutions, known for their commitment to educational excellence and strong academic achievements. The leading co-educational independent Cransley School is just 8 miles (13 km) away near Northwich;

Transport links: Knutsford is in a rural location, yet only a mile or two from the arterial M6 motorway, which goes South to the Midlands and North to the Scottish border. Its road transport links in the North West of England and nationally are excellent. Central London is approximately 185 miles (298 km) by road—a drive of roughly three and a half hours, depending on traffic;

Trains: From the mainline railway station at Knutsford, there are frequent services to Manchester Piccadilly (around 45 minutes away), Chester, Stockport, Altrincham and Northwich.

Why live in Knutsford?

Thanks to its excellent regional and national road links, local schools’ quality and academic performance, and its easy access to the Cheshire countryside, Knutsford is a very popular place to live.

Knutsford’s appeal as a place to live has previously been summed up in two words: “classy” and “convenient”.

Mere

Key facts:

Education: three primary schools in nearby Lymm, just 6 miles (9.7 km) away, are highly regarded. Two high quality public sector secondary-level Academies (for pupils up to the end of their sixth-form), Knutsford Academy and Cheshire Studio School are 3 miles (5 km) away. The independent Queen’s School in nearby Chester, 7.5 miles (12 km) away, claims to be the number one girls’ school in the region;

Transport links: Mere is barely a mile or two from both the M6 and M56 motorways, ensuring that, for all its predominantly rural aspect, it is exceptionally well connected to the regional and national road networks. Manchester airport is just 9 miles (14 km) away. London is 192 miles (310 km) to the South East—a drive of about three hours and 20 minutes;

Trains: The nearest mainline station is at Knutsford, where frequent trains to Manchester Piccadilly take around 45 minutes. From Manchester fast trains to London Euston can take as little as two hours or so.

Why move to Mere?

The village of Mere is one side of The Mere (an Old English word for lake) and Tatton Park the other. Both are decidedly up-market residential areas set in beautifully landscaped scenery.

The walk around the 1,000-acre deer park of stately Tatton Park, for example, is splendid.

Mere not only has its own sense of character and community but is exceptionally well connected by road links to the whole of the North West, including the conurbations of Manchester and Liverpool, and even London remains easily accessible by road or rail.

Alderley Edge

Key facts:

Education: There are two highly regarded primary schools in the Alderley Edge catchment area. Alderley Edge School for Girls is a notable independent school in the village, and the local public sector secondary school is Wilmslow High School. Alderley Edge School for Girls is a highly regarded independent day school for girls aged 2 to 18;

Transport links: Alderley Edge is roughly 6 miles (10 km) equidistant from Macclesfield to the South East and Manchester Airport to the North West. At Manchester Airport there is a junction with the M56 motorway. Junctions with the M6 motorway (for Manchester and Liverpool to the North and the Midlands and London to the South) lie about the same distance away to the West;

Trains: Alderley Edge is on the mainline between Crewe and Manchester Piccadilly, with the latter reached in less than 30 minutes.

Why live in Alderley Edge?

Alderley Edge is so-called thanks to the dramatic sandstone escarpment of the same name.

It is the site of the oldest known metal-mining area in England, with the earliest such activities recorded in 1900 BC.

The natural features of the escarpment are today managed by the National Trust, which preserves the essentially rural aspect of the small community of Alderley Edge.

It is especially well connected to the North West in general and the rest of the country, thanks to its links by road, rail, and air.

As we noted elsewhere, Alderley Edge is the tip of Cheshire’s “Golden Triangle” of the most desirable locations with Wilmslow and Prestbury forming the other two tips.

Prestbury

Key facts:

Education: Prestbury Primary School is highly regarded. Just two miles (3.2 km) away in Macclesfield is Fallibroome Academy, a secondary-level public sector Academy. The King’s School, in Macclesfield, is a highly regarded co-educational (ages 3 to 18) independent day school, founded in 1502;

Transport links: Prestbury is a village just 5 miles (8 km) away from Alderley Edge and two miles (3.2 km) from the town of Macclesfield. Prestbury is in the foothills of the Pennines, yet still close to both the M56 (at Manchester Airport) and M5 (for Liverpool to the North and London to the South);

Trains: Mainline rail services from Prestbury station run to Stoke-on-Trent, Macclesfield and Manchester Piccadilly—the latter, a journey of around half an hour.

Why live in Prestbury?

Prestbury sits on the banks of the River Bollin as it flows down from the Pennines and is an ancient settlement dating back to at least the Anglo-Saxons.

It is not only close to the conurbations of Manchester and Liverpool, but close to the Peak District National Park and the towns and cities to the East of the Pennines.

Together with Alderley Edge and Wilmslow, Prestbury forms the three points of Cheshire’s “Golden Triangle” containing the county’s most desirable addresses.

Mobberley

Key facts:

Education: Highly regarded is Mobberley Church of England Primary School. In nearby Altrincham, 6.8 miles (11 km) away, Saint Ambrose College is a selective, public-sector Roman Catholic grammar school. Altrincham is also home to Altrincham Grammar School for Girls and Altrincham Grammar School for Boys. both high-quality educational institutions.

Transport links: Mobberley is roughly 4.3 miles (7 km) equidistant from Knutsford to the South-West and Alderley Edge to the South-East. It is approximately the same distance from both the M56 and M6 motorways. Central London is some 197 miles (317 km) to the South—a drive of around three and a half to four hours;

Trains: Mobberley railway station is on the mainline between Chester, around one hour away, and Manchester Piccadilly, around 45 minutes.

Why move to in Mobberley?

Mobberley is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 by the name of “Motburlege”, so it has a long history.

The small but active village is surrounded by farmland with lots of green fields and wonderful walks.

Mobberley is especially well connected to the regional and national motorway networks and by rail to both Chester and Manchester.

Tarporley

Key facts:

Education: Home to Tarporley Church of England Primary School for ages 4-11 and Tarporley High School and Sixth Form College, serving secondary and further education for ages 11-18. The independent Queen’s School, in Chester, some 11 miles (18 km) away, is for girls aged 4 to 18 and is highly regarded;

Transport links: Tarporley is in the heart of the Cheshire countryside approximately 11 miles (18 km) equidistant from Northwich to the North East and Chester to the North West. Chester provides access to the M56 motorway. A little outside Northwich, there is the North-South M6 motorway. London is approximately 192 miles (309 km) South—a drive of around three and a half hours, depending on traffic;

Trains: the nearest railway station is at Delamere, 5.5 miles (8.7 km), with trains to Chester taking around 20 minutes, Manchester an hour and a quarter, and Liverpool an hour and a half.

Why live in Tarporley?

Tarporley is a large village or small town that epitomises relaxed countryside living in this part of the country.

It exudes an easy familiarity and sense of community supported by a café culture, high-end boutiques and fine dining restaurants.

However, from the comfort of your rural idyll, the county town of Chester is close by, and there are excellent transport links to the major urban conurbations of Liverpool and Manchester.

Tattenhall

Key facts:

Education: Tattenhall Park Primary School is highly regarded. 6.3 miles (10 km), on Chester’s outskirts, is the popular public sector secondary school and sixth-form Christleton High School. Also, on the outskirts of Chester is the leading independent King’s School, founded in 1541;

Transport links: Tattenhall is in the Cheshire countryside some 6.3 miles (10 km) South East of the City of Chester and 13 miles (21 km) to the North East of Wrexham. Access to the main North-South M6 motorway is just beyond Crewe – some 19 miles (30.5 km) to the East. London is approximately 191 miles (307 km) away—a drive of around nearly four hours;

Trains: The nearest mainline station is also in Chester, which offers frequent services to Liverpool (Lime Street and Central), Manchester Piccadilly, Crewe, Holyhead, and Wolverhampton. Liverpool, for example, is around 45 minutes away by rail and Manchester a little over one hour.

Why move to Tattenhall?

It’s peaceful, in a tranquil part of Cheshire, and has probably more than its fair share of historic buildings and a great sense of community spirit.

Yet the village is only 6 miles (10 km) or so from the country hub of Chester and the Northern Powerhouse of Manchester and Liverpool.

What you probably didn’t expect in a rural location in the middle of the countryside is a marina.

Tattenhall Marina, however, offers cruising on the inland waterways of the Four Counties Ring, which takes in many picturesque sights of the North West.

Nantwich

Key facts:

Education: Two primary schools, Acton Church of England Primary Academy and Stapeley Broad Lane Church of England Primary School are highly regarded. For secondary education, notable institutions include Brine Leas School, and Malbank School and Sixth Form College, catering to students aged 11-18. Probably the most notable independent school is the King’s School, in Chester, some 20 miles (33 km) away;

Transport links: Nantwich is roughly 20 miles (33 km) equidistant from Chester to the North West and Stoke-on-Trent to the South-East. Immediately before arriving in Stoke is the junction with the important North-South M6 motorway. The capital is around 182 miles (293 km) to the South—a drive of about three and a half hours;

Trains: Nantwich railway station is on the mainline between Crewe and Shrewsbury, with services to Manchester Piccadilly and Cardiff Central. Manchester is a journey of about one hour.

Why live in Nantwich?

On the southern edge of the Cheshire plain, Nantwich is said to be one of the earliest settlements in the UK, dating back to at least Roman times with industries based first on salt and then on tanning.

The attractive town, replete with many fine, historic buildings, continues to occupy a strategically important stopover en route from London to Chester.

It also has good transport links to the regional and national motorway networks.

Malpas

Key facts:

Education: It hosts several primary schools for ages 4-11, including Malpas Alport Endowed Primary School, Millfields Primary School and St Anne’s Catholic Primary School. Also, in the public sector, the secondary modern comprehensive Bishop Heber High School in Malpas;

Transport links: Malpas is roughly 12 miles (19 km) equidistant from Wrexham, across the border in Wales, to the West and Nantwich to the East. North via Chester leads to the M53 motorway to Liverpool and the M56 to Manchester. The main North-South M6 motorway is 26 miles (42 km) to the East near Stoke-on-Trent;

Trains: the nearest mainline station, 5 miles (8 km), is at Whitchurch, across the border in Shropshire, with trains to Manchester Piccadilly, Carmarthen in Wales, Crewe, and Shrewsbury.

Why live in Malpas?

Malpas is located on the North Wales borders and the English county of Shropshire.

Malpas is described as having a thriving community, with many independent shops, local services, voluntary sector organisations, and community groups.

Although predominantly rural, it has excellent road and rail connections to North Wales, the North West, and the English Borders.