Liverpool has been named one of best places to live in the North West of England.
The city is one of eight locations in the region chosen by The Sunday Times in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.
The comprehensive guide has been released today with expert judges behind the guide using a wide range of factors to make their choice.
Factors include everything from schools, air quality, transport and broadband speeds to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street.
The judges think that Liverpool’s prospects look bright, with exciting new plans in the pipeline, from the new film studio in the iconic Littlewoods building to Everton’s new waterfront stadium.
There was plenty of competition but the judges’ favourite spots included Aigburth, which they described as “a family-friendly suburb that’s sensible but never boring, with Sefton Park for exercise and Lark Lane for fun”.
The Georgian Quarter, with its beautiful period properties and amazing neighbourhood restaurants such as the splendidly restored London Carriage Works, also caught the eye.
Judges look for improving towns, villages or city centres, for attractive, well designed homes and locations bursting with community spirit - which the pandemic has shown to be the most vital quality of all.
A detailed breakdown of house prices has been supplied by data specialists TwentyCi and information on internet speeds has been supplied by Thinkbroadband.com, the UK’s leading independent guide to broadband.
The average sale of a house in Liverpool is said to be in the region of £145,000 while the average rental property is priced at £875 pcm.
Liverpool came sixth ahead of Manchester which came in seventh place in this year's guide.
Altrincham, which was named The Sunday Times Best Place to Live in Britain last year, was chosen as the regional winner this year.
According to the judges: "It has everything you want in a suburb: parks, excellent transport links and top-class schools.
“Along with the inspirational market and food hall that transformed the town centre from the worst in Britain to a favourite destination, the area has continued to show its value, even during the pandemic.”
Helen Davies, The Times and Sunday Times Property Editor said: “This guide has never been so important. The pandemic has taught us just how much we rely on our homes, our communities and our surroundings. With working from home now common, it’s no surprise that many of us are reassessing our priorities and thinking hard about where we really want to live.
“Our focus for this year has been community, countryside and convenience. 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.”
The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2021: Northwest of England
· Winner: Altrincham, Cheshire
· Arnside and Silverdale, Lancashire
· Bollington, Cheshire
· Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
· Knutsford, Cheshire
· Liverpool
· Manchester
· Saddleworth, West Yorkshire
