Three areas of Greater Manchester made it onto the Sunday Times list of the best places to live in the country in 2015, and with good reason. Manchester is a city with quality culture, entertainment, shopping, and dining opportunities, and it also has good schools and transport links, with many people choosing to use the trams rather than drive. Manchester is a diverse city, with a well-established Jewish community in Prestwich and Asian and Eastern European communities in Crumpsall and Cheetham Hill. Although many looking at the Greater Manchester area will be drawn by the amenities of city life or bound to the city centre by work, there are several villages within commuting distance of the centre, and you won’t be too far from some astonishing nature — the Peak District is never too far away.
Altrincham is a historic market town located in the south of Greater Manchester, close to the picturesque Cheshire countryside. Blending vibrant town life with heritage architecture, Altrincham is well-known for its award-winning market, thriving independent scene, and proximity to green spaces such as Dunham Massey and the Bridgewater Canal. The area’s appeal lies in its unique balance of bustling highstreet atmosphere with leafy avenues and quiet residential enclaves.
Ashton-under-Lyne, situated in Greater Manchester, is a large market town known for its industrial heritage and strong sense of community. Set along the banks of the River Tame and lying about six miles east of Manchester city centre, Ashton-under-Lyne has evolved into a lively suburb that retains its historic market town charm. The area boasts a blend of period terraced homes, newer developments, and green spaces, which reflect its changing character over the years.
Bolton is a large town in Greater Manchester, located to the northwest of Manchester’s city centre. Known for its significant industrial heritage, Bolton played a central role in the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution. The area features a rich blend of traditional red-brick architecture, modern developments, and a strong sense of historical identity. Today, Bolton attracts a diverse population including families, students, professionals, and retirees, all drawn by its excellent amenities and welcoming atmosphere.
Bury, located in Greater Manchester, is a historic market town famed for its traditional open-air market, thriving cultural scene, and strong community spirit. Situated roughly 8 miles north of Manchester city centre, Bury has evolved from its industrial roots into a commuter hub and modern residential area while still retaining plenty of character. The town is known for iconic landmarks such as the Bury Market, The Fusilier Museum, and the East Lancashire Railway, all set amid a landscape framed by the Irwell Valley and green belt countryside.
Cheadle is a suburb situated to the south-east of Manchester, lying within the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport in Greater Manchester. With a history that stretches back to Saxon times, Cheadle retains a distinct village charm, interwoven with tree-lined avenues, period cottages, and grand Victorian homes. Today, the area balances a serene residential character with easy access to the buzz of Manchester city centre and the amenities of Stockport.
Dukinfield is a residential town situated in the Tameside borough of Greater Manchester, on the south bank of the River Tame. Nestled between Ashton-under-Lyne and Hyde, Dukinfield maintains a distinctly local character while benefiting from its proximity to Manchester’s vibrant city centre. The area is known for its rich industrial heritage, notably in cotton and coal, and many Victorian-era buildings and green parks remain from that era, giving the town a unique sense of identity.
Heywood is a historic town situated in the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale, Greater Manchester. Known locally as “Monkey Town,” Heywood has a distinct identity shaped by its industrial past and strong community spirit. Located between Rochdale and Bury, and close to the Pennines, Heywood offers a balance of urban and semi-rural living. The town developed rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, primarily as a centre for textiles, engineering, and manufacturing. Today, Heywood combines established residential neighbourhoods with newer developments, creating varied options for residents of different backgrounds and life stages.
Horwich is a thriving town situated on the northwestern edge of Greater Manchester, lying within the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton. Characterised by its proximity to the West Pennine Moors, Horwich is well regarded for its beautiful scenic setting, access to outdoor pursuits, and a strong sense of community. The area seamlessly blends its industrial heritage, evident in landmarks such as the former locomotive works, with continued modern development and convenient amenities.
Hyde is a historic market town located in the Metropolitan Borough of Tameside, Greater Manchester. Set just nine miles east of Manchester city centre, Hyde is characterised by its blend of Victorian architecture, traditional shops, and access to scenic green spaces. The town’s roots stretch back to the Industrial Revolution, evidenced by its heritage mills and classic red-brick terraces, though today it has evolved into a residential hub that balances urban convenience with a small-town atmosphere.
Leigh is a large town located in Greater Manchester, situated on the banks of the Bridgewater Canal and within close proximity to both Wigan and Manchester city centre. Traditionally recognised for its history in textile manufacturing and coal mining, Leigh has evolved over recent decades, blending its industrial heritage with a new sense of community spirit and suburban convenience. The town is characterised by a mix of Victorian terraced houses, post-war estates, and newer residential developments, giving it a diverse housing stock suitable for various lifestyles.
Littleborough is a historic town situated within Greater Manchester, sitting on the edge of the Pennines and known for its picturesque surroundings and accessible links to both urban and rural attractions. The town blends traditional stone-built architecture with more modern housing and has a distinctly semi-rural feel, despite its proximity to the larger urban centres of Rochdale and Manchester.
Manchester, located in the heart of Greater Manchester, is a renowned city in the northwest of England, celebrated for its rich industrial heritage and modern cultural influence. Known for its diverse architecture, vibrant music scene, and world-class sporting history, the city is a key destination for people seeking an energetic urban lifestyle. The cityscape is a fusion of historical warehouses, innovative skyscrapers, and dynamic neighborhoods that reflect its ever-growing status as a major UK hub.
Oldham is a metropolitan town situated in Greater Manchester, positioned on the Pennine hills between Manchester and the Yorkshire border. Historically, Oldham is renowned for its pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution as a global centre for textile manufacturing, particularly cotton spinning. The town's rich heritage is still visible through impressive Victorian architecture and former mill buildings dotted around its landscape.
Rochdale, located in Greater Manchester, is a large town with a distinct industrial heritage and strong community spirit. Resting along the foothills of the Pennines and close to the River Roch, the town has historically been known as a centre of textile manufacture, particularly during the industrial revolution. Today, Rochdale blends its rich Victorian heritage, evidenced by striking architecture such as Rochdale Town Hall, with the amenities of a modern urban hub.
Sale is a thriving town located within the borough of Trafford, Greater Manchester. Positioned to the southwest of Manchester city centre, Sale benefits from proximity to the Manchester Ship Canal as well as access to lush green parks and a well-developed high street. This suburban locale has developed a reputation for its strong sense of community, excellent local amenities, and leafy residential streets.
Salford is a dynamic city in Greater Manchester, immediately west of Manchester city centre and bordered by the River Irwell. Known for its historical legacy as one of the world’s first industrial cities, Salford has evolved in recent years into a bustling urban destination, famous for the modern Salford Quays waterfront and the impressive MediaCityUK complex. This transformation has made the area richly diverse, blending heritage architecture with cutting-edge new developments.
Stalybridge, located in Greater Manchester on the edge of the Pennines, is a market town that blends industrial heritage with striking natural beauty. Nestled along the banks of the River Tame and set against a backdrop of rolling hills, Stalybridge offers residents a balance between historic charm and access to the outdoors. The town is known for its stone-built architecture, canal networks, and the iconic Victorian railway station, making it instantly recognisable and distinct within Tameside.
Stockport is a large market town situated in Greater Manchester, located around 7 miles south-east of central Manchester and sitting on the banks of the River Mersey. Renowned for its distinctive Victorian viaduct, bustling market hall, and rich industrial heritage, Stockport has developed into a sought-after residential location with a dynamic blend of old and new. The town offers an appealing mix of urban amenities, leafy suburbs, and access to the beautiful Peak District, making it popular among young professionals, families, and retirees alike.
Wigan is a large and historically significant town located in Greater Manchester, positioned roughly midway between the cities of Manchester and Liverpool. Known for its rich industrial past, particularly in coal mining and textiles, Wigan has retained much of its distinctive character while evolving into a diverse and modern urban centre. The town sits on the River Douglas and is bordered by scenic countryside, including the expansive Wigan Flashes Nature Reserve.