From coastal towns to rural villages and with a few bigger cities in between, Lancashire is an extremely varied county. Housing tends to be affordable, and schools are generally good, making Lancashire an attractive option for families. It’s easy enough to commute to Preston or Lancaster, especially by car, but many places are also a quick drive away from Manchester. Two towns in East Lancashire also made it into the top 10 of the Sunday Times list of the best places to live in 2013, noting safety, cultural live, employment figures, property prices and strengths like independent shopping and rail links.