A survey of over 300,000 people across Britain has identified Cheshire East as the happiest place to live in England. The three year study by the Office for National Statistics revealed that the only happier places in the whole of Britain were in the Scottish Islands and Highlands.
The accolade has been welcomed by people and organisations across the area. However it may not have come as much of a surprise as Cheshire East has previously been named best place to live in the North West for 2 years running by the Halifax Quality of Life Survey.
So what makes it such a great place to live?
Covering an area of around 450 square miles, Cheshire East runs from the southern fringes of Manchester south to the borders of Staffordshire and Shropshire and in an easterly direction to the Peak District National Park. It is characterised by many market towns and villages including the home of Elizabeth Gaskell, Anglo-Saxon crosses, historic estates such as Tatton Park, independent galleries, antique shops and boutiques and of course fantastic markets selling a whole range of delicious Cheshire farm produce. Popular towns and villages include Knutsford, Alderley Edge, Wilmslow, Sandbach, Congleton and Nantwich.
For families, the local state schools are some of the best in England based on Ofsted performance rankings. There is also an excellent choice of independent schools including Alderley Edge School for Girls and The Kings School Macclesfield
For the commuter, the area has excellent transport links via the M6, M56 and West Coast Mainline trains, putting larger centres of Manchester and Birmingham within easy reach. The train journey from Crewe to London takes little over 1.5 hours. Manchester Airport lies just across the boundary and offers flights to a wide range of global destinations.
For lovers of the great outdoors, the area boasts some stunning scenery as well as an extensive network of walking and cycling trails covering the Gritstone Trail, Alderley Edge, the Cheshire Ring of canals and the western flanks of the Peak District National Park.
As a whole the area is quite affluent with a strong economy but house prices can vary considerably from the “stockbroker belt” of Knutsford, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge & Prestbury in the north to some of the smaller market towns and villages. The main advantage being that, whatever your budget, it should be possible find a property to meet your needs.
If you are thinking of moving to Cheshire, please contact us to discuss how we might be able to help you. Phone 0330 223 6339.
