There's a lot of different things to consider when moving house for the first time.
Whether you're looking for an area that has good transport links, top rated schools or is within walking distance of bars, restaurants and green spaces, the Sunday Times takes all of this into account and more, when compiling its annual Best Places to Live guide. The Sunday Times judges travel across the UK to compile the guide and look to celebrate improving towns, villages or city centres, attractive, well-designed homes and locations bursting with community spirit.
This year's regional winner for the North West of England was Trawden in Lancashire, but one area of Merseyside that was also included on the exclusive list was West Kirby in Wirral. It's not the first time the seaside town has made the list, with judges also naming it as one of the best places to live back in 2017.
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Here we take a look at what the area has to offer as well as the other parts of Merseyside that have made it into the Best Places to Live guide over the last five years.
2022
West Kirby
West Kirby came in at number six on the list of the best places to live in the North West in this year's guide by the Sunday Times. The seaside town is loved by residents and tourists alike for the beautiful scenery it has to offer.
The Sunday Times described it as: "A view across the Dee estuary and the choice of excellent independent cafés and bars add a sprinkle of magic to a town that’s perfect for both active downsizers and families – with excellent schools, sports clubs and trains to Liverpool. "
The ECHO recently went to speak to visitors and residents to see what makes West Kirby so special to them. April McGoldrick, president of the West Kirby Rotary Club, was born and raised there, and after living all over the world, she always finds herself back in her hometown.
April said: " West Kirby people, we are very special, a lot of people can think we’re snobs, we are not. We are genuine human beings with a heart of gold."
Gifford Tuner, who works at one of the many Ice-cream stalls near The Marine Lake, also praised the people of West Kirby and how nice they are. He went on to say how nice the housing and views are in the area also.
Jackie Toop, who was visiting the area, said: "We come here for walking, there's a great beach, nice places to have lunch. The dog absolutely loves it as well."
2021
Aigburth
Aigburth was selected as one of the best areas of Liverpool to live in 2021 by the Sunday Times.
The small neighbourhood located south of the city has a distinctive charm that attracts renters and families alike. With sprawling green spaces from Sefton Park to Otterspool Park and promenade, Aigburth is a great area for walkers and outdoor types.
Lark Lane is right on your doorstep offering an eclectic mix of independent shops, bars and restaurants. Aigburth Road is also a much-loved high street, with long established businesses like the The Bread Shop to more recent additions like The Little Taproom.
The area was described by the judges as “a family-friendly suburb that’s sensible but never boring, with Sefton Park for exercise and Lark Lane for fun”. There's also plenty of primary and secondary schools to choose from including St Charles’ Catholic Primary School and St. Margaret's Church of England.
Georgian Quarter
The Georgian Quarter is well known for being a desirable place to live in the city and it's easy to see why. Filled with period properties from townhouses to terraces, the area is a fascinating reminder of Liverpool's past.
From Faulkner Street to Catherine Street, the Georgian Quarter is full of architectural gems. The close proximity of the University of Liverpool campus means a lot of students live in the area.
With the Everyman Theatre and a range of independent restaurants nestled on the surrounding streets, residents have everything they need right on their doorstep. The Georgian Quarter is also a popular location with TV crews, with The Ipcress File recently being filmed there.
The Sunday Times judges said: "If you’re lucky enough to find a painstakingly restored townhouse on the cobbles around Hope Street, Falkner Street or Falkner Square — for half the price you’d pay in Bath — then you’re laughing even harder than Doddy."
2020
Southport
In 2020, Southport was ranked among the most desirable locations to live in the North West by the Sunday Times, along with the Georgian Quarter and West Kirby. As a seaside town, Southport boasts a beautiful beach which is home to the second longest pier in the country.
Green spaces in the town include Hesketh Park, Victoria Park and King's Gardens on Southport's Promenade, which was restored to its former glory through a £5.5m restoration project. Lord Street is a popular shopping destination lined with beautiful Victorian buildings and home to the popular Wayfarers arcade.
Southport's town centre and seafront are both within conservation areas because of their historic character. Southport was granted £38.5m of government funding through the Town Deal last year, which aims to regenerate the town centre and drive business growth.
The waterfront at Marine Lake is set to be the heart of the town , with the bulk of Southport’s Town Deal being spent on the redesign of the lakeside. Council chiefs expect the funding will help to create more than a thousand new jobs, as well as an extra one million visitors to the town each year.
2019
In 2019 Aigburth was also chosen by the Sunday Times as one of the best places to live in Merseyside.
2018
Heswall
One part of Wirral landed a top spot on the best places to live 2018 list is the town of Heswall. The historic town sits in an elevated position on the peninsula’s west coast and boasts of breathtaking views across the Dee estuary towards the Welsh hills.
The Heswall Dales is a popular location for walkers, while golf enthusiasts head to Heswall Golf Club. Although chains like Gusto and Marks and Spencer have set up in the town, there is also a variety of independent shops and restaurants selling local produce.
And with great transport links, locals can be in Liverpool city centre in half an hour. However, houses in Heswall don't come cheap, with properties currently on the market with Rightmove priced in the region of between £700,000-£1.5m.
In 2018, the Georgian Quarter was also chosen by judges as one of the region's most sought after areas.
2017
Baltic Triangle
For those looking to get onto the property ladder but reluctant to give up the excitement of city life, the Baltic Triangle offers the perfect solution.
Hailed as one of the coolest places to live in the UK in recent years, the Baltic Triangle has all of the bars and restaurants you could possibly need, while being positioned at the edge of the city.
The district, which continues to expand into Cains Brewery Village and its surroundings, boasts some of the city’s most popular spaces for gigs and events from 24 Kitchen Street to Camp and Furnace.
As an established creative hub, the area is also home to an array of tech and digital businesses, with new spaces continuing to pop up in the area.
West Kirkby was also named in the Best Places to Live guide for 2017.
