One of Greater Manchester's 10 boroughs has been listed among the top 10 places to raise a family in the UK.
Wigan ranks seventh on the list of 100 places judged on factors including education, house prices and crime levels.
The study, from EnjoyTravel.com, has used a points based system to analyse each area, with a potential 70 points overall made up of 30 points for house price to income ratio - based on property prices and average salaries, 20 points for education and 20 for safety.
It's also considered factors such as access to green spaces, transport links and family-friendly attractions.
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Explaining the study, which saw Wigan given 47 points, a spokesperson said: "These crucial factors determine how comfortable families can live in a particular city. A high house price-to-income ratio means that families are spending more than they can afford on housing expenses, leaving little room for other necessities such as food, healthcare, and education.
"Good quality education is paramount because it shapes the future of children, while a low crime rate ensures that they grow up in a secure environment."
Its findings state: "Frequently ranked as the ‘happiest town in Greater Manchester’, Wigan is a great option for families. It’s a popular commuter town, with efficient transport links to Manchester, Liverpool and Bolton though house prices have stayed low at £166,304. Wages average £35,094, giving the town a high house price-to-income ratio of 4.74.
"Along with strong employment rates, moderate crime rates and affordable housing, education ranks higher than average in Wigan. There are several outstanding schools in the area."
Siobhan Mckenny, head of content at EnjoyTravel.com, said: "Wigan scored very high in our study due to its affordable housing market. The cost of living in Wigan is significantly lower than in other major towns in the UK, making it easier for families to save money and invest in their future, Wigan also boasts higher-than-average education standards.
"With over 35 urban parks and gardens to visit, Wigan borough has a lot to offer to growing families."
The only places to feature above Wigan are Aberdeen, Chesterfield, Colchester, Sutton Coldfield, Norwich and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Colette Dutton, Wigan Council’s director of children and families, said: “We’re pleased that Wigan has been recognised on the ‘best place to raise a family’ list.
“We have a huge choice for parents of good and outstanding early years provision, schools and colleges, and our borough boasts some brilliant green spaces for families to enjoy.
“Wigan Borough is home to Greater Manchester’s first and only National Nature Reserve, the Flashes of Wigan and Leigh, the iconic Haigh Hall and Woodland Park and Pennington Flash to name just a few.
“We’re also proud that our libraries offer such regular, fun, and educational activities for children and families, and our cultural venues such as the Museum of Wigan Life, the Turnpike Gallery and Archives: Wigan and Leigh are great places to visit with the family too."
She added: “Our borough’s sporting heritage remains as strong as ever with the legacy of welcoming the UEFA Women’s EURO and Rugby League World Cup tournaments last year remaining clear.
“The next generation of sporting stars can train with at our BeWell leisure centres, growing up with healthy habits, making friends and learning vital life skills like swimming.
“And finally, as your children get a little older and independent, we have brilliant facilities like the new Leigh Youth Hub to support them into the transition to adulthood.”
TOP 10 PLACES TO RAISE A FAMILY UK IN 2023:
- Aberdeen
- Chesterfield
- Colchester
- Sutton Coldfield
- Norwich
- Newcastle-upon-Tyne
- Wigan
- Sunderland
- Warrington
- Dundee
What do you think about the study? Do you think your borough should appear on the list? Let us know in the comments.
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