As a great UK city, Liverpool offers plenty to those looking to settle here.
From world class cultural institutions to great nightlife and amazing architecture, there is something for everyone.
There is always something going on in the city, drawing in visitors from surrounding areas as well as from across the world.
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Yet while many choose to live in the city itself, other choose areas where things are a bit quieter.
For many, the ideal situation is to be located in an area with a slower pace of life than Liverpool itself but to be close enough to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Here are just some of the choices for people who want to leave the city - but not stray too far.
Formby
Located handily on the Northern line and just half an hour from Liverpool city centre, Formby is a popular commuter village.
It is well known for its beach and surrounding pine forests, both of which can get extremely busy in sunny weather.
The village centre has plenty of cafes, independent shops and a Waitrose supermarket. A Tesco is locate close by, just off the Formby bypass.
Formby has long been a popular location for famous Merseyside faces to live, with Steven Gerrard, Jurgen Klopp and Wayne Rooney all having lived in the Freshfield area of the village.
Crosby
Another Sefton town with a well known beach, Crosby’s is particularly famous for Anthony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ art installation, which draws visitors from across the region.
The wider area, including Blundellsands and Brighton-le-Sands, also offer a number of parks and green spaces.
Meanwhile, the village itself has a supermarket, cafes, pubs and a range of shops.
Crosby has long been a popular destination for families, with a number of well regarded comprehensive and independent schools in the town.
Hightown
One of the smaller areas on this list, Hightown is also one of the more remote options, with only one road in and out of the town.
However, with close links to the Formby bypass and a train station on the Northern line it is easy to travel in and out.
A recent report from the Telegraph and Savills estate agents saw it ranked as one of the poshest towns in the UK but when the ECHO visited it found locals were divided over that title.
Nevertheless, the village is another option for those looking for a quieter pace of life while still being close to Liverpool and, while it is small, it does have a Post Office, a shop, a chemist and a pub.
Ainsdale
While perhaps not as well known as Formby or Crosby, Ainsdale’s beach offers the area’s residents a beautiful place to escape to.
Located on the southern edge of Southport, the area itself is bounded by the RAF’s Woodvale airfield.
It has a range of shops, a park and a golf club, providing plenty of amenities for those looking to move there.
Southport town centre is only three miles away, offering a greater variety of shops and supermarkets.
Nearby Birkdale is also a popular place for house buyers for similar reasons.
Bebington
Ranked as one of the most desirable places to live in England in a 2017 study, Bebington has long been
Just over a quarter of an hour from Liverpool on the train, it offers easy access for commuters while its numerous green spaces and location close to the River Mersey mean it has a much quieter feel than neighbouring areas to its north.
It is also close to the M53 motorway, giving it good access to the rest of the region.
Home to eight local schools, including separate grammar schools for boys and girls, Bebington has long been viewed as a good choice for families.
West Kirby
This picturesque village is loved by many for its traditional seaside town feel.
From sailing on the Marine Lake, to walks at Hilbre Island and along the beach, West Kirby is a great destination for those looking to escape city life.
Its schools are also praised, making it another target for families with young children.
And for those wanting to stay connected to the city, the area has good transport links, with a train ride to Liverpool taking around half an hour.
Hoylake
Hoylake has long been known as one of Merseyside’s more expensive areas.
Its golf club, the Royal Liverpool, has hosted international tour events on multiple occasions.
Outside of this, Hoylake has plenty to offer those looking to move out of the city.
Like many of its neighbouring areas, it offers access to a great beach, while its position close to the M53 means the nature of North Wales is an easier journey than many other areas of Merseyside.
The town sits on the West Kirby branch of the Wirral line, offering regular services into Liverpool.
Heswall
This 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.
Hale
Located just across the Cheshire border, Hale has maintained much of its rural feel despite its location close to the edge of Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
While the town grew in the 20th Century it has remained fairly small and green belt policies affecting surrounding land means development has been limited.
The park at the centre of the village adds to its rural feel, while it is also minutes from the Mersey.
While it is not as accessible by public transport as other options on this list, it is still well linked to Liverpool, with the city centre a half an hour drive away.
