West Kirby has been named as one of the best places to live in the UK by The Sunday Times.
The Sunday Times’ expert judges behind "Best Places to Live" assess a wide range of factors, from schools, transport and broadband to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street.
They look to celebrate improving towns, villages or city centres, attractive, well-designed homes and locations bursting with community spirit – which the pandemic has shown to be the most vital quality of all.
The winner of the North West of England was Trawden, Lancashire, but West Kirby was also named in the list. 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. "
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According to Halifax the average house price in the town in 2022 was £409,064 up 14% since 2020.
Helen Davies, The Times and Sunday Times property editor said: "The Sunday Times Best Places to Live list is necessarily subjective. Leave it just to statistics and you will never capture the spirit of a place.
"For that, you need to visit to take into account that 'you have to be here' feeling. Is the pub dog-friendly, for example? Can you live car-free? What are the schools and houses like? Is it multicultural and multigenerational, and can it offer a good way of life to lots of different sorts of people?
"Ten years ago, when we launched the inaugural list, London's gravitational pull was strong, the WFH revolution had not yet reached our doorstep and high streets were stacked with chains. How times have changed — and how welcome that change is.
"This year we have discovered new best places to live from resurgent city centres in the North, rejuvenated suburbs across the country, hidden villages in the Southwest, and a commutable Scottish island. We hope there is something to suit everyone."
Top Places to live in the North West
1. Trawden, Lancashire
2. Altrincham, Greater Manchester
3. Christleton, Cheshire
4. Kirkby Londsdale, Cumbria
5. Prestwich, Greater Manchester
6. West Kirby, Merseyside
You can see the full list on The Times' website here.
