Need to move to Manchester, but looking for a suburban lifestyle?
We’ve got you covered. Fast-paced inner-city living isn’t for everyone but, luckily, there are plenty of characterful and vibrant towns in and around the city.
Whether you’re a young professional taking your first steps on the property ladder or looking to upsize for a growing family, it’s worth knowing about some of the best commuting towns in the area.
Why move to Manchester?
Whether you’re moving from the Midlands or further north, there are so many reasons to make the big move to Manchester. For the creatives, the beating heart of the local arts scene is waiting to be discovered at the Northern Quarter. From vintage stores to independent cafés and Michelin-rated restaurants, there’s a lively entertainment scene waiting to be explored too.
Furthermore, it’s widely known that there are always plenty of jobs in Manchester across multiple sectors, though the city is a centre of innovation in science, digital technologies, and financial services. If you’re moving from a remote area, you’ll feel spoilt for choice.
Four of the best commuter towns near Manchester
1. Bolton
Bolton is a popular town in the Greater Manchester area, just a 20-minute drive from the city centre. With frequent, direct train services taking just 15 minutes to Manchester, commuters also benefit from easy access to London and Leeds via rail.
As for the town itself, Bolton has a fairly busy community and a strong family feel. It’s home to a variety of high-street shops and independent stores too, along with ample green spaces and good quality schools. It’s a great place to live for families with children, or those seeking a balance between urban and rural lifestyles.
2. Blackburn
This former mill town offers a pleasant lifestyle to commuters, with a mix of independent and traditional stores. Beautiful parks surround the town, including the historic Corporation Park, landscaped by William Henderson and first opened in 1857. However, the town is famed for being the home of the Blackburn Rovers FC, with a strong enthusiasm for football evident throughout the community.
Known as a cheerful and diverse place to live, new homes in Blackburn make a fantastic option for growing families. There are some excellent schools nearby, many of which come with a ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating. For those commuting to Manchester, the city centre is just 25 minutes away by train.
3. Middleton
Middleton is a small and affordable town just six miles from the centre of Manchester, making it a popular choice for families and commuters alike. It’s a stone’s throw from Wince Brooke Park, Alkrington Woods and Heaton Park, so it’s best suited to those who wish to lead an active lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
By road, it takes just over 20 minutes to get to the heart of the action. Frequent buses reach the city centre and, from the nearest train station at Mills Hill, it’s just a 12-minute ride into Manchester’s corporate district. For those who work or study in the city centre, Middleton offers a suburban home to return to.
4. Wilmslow
For those seeking somewhere slightly upmarket, Wilmslow makes a natural choice. Ideally positioned 14 miles south of Manchester, the town is just less than 20 minutes by rail from the centre. It’s not too far from Manchester Airport either, making it perfect for frequent flyers.
Wilmslow is a charming town with plenty of traditional, local pubs and chic boutiques, alongside classic high-street shops and foodie hotspots. Local parks and a network of rural villages surround this pretty town, and it’s just ten miles from the borders of the Peak District National Park, including the stunning Lyme Park estate in Cheshire.
Overview
Ready to make your big move to Manchester? If you’re opting for a new build home in the area, make sure you only make offers to reputable home builders. Take some time to get to know the area before choosing your new commuter town home, too!
