A town in the north west has been named among the best place to live in the region in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live list.

Sale was praised for its location, reputation for state schools, Metrolink tram connections and more.

The guide said: “A welcoming and well-connected Greater Manchester location Sale is emerging from the shadow of Altrincham thanks to its excellent reputation for state schools, Metrolink tram connections, and the creation of a new town-centre hub in Stanley Square with cafes, restaurants and independent shops.”

READ MORE: Why you should move to Sale and Altrincham

In the annual guide, Liverpool came out on top and was praised for its booming science and tech scene, new football stadium rising from the docks and the neighbouring Ten Streets area that is emerging as a creative district by The Sunday Times judges.

It also received praise for its community spirit, watersports, boot camps on the beach, independent shops, and quirky places to eat and drink. 

The Sunday Times Best Places to Live said: “There are lots of reasons to be optimistic about Liverpool — not just Eurovision, but also the booming reputation for science and tech and grand projects such as the new Everton Stadium and new film studios.

“Good-value houses are the big attraction – this is one great city where you can buy a house without breaking the bank – but you also get a lively city centre and beautiful beaches close at hand. Our top districts in the city this year are both affordable: Waterloo for seaside, sunsets and independent shops, and Toxteth for its cultural and community vibe.” 

This year’s guide is the 11th and it features more new entries than ever before.

The Sunday Times’ expert judges visited all the locations and assessed factors from schools to transport, broadband speeds to culture, as well as access to green spaces and the health of the high street. 

North west locations named among best in The Sunday Times Best Places to Live list

Six other locations in the region feature in the guide: Liverpool, Manchester, Penrith in Cumbria, Rawtenstall in Lancashire, Stockport in Greater Manchester and Tarporley in Cheshire.

Wadhurst in East Sussex was named the overall winner of Best Places to Live.

Helen Davies, the editor of Best Places to Live 2023, said: “When times are tough, where we live matters more than ever. Attractive surroundings, good neighbours and a comfortable home are the best defences when the stresses of modern life seem overwhelming. 

“This guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each a fantastic place to live in 2023 from Orkney to Felixstowe, the Chew Valley to Manchester city centre. Whether you’re downsizing, trading up or getting onto the property ladder, there will be somewhere to suit you.”