West Kirby has been named as one of the best places to live in Britain, by The Sunday Times.
The town took the accolade for the fourth year in the influential survey, which bills itself as the “definitive guide to where to live in Britain”.
It was hailed as one of the best places to live in the Northwest region, alongside:
- Trawden, Lancashire
- Altrincham, Cheshire (where our sister publication Altrincham Today is based)
- Christleton, Cheshire
- Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria
- Prestwich, Greater Manchester
Overall, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, was named as the best place to live in the UK and Trawden, in Lancashire was crowned the regional winner for the North West.
Here is how West Kirby is described in the guide:
‘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.’
The article said the average house price in West Kirby is now £409,064, which has grown 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.”
The Sunday Times’s expert judges behind the guide 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.
You can read the full article in The Sunday Times here: https://www.thetimes.co.uk/best-places-to-live
