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Manchester named one of the UK’s ‘most desired’ places to live

Obviously.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 6th June 2024

Manchester has been named one of the ‘most desired’ places to live in the UK for 2024, according to a new study.

At this point, there’s really no denying Greater Manchester is mint and people want to live here.

Not long after two of the region’s towns have been highlighted as places first time buyers should consider looking at to get themselves onto the property ladder, and another of our local neighbourhoods has been named one of the best in the UK to raise a family, we’ve now got another title to talk about with pride.

That’s because Manchester has just been ranked one of the ‘most desired’ places to live in the UK in 2024 – especially when it comes to relocation.

Manchester named one of the UK’s ‘most desired’ places to live / Credit: Mangopear Creative (via Unsplash) | Manchester City Council

Whether you’ve landed a new job, you’re craving better weather, or you’re just looking for a change of pace, we all know there’s loads of reasons to relocate to a different city – but which locations are the most desirable of them all? In a bid to figure this out, the home insurance team over at Compare the Market decided to do a bit of research and devise a list.

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To do this, they looked at the average monthly Google search volumes for terms relating to living and moving to different locations.

And Manchester’s made it into the top 10.

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UK’s top 10 most desired places to live in 2024

  1. London
  2. Derby
  3. Stoke on Trent
  4. Birmingham
  5. Liverpool
  6. Wolverhampton
  7. Bradford
  8. Manchester
  9. Newport
  10. Sunderland

​​London ranks as the number one most desired city to live in the UK, and is followed closely by ​Derby,​​Stoke-on-Trent, and Birmingham, with our fellow North West neighbours Liverpool rounding out the top five.

Bradford and Sunderland are some of the other Northern cities featuring in the top 10.

The city’s new title is all according to a new study by Compare the Market / Credit: Roger Kidd (via Geograph)

“Relocation is an exciting adventure, but careful planning is key,” explained Anna McEntee, from the home insurance team at Compare the Market, as the top 10 list was revealed this week.

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Sharing tips for anyone looking to relocate in the future, Anna continued: “Make sure to thoroughly research the area you’re interested in, and consider factors like commute times and proximity to schools and amenities. You should also set a realistic budget that includes hidden costs like moving fees, potential repairs, and home insurance. 

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“Additionally, you may want to consider extending your home insurance coverage with ​​accidental damage insurance or ​apartment insurance to make sure your property and belongings are protected from any unforeseen events.”

Featured Image – Manchester City Council

News

68-year-old raises nearly £14k for The Christie in epic coastal trek

Danny Jones Danny Jones Peter Walker fundraising page Pembrokeshire The Christie fundraiser

In a wholesome bit of news that has left us both moved and inspired, a 68-year-old Brit has raised nearly £14,000 for The Christie Hospital in Manchester by completing a truly epic coastal journey.

Peter Walker, originally from Birmingham, was set to embark on the famous Land’s End to John O’Groats challenge last year with his friend Nick Slevin, but sadly his walking partner’s wife Carrie was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and admitted to The Christie last year.

As a result, the journey had to be postponed but Walker still wanted to do his bit to try and raise some money in the meantime and so decided to take on a different challenge: the well-trodden but mammoth Pembrokeshire Coastal Path.

For context, this designated National Trail runs for a whopping 186 meals and Pete managed to finish the whole thing alongside some special company earlier this month.

pembrokeshire coastal path
Peter starting at Amroth in the north.
The Witches’ Cauldron
The Witches’ Cauldron near Ceibwr Bay
Credit: Peter Walker/GoFundMe

As if the distance wasn’t enough – we’re talking nearly 300km – the challenge was even more gruelling as the Pembrokeshire local had to train pretty intensely to be fit enough for the voyage and carry a 20kg backpack every step of the way, losing over a stone in weight during his preparation.

Climbing more than 10,000 metres in total (that’s more than Everest by the way) ‘r Pete lost lover 3kg during the walk itself, which started at Amroth towards the north of the route on 3 June.

So, why take this on? Well, his mate Nick, who recently retired from The Christie after 30 years of service, was a Professor of Oncology specialising in head and neck cancer and is still the Chair of The Christie Charity.

The pair met way back in 1973 whilst Nick was at medical school and have been firm friends ever since. They both sadly lost their fathers to cancer more than four decades ago and his partner Carrie is a well-known teacher in the Didsbury area and similarly experienced fell-walker.

To make things even more heartwarming, Pete, his wife Helen, Nick and Carrie were all able to reunite for the last leg and the finish line at St Dogmaels just under a fortnight later.

peter walker nick slevin
Pete and long-time friend Nick
St Dogmaels Pembrokeshire Coast Walk
Smashed it.

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Peter followed the Cicerone guide and camped at designated campsites or stayed with friends along the route, even noting how he “met a current Christie patient who was extremely complimentary of the care and expert treatment she’s received” on the very first day of the incredibly charitable undertaking.

Speaking on the achievement, he said: “It was a challenging but wonderful experience taking on the Pembrokeshire Coast Path, and I learned a lot about backpacking after years of running and cycling… I’m extremely pleased to have been able to support The Christie, especially as they’re looking after Carrie.”

For many years Pete also organised and took part in the Tour of Pembrokeshire cycling event, so he’s no slouch but to still be doing these kinds of challenges at 68 and all for a good cause right here in Greater Manchester, he has our utmost admiration.

If you can still donate to his fundraising page HERE if you want to help do your bit for a medical institution that does so much for our area.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — The Christie (supplied)

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Salford has been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘City of the Year’ award

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

Congratulations are in order… because Salford has been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘City of the Year Award’.

That’s right, the spotlight is firmly on Greater Manchester‘s second city – which is absolutely a city in its own right, by the way, after quite-rightly earning its city status all the way back in 1928 – right now, as it’s been announced that Salford has grabbed a spot on the shortlist for a coveted prize at Estates Gazette‘s annual awards.

The property publication’s annual awards ceremony, the EG Awards, is now its 20th year and is all about recognising the “very best things about the real estate sector”.

Salford has been shortlisted for the ‘City of the Year’ award at the prestigious awards ceremony – which is taking place down in London later this November – which seeks to champion the UK’s cities and celebrate the work they are doing to make them liveable and successful places.

As it marks the beginning of what is a “greener chapter for the city”, and continues to work with its partners to build a “fairer, greener, and healthier” community for everyone living in it, Estates Gazette says Salford has made the shortlist for showcasing exactly what is achievable in the future of green development.

The local city has been praised for helping to set the sustainability bar across the UK, according to Salford City Council.

Impressive business and residential schemes with “communities and quality at the heart” have been particularly highlighted.

Salford City Council’s Chief Executive, Tom Stannard, says the city is “leading a green revolution”.

Salford has been shortlisted for the prestigious ‘City of the Year’ award / Credit: Eden at New Bailey | ECF North West

“[We have a] pioneering approach to sustainable office space, and we are delivering the largest affordable housing programme the city has seen for over 60 years,” he added in a statement.

“Recently, we had the recent completion of Eden at New Bailey, which has the largest living wall in Europe, and is one of the UK’s most sustainable office buildings to run, costing just 2% compared to the standard office.

“Major players in the business world have seen our pioneering and holistic approach and want to be located here. And in response to the growing number of people on our housing waiting lists, we are building affordable homes. The first tranche of 104 new homes were built to Passivhaus standards, which means they are extremely energy efficient, and this reduces the energy bills significantly for our residents. 

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“We’re proud to be making a huge impact for Salfordians.”

Will it take the title? Salford’s fate will be announced at the EG Awards 2024 in London on Thursday 21 November, so keep your eyes peeled.

Featured Image – Cundall

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