Stockport named a great place for young and old to live

Consumer group, Which?, has lauded Stockport as one of the UK’s best places to live during retirement, just a month after being named a top destination for first-time homebuyers.

In September, the Times newspaper described Stockport in its list of the country’s 12 best places for first-time buyers to get on the property ladder, and has previously praised the borough as one of the best places to live for those of all ages.

The latest comments from Which? is further confirmation of the town’s multi-generational appeal and included praise for the borough’s parks and green spaces, affordability of housing, quality of healthcare, transport links, future prospects and investment in the area. Stockport is also the current Greater Manchester Town of Culture.

Cllr Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said:

“To be recognised as one of the best places for people both to get on the property ladder or to see out their retirement is high praise and reinforces the borough’s deserved reputation as a great place not just to work but also to live for one’s entire life, especially as we celebrate being this year’s Greater Manchester Town of Culture.

“People can access the countryside, top class leisure facilities and our £1bn town centre regeneration programme will provide a vibrant, friendly neighbourhood with high quality new homes, modern facilities, attractive green spaces and all the benefits of the town centre nearby.

“Our new transport interchange, due for completion next year, will make it easier for people of all ages to travel around the borough, including the over 60s who can take advantage of free off-peak bus travel throughout Greater Manchester (with a small charge to also include off-peak trams and trains in the region).

“Along with our improvements to Merseyway and the Underbanks, we are putting Stockport on the map as a desirable place to call home, whatever your age.”

Which? named Stockport the best place to retire in the North West after carrying out a survey of 1,000 of its members to determine what is most important to them when they retire. Healthcare access topped the list of important factors for respondents (88%), followed by green space (75%) and proximity to local leisure activities (31%). Low crime levels were also important. The consumer group analysed these factors to find the top-scoring local authority for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and each of the nine regions in England. It gave each local authority a score out of 10 for distance to GPs and pharmacies, happiness, distance to green spaces (specifically parks and playing fields), distance to sports/leisure facilities and house price affordability.

Stockport was awarded 7.8 out of 10 for healthcare, 7.6 out of 10 for ‘happiness’ of residents, and 9.2 out of 10 for parks and playing fields. Its average house price of £285,000 was also rated as being a more affordable option for those wanting to purchase a retirement property.