Top places to settle down in the North West

The North West of England is a popular choice for anyone looking for a fresh start. With increasing investment, plenty of job opportunities and a lifestyle that’s hard to match, it’s no wonder that so many people are choosing to leave behind pricier parts of the country and buy a new home in the North West.

We’ve picked out five of the best spots in the region, so you can find a new build home in a location that is perfect for you.

Rochdale, Greater Manchester

Stood at the foot of the South Pennines, Rochdale is one our top picks as it is perfect for those who need to stay close to the action in Manchester but prefer a home in quieter, greener surroundings. Plus, with house prices around 37% lower than properties you'll find in Manchester city centre, you’ll get far better value for your money.

Getting into the city is easy and fast from Rochdale. With direct trains and the Metrolink running regularly, you can be in the centre of Manchester in about 15 minutes, making your commute to work that little bit less stressful. Back home in Rochdale, you’ll enjoy much calmer surroundings. You’ll have the countryside right on your doorstep, with plenty of places to get some fresh air like the Healey Dell Nature Reserve.

We offer a beautiful collection of new homes near Rochdale at Wildhouse Meadows. This development is set on the eastern edge of Rochdale, surrounded by countryside and with convenient access to the M6.

Preston, Lancashire

Laying across the banks of the River Ribble, Preston is perfect for families who enjoy the convenience of city living and a more comfortable, easy-going lifestyle. It’s a city where you don’t have to give up good shops, a range of things to do or easy travel to get a better price on a house.

The city centre has all the big brands you expect, plus a choice of local eateries and the new Animate leisure complex for cinema trips and bowling. Like to cycle or enjoy a long Sunday walk? Buying a new build in Preston gives you easy access to the Guild Wheel, a 21-mile loop that wraps around the city.

And living in Preston also puts you in a great position to visit Manchester or Liverpool when you are looking for even more things to do.

If you’re interested in buying a new home in Preston, our development The Copse in Walton Park could offer everything you’re looking for. Surrounded by green space and with a purpose-built playground next door, it is a welcoming development designed to benefit modern families.

Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria

If you’re looking for sea views and a more relaxed setting, Grange-over-Sands is another of our favourite locations in the North West. Famous for its long promenade and views across Morecambe Bay, it’s a popular choice for those who want to move away from the noise of a busy city.

Even though Grange-over-Sands is one of the quieter towns in the region, you still get to benefit from good rail and road links that make it easy to get into Lancaster or Preston. Plus, you are only a short drive from the Lake District, so you can head into the mountains whenever you feel like venturing a little further.

Lancet Homes is proud to be delivering a brand-new development at Kents Bank, near Grange-over-Sands, which is thoughtfully designed to preserve the local wildlife and environment so residents can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the Cumbrian countryside. Ideal for professionals looking to commute and growing families, living in this location means you can enjoy beautiful views over Morecambe Bay and great transport links right on your doorstep.

Kirkby-in-Furness, Cumbria

Located on the Furness Peninsula, Kirkby in Furness is ideal if you’re looking for quieter surroundings. The village has its own railway station on the Cumbrian Coast Line, making it easy to travel to Barrow-in-Furness, Ulverston and further afield, including direct trains to Lancaster, Preston and Manchester.

When you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, you’ll have plenty to choose from as the surrounding area offers open countryside, coastal walks and access to the Lake District National Park.

If you’re considering a move, we have a range of new build houses for sale in Kirkby-in-Furness at our Burlington Rise development, giving you a well-placed base to enjoy this beautiful part of Cumbria.

Thinking about buying a new home in the North West?

At Lancet Homes, we build our homes in spots that make it easy to get out and enjoy the very best of the North West region.

If you’re looking for your first or next home, you can explore our new build homes in the north west here, and find the location that fits your life perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to the North West

Is the North West a good place to live?

Yes, the North West is widely considered one of the UK’s most desirable regions thanks to its strong job market, excellent transport links and wide variety of lifestyles, from packed cities to peaceful countryside and coastal towns.

Where are the best places to live in the North West for families?

Areas like Rochdale and Preston are particularly popular with families, offering good schools, plenty of green space and a strong sense of community, all while staying well connected to larger cities.

Is it cheaper to buy a home in the North West?

In many cases, yes. House prices across the North West are typically more affordable than in the South of England, and even compared to cities like Manchester, nearby towns can offer significantly better value for money.

Are Lancet Homes developments well connected?

At Lancet Homes, we carefully selects locations that offer a balance of lifestyle and connectivity, with developments close to key road links, public transport and local amenities, making it easier to commute and enjoy the surrounding area.