It has been named as ‘one of the most exciting towns around’Stockport has been praised for ‘offering the buzz of Manchester with a side of community charm'(Image: Mark Waugh / Stockport Council)

A charming town in Greater Manchester has been featured on a new list of the best places to live in the UK.

With its community charm, blossoming food and drink scene and ‘dream’ commute to Manchester, Stockport is the only part of our region that has made Muddy Stilettos’ guide of the top 300 ‘Best Places to Live in 2025’.

With help from estate agents Knight Frank, Muddy Stilettos travelled all over the UK in search of the city spots, towns and villages that offer the best of everything – from commuting to top schools, house prices, amenities and culture.

Stockport came in at sixth place in the ‘Best of the Rest’ category, alongside nearby Cartmel in Cumbria in eighth place and Clitheroe in Lancashire which came in ninth.

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Stockport was highly commended for its affordable house prices, buzzing food and drinks scene and its ideal eight-minute commute to and from Manchester.

Here is what the experts at Muddy Stilettos had to say: “Stockport, dubbed the “Gateway to the Peak District,” combines the charm of a historic market town (since 1871) with the buzz of a vibrant urban centre.

“Named as “one of the most exciting towns around”, it’s just a stone’s throw from Manchester. But with the landscapes of the Peak District practically on your doorstep, it’s a perfect mix of city life and countryside.

“Stockport is renowned for its beautiful viaduct, its old town with cobbled streets and historic buildings that house a burgeoning new centre of independent shops.”

Semi-detached houses are the most popular property type in Stockport(Image: Getty Images)’Affordable’ properties

Many people who are being priced out of Manchester may get better value for their money by searching for properties in Stockport, and it’s also a great place for families to settle down.

The average house price in Stockport is around £295,634, making it an affordable choice compared to Manchester city centre.

Terraced houses average around £234,387, while semi-detached homes hover around £311,128. For something a bit more spacious, detached properties fetch £490,208.

According to Rightmove, the majority of properties sold in Stockport during the last year were semi-detached homes.

Where The Light Gets In has been recognised in the guide for Stockport(Image: Manchester Evening News)Vibrant food and drink scene

Stockport’s food and drink scene has blossomed in recent years, offering everything from cosy cafés and hipster hangouts to fine dining spots.

Following their visit, Muddy Stilettos has commended Laco Cafe & Bistro in Stockport’s old town for its ‘giant brunches’, and Where The Light Gets In for its ‘unique, ever-changing menu’ that celebrates locally sourced ingredients.

Stockport Market, one of the north west’s ‘oldest and most adored markets’ also gets a mention for its fresh produce as well as The Produce Hall, a vibrant food market offering everything from wood-fired pizzas to gourmet burgers.

“When the evening rolls around, make sure to check out The Allotment, Stockport’s beloved vegan restaurant that has garnered rave reviews for its innovative dishes,” the guide says.

“For yummy and authentic Italian food, head to Alfredo’s Social in the historic, Grade II listed Winters Buildings, right in the heart of the town centre’s indie parade. (Try their gigantic wood fired pizzas if you’re hungry).”

The town has a close-knit community feel(Image: Getty Images)Bursting with culture and community

Stockport’s community is thriving with all kinds of events from tea dances and secret street parties to choirs and kickboxing, as well as the ‘Foodie Friday’ event where the town’s Market Place transforms into a lively hub of street food and live music.

“Stockport’s got something for everyone. It’s like a social buffet—whatever you fancy, it’s on the menu,” Muddy Stilettos says.

Stockport was crowned the ‘Greater Manchester Town of Culture in 2023’ with Stockport Plaza at its heart, a ‘lovingly restored art deco gem where you can catch everything from dazzling West End musicals to stand-up.’

“For those who like their tunes live and their comedy indie, the Spinning Top is the place to be,” the guide adds.

“It’s where you can nod along to bands you’ve probably never heard of (but will pretend you have). For art lovers, visit Arc Gallery, where contemporary art meets “I could have done that.”

“If your idea of culture involves a big screen, reclining seats, and a cheeky cocktail, The Light Cinema is where luxury meets popcorn.”

The town has great commuter links(Image: Mark Waugh / Stockport Council)’Dream’ commute to and from Manchester

Stockport has been dubbed a ‘commuter’s dream,’ being just a short 8 minute train ride away from Manchester city centre, ideal for anyone who works in the city.

The town’s railway station offers 280 trains a day to Manchester, as well as London, with around 54 trains per day, just two hours and 30 minutes away.

For drivers, the M60 motorway circles the town with speedy access to the wider Greater Manchester area and the M6 for journeys further afield.

There are huge plans for Stockport over the next 15 years(Image: Getty Images)The future of Stockport

The future of Stockport is bright, thanks to a £1bn town-centre regeneration project dubbed ‘the largest in the UK’.

Part of Stockport town centre is set to change beyond recognition with a blueprint to build three new neighbourhoods over 15 years.

The changes are aiming to build a new riverside community with a public park, and plans to ‘open up’ the water for future residents and visitors.

A new neighbourhood is also planned on the land around Piccadilly, with new homes, areas for businesses, and green space.

In total, there are 4,000 homes planned to the east of the A6 as part of the vision, and 8,000 planned across the town centre as a whole in the next 15 years.

The future vision for Stockport also includes transport upgrades, with improved walking, cycling and public transport links around the town and to other communities in the borough.

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