Boasting beautiful scenery and a vibrant community, this leafy Stockport town is attracting families looking for more space and professionals moving out of the city for a ‘better lifestyle’
Marple has been named the UK’s best place to live in 2026 (Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
In the Stockport borough lies a picturesque town that is a destination in its own right. Whilst Marple‘s residents have long considered it to be one of the best places to live, it has now been given national recognition. The Greater Manchester town was recently ranked as the no.1 place to live in the UK in Garrington Property Finder’s annual league table.
The picture-perfect town came fourth in the 2025 ranking, but climbed to the top spot in 2026, alongside four other parts of the region which featured in the top 20. Praised for its ‘understated charm and calm’, the town was scored highly for its natural beauty, which previously earned it the nickname of ‘the jewel of the Cheshire Alps’.
Sitting on the cusp of Cheshire and the Peak District, Marple is surrounded by beautiful countryside, with miles of canal towpaths, Marple Locks, Roman Lakes and easy access to rolling hills offering endless walking routes. As well as its scenic landscape, Marple offers the ‘best of both worlds’ with Manchester city centre just a short 25-minute drive away.
It is attracting families and professionals alike(Image: Manchester Evening News)
Not only are city centre amenities within close reach, but Marple has a close-knit community that residents say feels more like a village than a town. From its very own neighbourhood cinema to its array of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, the town offers something for everyone.
It is for this reason than many professional couples looking to moving out of the city are now turning to Marple for a ‘better lifestyle’. “Marple is such a popular spot because it offers the best of both worlds,” says local estate agent Tim Ashmore. “You’ve got that lovely semi-rural feel with the canals, green space and countryside walks, but you’re still really well connected into Manchester.
“There’s a great high street with independent shops, cafés and all the day-to-day amenities people want, plus well-regarded schools which are a big draw for families.”
Marple was also ranked highly in Garrington’s value for money category, despite its average house price of £517,119 for a typical family home costing well above the national average. “We see a real mix of buyers, with lots of families looking to upsize for more space, along with professionals moving out of the city for a better lifestyle,” said Tim.
“In terms of property, period homes are always in demand, especially Victorian and Edwardian terraces and semis, as well as larger family houses near the centre and school catchments. It’s got a strong community feel, and that’s a huge part of its ongoing appeal.”
Marple has an average house price of £517,119 (Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Edward Mellor Estate Agents in Marple says that 36 per cent of residents are families, whilst 28 per cent are solo buyers, 17 per cent couples and 19 per cent are sharers. Whilst the average price of a detached home is £530,110, according to the estate agents, semi-detached properties sold for around £375,337 over the last 12 months whilst terraced homes were bought for £275,827 on average.
Nicola Mather at Edward Mellor has lived in Marple all her life and says she feels ‘truly privileged’ to live and work in the town. “Marple is a close-knit community centred around its town centre, with a popular makers’ market that regularly attracts visitors from far and wide. The area boasts excellent schools, along with a great selection of welcoming bars and pubs, offering something for everyone,” she says.
“With strong transport links making Manchester city centre easily accessible, Marple is a fantastic location for families and professionals alike, truly catering for all lifestyles. The area offers a wide range of property types, including retirement flats, semi-detached and detached family homes, both modern and period.
“Properties are available close to the town centre (although I still like to call it a village) or in more rural settings, giving buyers plenty of choice to suit their lifestyle. Marple is also surrounded by beautiful countryside, with lots of amazing walks offering breath-taking views and the nearby Peak Forest Canal for leisurely strolls or cycling. I have lived in Marple all my life and brought my two boys up here. I feel truly privileged to live and work in such a wonderful place.”
Marple has miles of canal towpaths (Image: Jason Roberts /Manchester Evening News)
Alex Cunningham at local family estate agents Cunningham and Country says that Marple is continuing to attract buyers from across the region and beyond. “Marple’s appeal really lies in the lifestyle it offers. It has a strong community feel and excellent local amenities, but what truly sets it apart is the access to open countryside and green space right on the doorstep,” he said.
“Residents can enjoy canal-side walks, woodland trails and views across the surrounding hills, which gives the town a peaceful, semi-rural feel while still being incredibly well connected to Manchester.
“We see strong demand from families and professional couples who want the balance of town and country living. Being able to walk straight out into nature, while still having good schools, independent shops, cafés and reliable transport links nearby, is a huge draw. That combination is quite rare, and it’s a big reason why Marple continues to attract buyers from across Greater Manchester and beyond.”