Yes, Altrincham was named ‘best to place live’ in the Northwest region for 2026. It doesn’t come as too much of a surprise for those of us who live and work here. We all know how wonderful our town is, as well as our local community. And it’s not for the first time, with similar accolades having been bestowed on Altrincham in the past. A few times, in fact. This all goes to prove that Altrincham remains a sought-after place to live, visit, and work.

The Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide

Back in March of this year, the Sunday Times published its annual Best Places to Live guide. A selection of touring judges put the guide together. They travel the country rating villages, towns, cities and boroughs. When the judges visit these places, they are looking for locations with charm, a good community, excellent schools, reliable infrastructure and a strong, independent spirit.

This year’s final guide included 72 different places across the country. There were winners chosen for each of the 11 regions of the country, too. And when it came to the northwest of England, Altrincham took the top spot. To quote the guide, Altrincham was crowned best place to live for being “classy, cool and effortlessly comfortable” as well as being a “top-notch town brimming with independent businesses and big brands.”

What Altrincham has to offer

The quality of life for anyone living in Altrincham is second to none. First and foremost, the town has a true sense of community with kind and caring people at its heart. It’s an excellent area for raising a family, with some of the most outstanding schools in the country. And from food and drink to shopping to leisure, there is plenty to enjoy in the town, for all ages, whatever the weather.

In recent years, Altrincham has become a go-to food destination with a wide choice of restaurants and eateries across the town. Popular areas to enjoy the thriving food scene include the Market House, Goose Green, Shaws Road and Greenwood Street. Then, when it comes to shopping, Altrincham balances independents and high street favourites well. We have Idaho, Hive Stores and of course, Altrincham Market for unique gifts and artisan goods. Then, over at the Stamford Quarter, there are leading retail brands such as Marks & Spender, Flannels, and Oliver Bonas.

Another of Altrincham’s highlights, especially for commuters, is its excellent transport network, with trams and trains serving the town. And Manchester Airport is only a short drive away, too.

You are also never too far away from wonderful green space to relax and unwind. Parks such as Stamford Park, John Leigh Park, and the Devisdale are popular. And a short drive or longer walk away is Dunham Massey, perfect for a day spent in the great outdoors.

Indoors for leisure, Altrincham has a bowling alleys, cinemas, and a choice of places for fitness and working out. In fact, the Move Altrincham leisure centre reopened in August 2025 after a £20 million refurbishment by Trafford Leisure, bringing a state-of-the-art wellbeing facility to the town.

Altogether, Altrincham has a lot to offer. And you might say we’re biased, but we think it is very deserving of its Best Place to Live in the Northwest crown.

How Altrincham’s popularity impacts property prices

Altrincham’s popularity is reflected in the price of property in the region. And average property prices in Altrincham have been bucking wider averages in the Northwest for many years now. Yes, it is expensive to buy a home in Altrincham or its surrounding Bowdon and Hale areas. But you have to remember the many benefits of living in these locations. It’s more than owning a home, it’s enjoying a slice of all that Altrincham offers. People want to live and raise their families in Altrincham, that’s a fact, and property prices reflect this.

Altrincham property prices over the years

If we look at houses specifically, average sale prices in Altrincham have seen eyewatering increases. The data shows increases of 122% compared to 20 years ago, 64.8% since 10 years ago, and 22.3% over the last 5 years. And houses continued to increase in price over the last year, at 2.3%.
This data is based on the final agreed sale price of houses, so the actual price the property sold for, not the initial listed, advertised price.

One thing which is important for homeowners and property buyers to know, is that the market in Altrincham is steadying. Prices here aren’t crashing, they’re stabilising. The market isn’t quite so turbulent right now in terms of price increases and quick sales. The sales process itself is slowing down, and pricing is much more considered.

When the market is like this, it’s vital to get a property valuation right, to make sure the price is competitive. Homes are still selling here, but buyers might take longer to decide and might want to negotiate more. If you are looking to buy or sell in Altrincham, you can feel confident that people still want to move the town. And with Altrincham featuring in the Best Places to Live guide yet again, they will want to more than ever.

Did you buy your Altrincham home more than twenty years ago? You might like this article on our blog about downsizing. 

For the best local property advice, whether you’re buying, selling or letting a property, speak with us. Our estate agents has been on the Altrincham high street for over 10 years. When it comes to property in Altrincham, Bowdon, Hale, Timperley or Sale, you want an agent who knows the area and can give you the best service and advice.  

Contact us today on 0161 941 4445 or visit us at our NEW estate agents showroom at 19 The Downs, Altrincham, WA14 2QD.