The Greater Manchester town named one of the UK's 'best places to live in 2025'

Anyone who is wanting to sell up and move in 2025, or take their first step onto the property ladder, is being advised to look at buying a home in one particular part of Greater Manchester.

With help from estate agents Knight Frank, Muddy Stilettos have brought together the top 300 'Best Places to Live in 2025', combining their intel on the best city spots, towns and villages with highly regarded schools, shopping and pubs across the country.

Amongst buzzy market towns and peaceful villages to cities bursting with culture and community, Stockport has been recognised in the 'Best of the Rest' category, and has been dubbed the “gateway to the Peak District."

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Explaining their reasoning, Muddy Stilettos said: "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."

The average house price in Stockport is around £298,335, according to Rightmove, which has gone up by 8 percent since the 2021 peak of £276,226. Terraced houses average at around £234,291, while semi-detached homes sell for around £312,295. If you are looking for something a bit more spacious, detached properties cost around £497,331.

Muddy Stilettos praised Stockport's bustling food and drink scene in its guide, with mentions of the popular dining spot Where The Light Gets In as well as The Allotment and Alfredo’s Social.

"Stockport’s food scene has exploded in recent years, offering everything from cosy cafés to fine dining. Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Laco Cafe & Bistro in Stockport’s old town, known for its giant brunches. For lunch, Where The Light Gets In offers a unique, ever-changing menu that celebrates locally sourced ingredients," it read.

"For something a bit more casual, head to 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.

"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)."

Stockport Market, one of the North West’s oldest and 'best loved', was also highly commended. "It’s the kind of place where you can pick up fresh produce, snag a one-of-a-kind gift, and maybe even spot that rare item you never knew you needed until you saw it," Muddy Stilettos said.

Crowned the Greater Manchester Town of Culture in 2023, the guide also said Stockport’s culture is 'the gift that keeps on giving'. "At the heart of it all is the Stockport Plaza, a lovingly restored art deco gem where you can catch everything from dazzling West End musicals to stand-up," it said.

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

Stockport is well-served by a variety of excellent schools, both primary and secondary. The guide noted its ‘excellent’ Ofsted rated primaries Bradshaw Hall Primary School and Alexandra Park Primary School, as well as Stockport Grammar School and Cheadle Hulme School which are both a top-rated independent schools, and Stockport School is known for its strong academic performance and wide range of extracurricular activities.

Stockport was also named a 'commuter’s dream', with excellent transport links to Manchester and beyond. Muddy Stilettos said: "The town’s railway station offers 280 trains a day to Manchester, with a journey time of under eight minutes, making it ideal for those working in the city.

"London is also easily accessible, taking 2 hours and 30 minutes, with around 54 trains per day. If you’re driving, the M60 motorway circles the town, providing quick access to the wider Greater Manchester area and the M6 for journeys further afield."

Alongside Stockport in the 'Best of the Rest' section are Cartmel in Cumbria and Clitheroe, Lancashire. Cheshire had its own special mention, with its own category featuring Alderley Edge, Chester, Knutsford, Lymm, Macclesfield, Mobberley, Nantwich, Prestbury, Tarporley and Wilmslow as some of the best places to buy a home next year.