Knutsford named one of Sunday Times Best Places to Live in North West

The town is one of eight locations in the the region chosen in the annual Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide.

When making their selection, the judges described the town as 'posh Cheshire with a sense of fun and a love of the countryside'.

They also highlighted the 'quirky' buildings described by Richard Harding Watt and walks in Tatton Park, Toft Wood or around Knutsford Moor.

Special mention was also given to the Knutsford Hosts, a group of volunteer helpers, for their vital efforts during the pandemic.

According to the guide, which is released online today, the average sale price of houses in Knutsford is £445,000, with the average rent at £1,100 pcm.

Helen Davies, The Times and Sunday Times property editor, said: "This guide has never been so important. The pandemic has taught us just how much we rely on our homes, our communities and our surroundings.

"With working from home now common, it’s no surprise many of us are reassessing our priorities and thinking hard about where we really want to live.

"Our focus for this year has been community, countryside and convenience. It hasn’t been a year for big cities or small villages.

"Instead it is small towns that have shone: big enough to have everything you need within walking distance and small enough for everyone to feel connected."

Altrincham was named the best place to live in the North West. Other locations in the top eight include:

• Arnside and Silverdale, Lancashire

• Bollington, Cheshire

• Kirkby Lonsdale, Cumbria

• Liverpool

• Manchester

• Saddleworth, West Yorkshire

The Sunday Times’s expert judges behind the guide assess a wide range of factors, from schools, air quality, transport and broadband speeds to culture, green spaces and the health of the high street.

They look for improving towns, villages or city centres, for attractive, well designed homes and locations bursting with community spirit - which the pandemic has shown to be the most vital quality of all.