Altrincham has been named the best place to live in the Northwest with the Sunday Times describing it as a “creative, classy corner”
Going on it says that Altrincham is
“Classy, cool and effortlessly comfortable, Alty is a top-notch town brimming with independent businesses and big brands (Marks & Spencer, Flannels, Waterstones, Everyman Cinema)”
And the article mentions the likes of The Dunham Barn / Share Your Story / Move Altrincham / 飲茶 Yum Cha / Oyez Arts / MOST Bakery and obviously the schools, the market and Dunham Massey amongst other.
In this weeks blog we ask the local Altrincham residents & businesses why they feel Altrincham is a great place to live
SUE ALDRIDGE, ALTRINCHAM & SALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
“I am incredibly proud to see Altrincham recognised as the best place to live in the North West of England. It’s a title that reflects years of determination, resilience and community spirit. Back in 2010, Altrincham faced real challenges, with the highest retail vacancy rate in the UK – a stark contrast to the thriving town we see today. What makes this achievement even more special is how it has been realised: through the collective efforts of Trafford Council, our dedicated local businesses, and residents who never lost faith in their town.
It is also fantastic to reflect on the role the Chamber has played in this journey. From being part of the original Altrincham Forward group that came together to tackle the town’s challenges head-on in 2010, to continuing to support its growth and evolution, we have been proud to stand alongside our partners every step of the way. More recently, our involvement at board level with Trafford Leisure highlights our ongoing commitment to ensuring high-quality facilities for our community, including the development of the new leisure centre.
What truly stands out is the incredible sense of community and shared determination that has driven this transformation. The passion to create a vibrant town centre, strong local economy and excellent local facilities is something quite special – and it’s that collective ambition that makes Altrincham such an outstanding place to live, work and visit.”
ALEX MCCANN, ALTRINCHAM HQ
“I’ve lived in Altrincham all my life and I can’t imagine living anywhere else in England.
I started Altrincham HQ in September 2009 and we’ve promoted the positives of Altrincham every single day since.
Even in the dark days of 2010 when Altrincham was called a ghost town we were out in the town shouting “Look at this in Altrincham – it’s absolutely brilliant.”
When we started we were the only ones doing this online, but of course we were standing on the shoulders of giants as the Chamber of Commerce, The Court Leet and Civic Society had been doing wonderful work in Altrincham offline for decades.
There’s a passion in this town to make things better.
Apart from my 30 minute trip into Manchester for rock & roll gigs we have everything here locally.
As someone who travels across the UK regularly for work I often note you don’t get that same belief in other towns that Altrincham has.”
ADAM HORNER, MCHALE & CO
Adam Horner CEO McHale Group, local law firm owner. Adam grew up in Altrincham and moved to Liverpool for university and then in central Manchester for many years before coming back to his home town of Altrincham where he says he’ll never move from. Adam is a governor at a local school. Mchale and Co really support the community with sponsoring Altrincham Fc men’s, woman’s and all junior teams, sponsor Bowdon rugby, Timperley hockey and lacrosse clubs, Timperley boxing club . Adam feels supporting the community he lives in is so important.
Adam says the local town is the best town in the world and is proud to live here with his family. The people, the food and drink options , the schools and the sport are all outstanding .
ROB MACKLIN, IAN MACKLIN & CO
Why is Altrincham such a great place to live? Well, my answer to that question will be biased as I am born and bred here! The main reason people think of for the area being so attractive is the wealth of quality schools we offer. Being a part of the Trafford schooling system with excellent primary schools throughout the borough backed up by superb secondary schools, some of which are the best in the country, is very appealing.
The schools are often cited as the main reason for the appeal but it goes further than that. We have a thriving town centre offering a vast range of individual shops and dining options within the market quarter and surrounding area. It’s been amazing to see the transformation of the centre in recent years which has grown organically from the success of the market. Added to that are the communication links we offer. The surrounding network of motorways is easily accessible, the tram links us to a great city centre and the airport is on the doorstep. You also cannot forget about the benefit of having Wythenshawe Hospital so close. Finally, we have some amazing countryside in close proximity with Dunham Park within easy reach as well as an abundance of local parks.
As I said, I will always be biased but what more could you possibly ask for from the town you live in.’
NINA D
I moved to Altrincham nearly nine years ago with my son, looking for a fresh start after my divorce. Having lived in London when I was younger, I knew I wanted that sense of city energy—but without being in the middle of it.
Altrincham gave me exactly that balance.
With the Manchester Metrolink on the doorstep, we can be in the heart of Manchester whenever we need to, while still enjoying the calm and community feel of a market town. Being close to Manchester Airport has also been incredibly important, making it easy for me to fly home to Stockholm and stay connected to my family.
As a full-time single mum, choosing where to raise my son was one of the most important decisions I’ve made. Altrincham proved to be the ideal place. The schools are excellent, and there’s a real sense of safety that makes everyday life feel supported and secure.
What truly sets Altrincham apart, though, is the community. It’s the kind of place where people stop and chat, help each other out and genuinely support one another. That warmth makes a real difference—you feel it in the small, everyday moments.
We’ve also been incredibly lucky to have access to nature on our doorstep. We’ve spent countless hours cycling along the Trans Pennine Trail and visiting Dunham Massey—spaces that offer a sense of escape while still being close to home.
As an artist and designer, I also instinctively knew that Altrincham, and its proximity to Manchester, would feed my creative side. There’s a strong appreciation here for independent businesses, design and originality, and being close to a culturally rich city brings constant inspiration.
Alongside raising my son, I’ve built my homeware business, Nina D, here. Altrincham has this unique blend of independent spirit and appreciation for quality that makes it such a supportive place for a brand like mine. People here genuinely value craftsmanship and thoughtful design, creating the perfect environment for a homeware business to grow.
For me, Altrincham isn’t just where we live—it’s where we’ve been able to rebuild, create and thrive.
