Lancashire is one of the North West’s most diverse and appealing counties, offering everything from thriving market towns and picturesque villages to vibrant cities and stunning coastlines. With excellent transport links, attractive countryside and comparatively affordable property prices, it continues to attract buyers from across the UK.
Lancashire offers a wide variety of locations to suit different lifestyles and budgets…here we look at some of the areas that consistently rank highly as the best places to live in the county.
Lytham St Annes
Lytham St Annes is consistently ranked among the county’s most desirable places to live. Located on the Fylde Coast, the town is known for its elegant Victorian architecture, independent shops, green spaces and attractive seafront.
The area appeals strongly to retirees, professionals and families looking for a quieter coastal lifestyle while remaining within reach of Preston and Manchester. Excellent schools, golf courses and restaurants further enhance its appeal.
Properties in Lytham St Annes range from traditional period homes to luxury apartments and newer family developments.
Clitheroe
Clitheroe has become one of Lancashire’s most sought-after market towns. Situated within the Ribble Valley, it combines scenic countryside with a lively town centre filled with independent shops, cafés and restaurants.
The town’s strong community atmosphere, excellent schools and access to outdoor activities make it particularly popular with families and professionals. Buyers are also drawn to the area’s character properties and rural setting.
As many properties in Clitheroe are older or period homes, surveys are especially important for identifying structural issues, damp and maintenance concerns before purchase.
Lancaster
Lancaster offers a unique combination of heritage, culture and modern living. Home to Lancaster University and positioned close to both the Lake District and Lancashire coastline, the city has become increasingly popular with professionals, students and families alike.
The city centre features Georgian architecture, independent businesses and a growing food and arts scene, while surrounding residential areas offer a wide variety of housing styles.
Lancaster’s strong rail connections also make it attractive to commuters travelling further afield.
Chorley
Chorley continues to grow in popularity thanks to its excellent motorway links, strong local amenities and family-friendly atmosphere.
Areas such as Buckshaw Village have become particularly attractive to commuters working in Manchester or Preston, offering modern housing developments alongside green space and good transport connections.
Chorley also benefits from nearby countryside, reputable schools and a broad range of property types suitable for first-time buyers through to larger families.
Poulton-le-Fylde
Poulton-le-Fylde has established itself as one of the Fylde Coast’s most desirable residential areas. The town blends traditional Lancashire character with modern amenities, including independent businesses, restaurants and bars.
Its proximity to Blackpool, Lytham and Preston makes it well positioned for commuters and families alike, while its thriving town centre and strong community feel continue to attract buyers.
Ormskirk
Ormskirk offers a vibrant market town atmosphere combined with excellent transport links and attractive surrounding countryside.
The presence of Edge Hill University helps create a lively local economy, while the town’s schools, independent retailers and cafés make it increasingly popular with younger buyers and families.
Nearby villages including Croston and Rufford are also highly regarded for buyers seeking a more rural lifestyle with easy access to Preston and Liverpool.
Preston
Preston remains one of Lancashire’s strongest locations for buyers seeking affordability combined with city amenities and excellent connectivity.
Popular residential areas including Fulwood, Penwortham, Grimsargh and Cottam offer a range of housing options, from traditional family homes to modern developments.
The city’s growing economy, major regeneration projects and strong rail links continue to support demand across the local property market.
Looking for a Surveyor in Lancashire?
At Lea Hough Chartered Surveyors, we provide a full range of residential property services for buyers of residential property across Lancashire, including:
- RICS Level 2 Home Surveys
- Building Surveys
- Residential property valuations
- Snagging inspections for new-build homes
Our experienced surveyors have extensive local knowledge across Lancashire, helping clients purchase property with confidence.
To learn more about residential surveys and property valuations across Lancashire, contact Lea Hough Chartered Surveyors today.
