The ECHO has taken a look at life in one of the most up and coming areas of Merseyside.
Birkdale sits a little to the south of Southport and is getting attention due to its buzzing range of bars and restaurants, independent shops and community spirit.
Laura Smith moved here with her family four years ago, being "initially attracted to the village vibe of independent vibrant bars and restaurants". She also hailed the abundance of green spaces, proximity to the coast and the accessibility to Liverpool city centre.
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She added: "It seemed a perfect place to bring up a family. The house prices were very competitive, seemingly giving us more house for our money in comparison to Formby or Crosby."
The price of property in Birkdale is climbing; homes sold for an average of £256,398 over the last year, 3% higher than the previous 12 months and 8% up on the 2019 peak. The majority of homes were semi-detached and sold for an average price of £220,683, while detached properties sold for £532,424.
Chrissy is 75 and has lived in Birkdale with husband Tony for 13 years. She "absolutely loves it" and hailed the "great community, large variety of shops, bars and restaurants".
She added: "We also now have a community hub/library, staffed mainly by volunteers and there are various events held throughout the year. It is situated in the old Stationmasters House which is literally next to Birkdale station.
"Recently more cafes and bars have opened up drawing people in from surrounding villages as access to the station is so convenient. We are lucky to have fresh greengrocers, bakers, butchers and fish shops."
Bistrot Vérité, specialising in French cuisine, is a favourite of both Laura and Chrissy. It opened in 2009 and has since been mentioned in the Michelin guide. Owner Marc told the ECHO Birkdale has "turned into a great little hub".
Marc said: "It used to be a quiet little village. The bars and restaurants are great, it's always buzzing with a mixed bag of people. At the moment, its vibrant and busy. I think it's because you can have a full night out in one little area as opposed to going into a town centre.
"I've not been to Lark Lane, but people say it's similar. It's also very safe, we all look out for each other."
The other restaurants in Birkdale are loved. Allotment serves British fare and is owned by Lynsey Smith, who grew up in the village after her parents moved there in the 1990s.
She said: "It has always been a vibrant village with lots to offer from retail and coffee shops, the businesses and restaurants have changed owners over the years and been rebranded but it is still full of independent businesses with a variety of retail and restaurants.
"There are definitely more young families living here now than when we moved here, and the businesses have adapted with that, there are still coffee shops but wine bars and restaurants occupy the old banks and retail spaces."
Aside from restaurants, there are a number of independent shops to choose from, including Birkdale Cheese Co. Manager Mark Moss said "there has been a cheese shop in Birkdale for as long as anyone can remember". He took over the shop in May 2021 after returning to the UK from an early retirement in Mallorca.
"We always wanted to do something for ourselves and as we have a history in travel and hospitality we wanted something community based," he said.
"We decided to look at Birkdale village as it's known for having a vast selection of independent businesses with a strong community behind it. We haven’t been here for that long, but have been welcomed by the local traders and customers alike. Birkdale is a traditional Victorian village, which in essence hasn’t changed at all.
"In terms of trading there the local support is amazing, everyone in the village and surrounding areas continues to shop local and are proud of the independent traders. Everyone comes together to make sure that the village is continuing to thrive and grow."
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