The people of a Greater Manchester market town crowned one of the 'UK's happiest places to live' have broken down why the suburb is streets ahead. Altrincham was named in the top 20 happiest places to live in Britain by Rightmove's annual survey.
The town is home to Altrincham Market, top schools, Stamford Park and the National Trust's Dunham Massey, as well as some of the most expensive house prices in our region.
READ MORE: Greater Manchester town named in top 20 of Britain's happiest places to live
With great transport links to Manchester city centre and a 'village feel', there is no doubt Altrincham has a lot to offer - so Manchester Evening News headed to the neighbourhood to find out more.
Local resident, Charles Bassett, 72, said: "There's no industry as such to hold you down and George Street - in the centre - has had a total transformation from a few years ago. It has nightlife, cinema, and the arts - Altrincham has everything going for it.
"Though there are inexpensive parts to this place, some other areas do require people to pay a little more."
The average house price in Altrincham is £537,576. Former teacher, John O'Brien, 65, who has lived in the area for more than 50 years, said: "Altrincham was a wealthy town and I think there are still elements to that value - like the good education system and property value. I think it's quite a settled place and there's not a lot of violence in the town."
Rightmove's 'Happy at Home Index' received more than 21,000 responses, which resulted in Cornwall's St Ives taking the top spot, followed by Galashiels in Scotland. The survey considered factors like proximity to green spaces, local amenities and a sense of belonging for residents.
Helen Bouch, 48, who has lived in the town for 40 years, said: "It's an expensive place to live which is probably going to be it's downfall, but apart from that it's a buzzing place. You've got the market and all these different places to go, with new apartments and places to live.
"It's got a great atmosphere, with modish places to eat, drink, and socialise."
In 2010 Altrincham recorded the highest shop vacancy rates in the UK but has been aided over the last decade by Trafford Council's multi-million-pound public realm transformation project.
Now, national chains like JD Sports, River Island, Waterstones, and Next sit alongside thriving independent businesses such as the Con Club, Porta, Blanchflower, and IDAHO. The transformation of Altrincham Market has been a big boost to the centre of the town, along with the upgraded transport interchange.
Jamie Stoke, 27, and partner Sophie Hamilton, 27, from Stockport, were visiting the area for a day out. Sophie said: "We decided to come up here because it's a nice place and with how it looks it gives us a village feel.
"We feel like we're on holiday when we come up here too. There's plenty to do and it offers a beautiful festive atmosphere for winter."
While Altrincham has long been affluent town, locals agree the regeneration of the centre, which saw years of decline after the Trafford Centre opened and high street shopping habits changed, is key to the town's happiness.
One town centre worker told us: "Money has been spent and invested in the main shopping streets, with many independent shops, so people come here to socialise. More elderly residents appreciate the help we give locally in stores, and that's why there's always a steady flow of people. It's evident this is supported by a friendly community too."
Meanwhile, Anne Fox, who has lived in Altrincham for ten years, said: "I knew what it was like before the renovations and there wasn't much at all, but it's vastly improved because of these investments. Now, it's really lively on the weekend and plenty of people about.
"For Altrincham to be ranked within a system that includes the seaside town of St Ives is impressive - given we can't provide the stretches of beaches and landscapes they do. The town's got everything for everyone."
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