It's something we've boasted for ages but now it has finally been made official: Liverpool is the best place to live in the North West.
Anyone lucky enough to call Liverpool home has often laid claim to the legitimacy of Scouse exceptionalism as nobody does it quite like our great city. But now you don't just have to take our word for it as the Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide has officially named Liverpool number one in the region.
A team of judges scoured the North West and, as many before them have, fell head over heels for our city's charms. To paraphrase a famous piece of football commentary, Lancashire, Cumbria and a certain city down the M62, your boys took one hell of a beating.
READ MORE: Liverpool's 'top districts' as city is named 'best place in the North West'
Liverpool bested its neighbours due to a variety of reasons and judges singled out praise for the thriving community spirit that makes this unique patch of land in the top left corner of the country so special. The port city of Liverpool has always been proudly outward-looking and the melting pot of cultures has instilled a unique identity and friendly spirit amongst the people who live here.
The Scouse identity is infectious as many people who move to the city fall immediately in love with their new surroundings and feel comfortable enough to call it home. Toxteth and Waterloo were deservedly recognised as two top districts to live, but Liverpool is full of amazing neighbourhoods with their own unique personalities and it wouldn't have been a surprise to see places such as Aintree or Aigburth get namechecked.
Judges also understandably praised Liverpool's thriving food and drink scene as, wherever you are in the city, you will be within walking distance of a high quality independent bar or restaurant. Vibrancy is in the city's DNA and this is why Liverpool can also lay claim to being the best night out in the country.
Nights out in other places always reach a disappointing point around 11pm when you get the sense as though the whole city is winding down and makes you realise why so many flock to Merseyside of a weekend.
Liverpool is also home to some of the most fantastic architecture, which is why it has attracted the eyes of Hollywood as a hub for film and TV productions. However, judges praised how Liverpool is not resting on its laurels and is firmly looking forward to the future by revitalising areas throughout the city.
Investment in projects such as Everton FC's Bramley Moore Dock stadium and the new film studios show how the city is looking ahead to an exciting new chapter that prompted judges to comment "there are lots of reasons to be optimistic" about Liverpool's future.
The most friendly people, the best night out and an exciting future to look forward to. Liverpool has finally been recognised as the best place to live in the North West and our only question is... what took you so long?
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