Casinos, beaches, amusement parks and lively nightlife are all key attractions in Blackpool, a seaside town with quite the reputation. And while it might be a popular holiday destination for the north, it’s also an increasingly sought-after place to call home. If you’re thinking about moving to Blackpool, you’ll want the lowdown on living here. In this guide, we’ve got everything you need to know about living in Blackpool, from house prices to the cost of living and more.
A brief history of Blackpool
Blackpool was a coastal hamlet in Lancashire’s Amounderness Hundred throughout the Mediaeval and Early Modern periods. Then, in the 18th century, it became a fashionable place to holiday in England during the summer, with visitors attracted to the seven-mile-long sandy beach. In 1801, the population was less than 500. By 1901, it was more than 47,000.
Where is Blackpool
Blackpool is a town and seaside resort in Lancashire. It’s located on the northwest coast of England, by the Irish sea and between the Ribble and Wyre rivers. Nearby cities include Liverpool (27 miles) and Manchester (40 miles)
Moving to Blackpool
Poulton-le-Fylde and Lytham St. Anne’s are two in-demand areas in Blackpool, while Bispham, Cleveleys and Fleetwood are popular residential areas. Expect to find a good mixture of homes in the town, from period properties to new developments.
Buying in Blackpool
The average sold price in Blackpool is £141,401, which is much lower than the UK national average of £329,547. Expect to pay an average of £256,187 for a detached home, £105,082 for a terraced house and just £71,279 for an apartment.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Blackpool, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Blackpool
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £450 per month in Blackpool, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £600 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £750 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Blackpool, you can expect to pay slightly lower than the UK national average when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £10, while a cappuccino and a pint of milk cost about £2.50 and 75p respectively.
Utility bills are considerably higher than national average (UK average £155) in Blackpool, at around £175 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal. Expect to pay around £28 per month for broadband.
Living in Blackpool
Open spaces
As one of the UK’s favourite seaside resorts, there are plenty of beach activities available in the town. The soft, sandy beach stretches for seven miles and is brimming with people during the summer months. In the autumn, it offers the chance for residents to enjoy a local seaside stroll.
Transport links
Blackpool’s train station offers direct services to many major stations across the UK, including London Euston. Motorists benefit from easy access to the M55 motorway, which links to the M6. Locals can take advantage of the Blackpool tram, which runs for 11 miles along the seafront.
Shopping
There are many places to shop in Blackpool, like the local shopping centre. It features a range of high-street brands, including an M&S and Primark. For something slightly different, head to The Regent. It’s located in a Grade II-listed building and has antiques, collectables, crafts and all things vintage.
Eateries
Of course, being a seaside town, there’s no shortage of seafood restaurants, with Yorkshire Fisheries offering traditional fish and chips since 1097. Or enjoy European plates and classy cocktails in one of the restaurants in Blackpool.
Nightlife
There’s no shortage of nightlife options in Blackpool, and it’s renowned across the UK for late-night partying. With some of the most in-demand clubs that attract world-class DJs, who’ll be spinning tunes until the early hours of the morning.
Art & culture
Blackpool is full of cultural activities and entertainment, and Madame Tussauds leads the way with its popular waxworks. For a more lowkey experience, visit Grundy Art Gallery, which first opened in 1911 and hosts exhibitions, projects and events.
Things to do
Head to one of the three piers in Blackpool for a quintessential British seaside experience. Or spend some time at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not before visiting Blackpool Pleasure Beach and riding The Big One, a steel-hyper coaster.
What’s not to like?
Blackpool is still primarily a huge tourist spot, so it probably isn’t for people seeking a quiet way of life.
Who lives there?
Blackpool has a population of 138,000 and a median age of 43.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 74mbps in Blackpool, which is higher than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
The overall crime rate in Blackpool averages around 138 crimes per 1,000 people.
Moving to Blackpool
Move iQ’s property report provides an in-depth analysis of specific properties as well as details about the local area of Blackpool. If you’re thinking of moving, make sure you get one first!
Last Updated: May 6th, 2022
