Of all the towns in Greater Manchester, Stockport is perhaps the most exciting. Thanks to regeneration, this once industrial area is blossoming into a thriving hub with a busy town centre and sought-after suburbs. But what’s it really like living here? That’s what we’re here to find out with this moving to Stockport guide.
A brief history of Stockport
In the 16th century, Stockport was a small town on the south bank of Mersey. It was a major industrial hotspot and one of the first towns in the UK to have a mechanised silk factory. Stockport was a major exporter of hemp, slik, hats and cotton.
Where is Stockport
Stockport is a large town in Greater Manchester, just seven miles from Manchester city centre. It also borders the Peak District, meaning residents benefit from easy access to one of the UK’s most beautiful areas.
Moving to Stockport
You will find a variety of homes in Stockport, including new-build properties and period houses. Bramhall is lined with large Victorian and Edwardian homes, while Hazel Grove is a popular suburb for families.
Buying in Stockport
The average sold price in Stockport is £313,260, which is slightly lower than the UK national average of £329,547. Expect to pay an average of £508,739 for a detached home, £223,537 for a terraced house and £173,008 for an apartment.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Stockport, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Stockport
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £700 per month in Stockport, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £900 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £1,200 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Stockport, you can expect to pay similar prices to the UK national average when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £15, while a cappuccino and a pint of milk cost about £2.50 and £0.80p respectively.
Utility bills are significantly lower than the national average (UK average £155) in Stockport, at around £110 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal. Although broadband is very slightly higher at £35 per month.
Living in Stockport
Open spaces
Stockport features eight urban and country parks with a Green Flag Award. If you feel like going a little further afield, the Peak District National Park awaits you with its lush green spaces ideal for hikers and bikers.
Transport links
Stockport enjoys convenient travel links to the north of England as well as the rest of the country. The train station has direct services to London Euston in just under two hours. You can also reach Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool, Preston, Blackpool, Wigan, Southport and Barrow-in-Furness via train. Manchester airport is just five miles south of Stockport.
Shopping
Whether you’re after high-street brands or independent retailers, Stockport has you covered. Merseyway and the Peel Centre are two popular shopping centres, while the town centre is filled with a wide range of shops offering everything from household goods to clothes and jewellery.
Eateries
You can sample cuisine from all over the world in Stockport, thanks to an eclectic mix of restaurants. From Greek restaurants to a classic Mediterranean menu.
Nightlife
Living in Stockport means you have plenty of access to lively nightlife. Manchester city centre is just half-and-hour away and offers some of the best night clubs in the UK. If you choose to stay in Stockport, there are plenty of bars and pubs, where you can socialise with other locals.
Art & culture
The Hat Works museum should be high on the list for anyone who wants to discover Stockport’s industrial past and learn about one of the town’s best exports. Another must-visit is the Vernon Mill Art Studios, with its art spaces and classes.
Things to do
Visit Stockport’s Air Raid Shelters, which run almost a mile underground. During the war, they were used as an air-raid shelter, but today you can visit them to get unrivalled insight into the life and times of Britain at war during the 1940s.
What’s not to like?
It’s not quite Manchester, where you have the best of everything on your doorstep.
Who lives there?
Stockport has a population of just 291,000 and a median age of 41.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 104mbps in Stockport, which is considerably higher than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
The overall crime rate in Stockport averages around 80 crimes per 1,000 people.
Moving to Stockport
Move iQ’s property report provides an in-depth analysis of specific properties as well as details about the local area of Stockport. If you’re thinking of moving, make sure you get one first!
Last Updated: November 27th, 2023
