Is Preston a Good Place to Live? A Local Area Guide
If you're thinking about moving to Lancashire, Preston is probably on your shortlist. Once known primarily as a university city, it's now recognised for its affordable homes, excellent transport links, welcoming communities, and balance of urban life and green open spaces.
But is Preston actually a good place to live? In many respects, yes. From house prices and schools to transport, shopping, and things to do, here's everything you need to know before making the move.
Is Preston a town or city?
Preston officially became a city in 2002 after being granted city status as part of Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee celebrations. Before then, it had spent centuries as a thriving market town, with a history dating back to Roman Britain.
Today, Preston is one of Lancashire's key cities, home to around 150,000 residents, while the wider borough has a population of more than 300,000. Despite its city status, Preston has retained a friendly, compact feel, offering many of the benefits of a large town alongside the amenities and opportunities of a modern city.
What is Preston famous for?
Preston has a rich history and plenty of unique claims to fame. The city is the birthplace of Academy Award-winning animator Nick Park, creator of Wallace and Gromit, and is home to the UK's first-ever KFC restaurant. It also boasts the longest row of red telephone boxes in the country.
One of Preston's most distinctive traditions is the Preston Guild, a city-wide celebration held once every 20 years that dates back to 1179, making it one of England's oldest continuing festivals. The city also has a strong football heritage, and a lively student community thanks to the University of Lancashire.
What is Preston really like, day to day?
Life in Preston strikes a comfortable balance between city convenience and a more relaxed pace. It's large enough to offer plenty of shops, restaurants, entertainment and employment opportunities, yet compact enough that getting around is relatively easy.
You're never far from green space: Avenham and Miller Parks roll down to the River Ribble, while the Guild Wheel cycle route loops 21 miles around the whole city. Whether you're commuting by bike, walking the dog, or simply enjoying the outdoors, there's no shortage of places to escape the bustle.
The city centre combines familiar high-street brands with independent shops. You’ll also find Booths, the Lancashire-born supermarket often nicknamed the "Waitrose of the North". Nights out are well catered for too, with a steady stream of bars and restaurants kept lively by the student population.
For families, Preston is particularly appealing, with plenty of parks, a good spread of schools, and bigger gardens than you'd typically find in larger cities.
Best places to live in Preston
The best place to live in Preston depends on your lifestyle, budget and what you're looking for from the area. Whether you want excellent schools, easy commuting, or great value for money, the city has a neighbourhood to suit.
- Fulwood is the area locals point to first, with leafy streets, strong schools, and easy access to Royal Preston Hospital. It’s a popular choice for families, healthcare professionals and anyone looking for a quieter suburban lifestyle.
- Penwortham, just across the River Ribble, combines a thriving high street with excellent schools and a strong community feel. Despite its peaceful atmosphere, it's only a short journey from Preston city centre, making it popular with commuters and families alike.
- Ashton-on-Ribble offers a mix of Victorian terraces, modern developments and riverside green spaces. Its proximity to Avenham and Miller Parks makes it an attractive option for young professionals, couples and growing families.
- Cottam is one of Preston's newest neighbourhoods. With contemporary housing developments, new amenities and good transport links, it's particularly popular with first-time buyers and families looking for modern homes.
- Ribbleton is known for offering some of the best value property in Preston. Buyers can often find larger homes and gardens for their money, making it an appealing choice for those working within a tighter budget.
For buyers looking for larger homes and well-established neighbourhoods, Fulwood is often regarded as Preston's most sought-after area. Nearby Penwortham is equally popular, offering excellent schools, a thriving high street and a strong community feel, all within easy reach of the city centre.
Anwyl's Walkers Glade sits in Ingol, Fulwood, surrounded by green space and close to Haslam Park, with easy access to the M55 and Preston train station for those who want city-centre convenience without leaving the suburbs
Cost of living in Preston
One of the biggest draws is Preston's cost of living. House prices are typically well below the UK average, making the city an attractive option for first-time buyers, growing families and anyone looking to get more for their money.
Everyday expenses, from eating out and grabbing a coffee to enjoying a pint after work also t generally cost less than they do in larger cities such as Manchester or Liverpool.
Students and renters also benefit from Preston's relatively low cost of living. With competitive rental prices and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) at its heart, the city remains one of the North West's more affordable university destinations.
Places near Preston: Commuting and connections
Preston sits in a handy spot for getting around the North West. Whether you're commuting into a larger city or heading to the coast for the weekend, most places are comfortably within reach.
Manchester and Liverpool are both around an hour away by car or direct train, which is one of the reasons many people choose to live in Preston instead. You get more space for your money without feeling cut off from either city.
Just down the road, Chorley and Leyland offer a slightly smaller, quieter feel while staying close to Preston for work, shopping and leisure. Head north and you'll find Garstang, a traditional market town that's popular with people looking for a slower pace, while Lancaster is close enough for regular commuting if you're drawn to its historic streets and university.
The Fylde Coast is another bonus. Lytham's cafés and seafront are within easy reach, while Blackpool is close enough for everything from family days out to evenings at the theatre or the illuminations.
If you're looking a little further afield, Anwyl also has developments across the region. Whittle Brook Park in Heywood is well placed for Manchester commuters, while Priory Gardens offers a village setting with straightforward rail links to both Preston and Liverpool.
So, is Preston a good place to live?
For many people, the answer is yes. Preston offers a balance that's becoming harder to find elsewhere: affordable homes, plenty of green space, a well-connected location and neighbourhoods that cater to different lifestyles and budgets.
Whether you're looking for a family-friendly suburb, a modern new-build community or somewhere within easy reach of Manchester and Liverpool, Preston gives you plenty of options without the price tag of many larger cities.
If you're considering making the move, Anwyl Homes has thoughtfully designed developments across Preston and the wider North West, building energy-efficient homes in well-connected locations where people can put down roots and enjoy everyday life.
