I went to up-and-coming Stockport to find out why it's been named the best place to live in the North West

A definitive study has crowned Stockport the best place to live in the North West, with The Sunday Times calling it one of the most exciting towns around.

The area is set for an exciting future it is increasingly growing into the place to be in the region. There's the new transport interchange developments, the fact its been crowned Greater Manchester's Town of Culture and just this week, high-flying Stockport County's plans for an improved stadium.

But do the people of Stockport agree? I spoke to people in the town and this is why it's the best place to live.

Jenny Harwood, 41, has lived in Stockport her whole life and doesn’t plan on going elsewhere. She said: “I’ve only ever lived in Stockport, I’ve lived nowhere else. We’re moving house hopefully this year and we’re staying in the area. I love the countryside, I love the town side, I just love it here.”

Nick Williamson, 52, has owned Stockport Book Exchange in Market Hall for more than 10 years, and he admires the town’s impressive infrastructure. He said: “I have some lovely regular customers and very nice surrounding areas. Market Hall is a beautiful building that we’re lucky to have. I love the town and it seems like a really nice area.” 

Caitlyn Lissaman, 25, moved from Wales seven years ago and instantly fell for Stockport's neighbourly spirit. She said: “It's been very welcoming. I’d heard of Stockport but never been until a couple of years ago. I heard [from Katie White, owner of Ghost Stock Clothing] it was not the place to be, nobody really wanted to come here, there was nothing here. 

“So when I went to see it a couple years ago, I just thought it was so quirky and cute. It’s so friendly and there's such a big community. It seems so quiet day to day, but as soon as there's an event like Foodie Friday the streets are full. 

“There's a consensus that it's really up-and-coming. I think big cities used to be the dream, but now they're so expensive. But these more suburban larger towns are becoming more of the place to be. It's a cheaper and more interesting place to start for young people and couples.”

From its warm and friendly atmosphere to its spectacular buildings and culture, it's clear to see why Stockport is in the spotlight.