Finding a secure and peaceful place to call home is a top priority for many individuals and families. North West England, a region known for its vibrant cities and stunning countryside, offers a diverse range of locations that boast low crime rates and a high quality of life. This guide provides a detailed analysis based on the most recent crime statistics to identify the safest towns, villages, and neighbourhoods across Cheshire, Cumbria, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and Merseyside.
Whether you are relocating, raising a family, or seeking a tranquil retirement, understanding local safety is crucial. We will explore specific areas with the lowest crime figures, examine the factors that contribute to their security, and provide insights into the lifestyle each location offers. This information helps you make an informed decision about where to live.
How is Safety Measured in North West England?
Safety is measured using official data on recorded crime. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) and local police forces regularly publish crime statistics, which are broken down by offence type and geographical area. These figures are typically presented as a crime rate, calculated as the number of offences per 1,000 people. This allows for a fair comparison between areas with different population sizes.
Key metrics used include:
- Overall crime rate
- Violent crime rates
- Property crime rates (including burglary and robbery)
- Vehicle crime rates
- Anti-social behaviour incidents
By analysing this data, a clear picture of the North West England crime map emerges, highlighting both regional trends and specific low crime areas.
Cheshire: The Safest County in the North West
Official data consistently confirms that Cheshire is the safest county to live in North West England. According to the Office for National Statistics, Cheshire Constabulary has the lowest rate of crime in the region. The county’s crime rate is approximately 69.8 offences per 1,000 people, which is significantly below both the regional average of 91.9 and the national average of 87.2.
This achievement is a result of proactive policing, strong community safety initiatives, and dedicated neighbourhood watch programs. The positive results make Cheshire a top choice for those prioritising security, especially families and retirees.
Safest Towns in Cheshire for Families
Cheshire offers numerous safe towns and villages ideal for family life, combining excellent schools with a secure environment.
Tarporley (CW6)
Tarporley is frequently cited as one of the most secure post towns in the entire North West. It has an exceptionally low violent crime score of 66, which is starkly lower than the regional average of 228. This picturesque village provides a tranquil setting without sacrificing amenities. It is one of the Cheshire East safest places for rural living, offering a strong sense of community, independent shops, and access to beautiful countryside. The combination of safety and lifestyle makes it one of the best safe towns North West England has to offer.
Bollington
Located on the edge of the Peak District, Bollington is known for its low crime and active community. It is an ideal spot for families who enjoy outdoor activities. The area benefits from good local schools and a peaceful atmosphere, making it one of the safest rural areas North West England with broadband connectivity.
Lymm
A large village in Warrington, Lymm is a highly desirable location for commuters to Manchester and Liverpool. It maintains a village feel with its canal and historic buildings while recording low crime statistics. Lymm is considered one of the Warrington low crime areas for commuters to Manchester, providing a safe base with excellent transport links. For those seeking the safest places to live in Chester with a dog, the numerous parks and walking trails in and around Lymm are a significant draw.
Cumbria: Peaceful Living and Natural Beauty
Cumbria is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including the Lake District National Park, and its reputation for being a peaceful and safe place to live. Many of its towns and villages have crime rates well below the national average, making Cumbria areas with lowest crime for retirees a popular search.
Cumbria’s Safest Locations
For those seeking quiet villages in Cumbria near amenities, the following locations are top contenders.
Askam-in-Furness (LA16)
This coastal village near Barrow-in-Furness has one of the lowest overall crime scores in the North West at just 615. Its crime rate is 71% lower than the regional average. Askam-in-Furness is a prime example of the safest seaside towns North West England can provide, offering a quiet lifestyle and tight-knit community feel.
Brampton (CA8)
Situated near Carlisle, Brampton is a small historic market town with a very low crime score. It boasts an overall crime score of 864 and is surrounded by natural beauty, including Hadrian’s Wall. The town offers a peaceful living environment, making it one of the safest places to live in Cumbria.
Grange-over-Sands (LA11)
This Edwardian town on the Morecambe Bay estuary has the lowest property crime score in the North West, at 111 compared to the regional average of 232. This makes it one of the safest places to retire North West England, appealing to those who value security for their homes and possessions.
Lancashire: Low Crime Villages for Families
Lancashire offers a blend of industrial heritage, rolling countryside, and coastal towns. For those looking for security, several areas stand out.
Best Towns in Lancashire for Safety and Schools
Finding a location that combines safety with educational excellence is a priority for families.
Ormskirk
An historic market town in West Lancashire, Ormskirk has a crime rate of approximately 59 per 1000 people. It is home to Edge Hill University, which contributes to its vibrant atmosphere. The town is known for its excellent schools and strong community, making it one of the low crime villages Lancashire for families.
Poulton-le-Fylde
Located near the coastal resort of Blackpool, Poulton-le-Fylde offers a safer, more residential alternative. It has consistently low crime rates and is a popular choice for families and retirees. Its bustling town centre, market, and good transport links add to its appeal.
Clitheroe
Nestled in the Ribble Valley, Clitheroe is an affluent market town with very low crime levels. The Ribble Valley area is often cited as having the best quality of life in the UK. The combination of excellent schools, independent shops, and a stunning natural setting makes it a top choice for family friendly safe areas North West.
Greater Manchester: Safest Suburbs for Urban Living
While large urban centres often have higher crime rates, Greater Manchester has numerous suburbs that are considered very safe places to live. These areas offer the benefits of city proximity with the security of a smaller community.
Finding Safe Neighbourhoods in Manchester
For those wondering about the safest areas Greater Manchester has to live, the southern suburbs are consistently the top performers.
Altrincham
Often voted as one of the best places to live in the UK, Altrincham in Trafford has a low crime rate for a major suburban area. It boasts outstanding schools, a thriving market, and excellent transport links to the city centre. It is considered one of Greater Manchester safest suburbs for families with primary school children.
Stockport
While the town centre has urban challenges, certain districts within Stockport are exceptionally safe. Areas like Bramhall, Cheadle Hulme, and Marple are known for their low crime rates, green spaces, and strong community feel. Stockport as a whole has a crime rate of 64.8 per thousand, making many of its neighbourhoods desirable.
Didsbury
Didsbury is a popular and affluent suburb in South Manchester. It is known for its leafy streets, independent boutiques, and cafe culture. It is considered one of the safest areas of Manchester to live alone or for young professionals, offering a vibrant yet secure environment.
Merseyside: Secure Areas for Commuters and Couples
Merseyside, home to the city of Liverpool, also has pockets of tranquillity and safety. These areas are ideal for those who work in the city but prefer a quieter home life.
Merseyside’s Lowest Crime Hotspots
When asking where is the safest place to live Merseyside for young couples, several locations stand out.
Formby
This coastal town is one of the most affluent and safest areas in Merseyside. Famous for its National Trust nature reserve of pine woods and sand dunes, Formby offers a high quality of life. It has very low crime rates and is a popular choice for families and professionals. It provides good public transport links to the city, making it ideal for commuters.
West Kirby
Located on the Wirral Peninsula, West Kirby is another of the safest seaside towns North West England has. It’s known for its marine lake, coastal walks, and excellent schools. The area has a low crime profile and is particularly popular with families and those enjoying outdoor and water-based activities.
Woolton
A suburb of Liverpool, Woolton is a designated conservation area with a village-like atmosphere. It is one of the safe neighborhoods in Liverpool for students and families alike, known for its historic buildings, parks, and independent shops. Its crime rates are significantly lower than those in the city centre.
