‘Family friendly but funky’ town rated one of best places to live

Nestled between Manchester and the increasingly fashionable centre of Stockport lies a suburb that’s garnering significant interest. The Four Heatons, comprising Heaton Chapel, Heaton Mersey, Heaton Moor and Heaton Norris, are a collection of neighbourhoods in Stockport.

They boast tree-lined streets, Victorian and Edwardian red-brick villas, excellent schools, and a vibrant food and drink scene. This area ticks many boxes for families and young professionals looking to settle down. However, its growing popularity has led to an increased demand for property. Many buyers are drawn to The Heatons after initially considering areas like Didsbury and Chorlton, only to find something more affordable within the leafy SK4 postcode.

Just last week, this Stockport suburb was named one of the best places to live in the UK by the Sunday Times.

It was praised as ‘family friendly but funky’, offering home buyers the opportunity to raise a family amongst ‘like-minded professional, party friendly folk’, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Historically, The Heatons were divided by the River Mersey, with Heaton Mersey and Heaton Moor in Cheshire, and Heaton Norris and Heaton Chapel in Lancashire. 

The opening of railway stations at Heaton Norris in 1840 and Heaton Chapel in 1853 led to the suburbanisation of the Four Heatons.

However, each of the Heatons is unique, boasting its own distinct character, history, and community. Consequently, house prices vary considerably across the four areas.

While property agents may provide varying estimates, Rightmove suggests that the average house price in Heaton Chapel is around £345,719, in Heaton Mersey it’s approximately £371,335, in Heaton Moor it’s about £361,658 and in Heaton Norris it’s roughly £275,513.

Martin Elliot, branch manager at Philip James estate agent in Heaton Moor, who has resided and worked in the area for over two decades, believes people have differing views of the area.

He said: “I live here so I sometimes find it hard to describe, but I see it as a salt-of-the-earth type area, whereas others see it as really affluent.

“It’s more tranquil than Didsbury or Chorlton, with a mix of older residents and families. The former probably have more of a city centre vibe than here.”

As for why the area is attracting so much interest, he attributes it to the variety of shops, amenities and facilities available.

He said: “There is literally everything, whether that’s the pharmacies, doctors, dentist, vets, and we still have a bank. The education is good, particularly from a primary school perspective.

“Heaton Moor is quite a small area, the area was divided a long time ago and created into four areas, with Moor being perhaps the more affluent of the four.

“Before Liz Truss, we saw first-time buyers purchasing properties in the £450,000 to 500,000 range, but with the shift in the economy, those buyers seem to have moved to the outskirts.

“Now, people are buying properties that are perhaps better suited for long-term living, with housing stock in Heaton Mersey and Chapel offering just that.

“The recent regeneration and investment in Stockport town centre has also benefited areas such as Heaton Norris and Stockport as a whole.

“Whether it’s Edgeley, Davenport, or Bredbury, these sorts of areas have seen a significant increase in demand due to affordability and investment.”

When asked if parts of The Heatons are becoming too costly, Martin acknowledges that this is a problem being experienced nationwide.

“It’s a family-oriented, residential area where people are quite settled, but the supply of properties is limited, which drives up demand. In Heaton Moor, there’s a ripple effect from Didsbury into certain areas.

“People might initially focus on Heaton Moor or Didsbury, but after a few visits, it becomes a question of affordability. It’s tough for local residents. 

“This story is being repeated across the country, whether in coastal resorts or rural destinations. There are many people in the area who simply can’t afford it.”

A stroll down Heaton Moor Road, which connects Heaton Moor and Heaton Chapel, reveals an array of coffee shops, boutiques, bars, and restaurants.

The word ‘community’ resonates strongly among the locals when discussing why The Heatons stands out.

Sarah Moss, who’s out walking her dog by Unwins Greengrocers, is brimming with enthusiasm about the area’s recognition.

She said: “I think it’s quite overlooked but it’s very liveable, seems to be low crime, very safe, it’s quite boujee to be honest – but not too much.”

Having relocated from Brighton to Heaton Moor two decades ago, Sarah has witnessed significant changes in the neighbourhood.

She said: “It’s been more of an evolution rather than a revolution. Getting the Savoy cinema refurbished, it’s a real asset.” She observes that the locality has been steadily improving, with an influx of cafes and intriguing spots.

“The area has been gradually evolving and lots more cafes and interesting places cropping up. It’s very well served.”

Describing it as a desirable place of residence, she said: “It’s a nice, comfortable place to live, with lots of amenities, you can get to Manchester easily, just two stops on the train. Stockport is brilliant now too, it’s really on the up, especially along the Underbanks.

“I’ve always wanted a noodle bar that would suit me, and maybe a good artisan bakery, that would do it.

“I would also say Heaton Moor is one of the more expensive, I have friends who would like to live here but are looking more at Chapel and Edgeley actually.”

On the opposite pavement, school friends Mark Christie and Matthew Peoples are enjoying their lunch break, casually exploring the precinct. They were raised in the region, now residing in Heaton Moor and Mersey.

The friends, in their mid-20s and carving out careers in finance, acknowledge that the area offers a diverse mix of amenities but believe property prices don’t quite align with affordability for their demographic when it comes to purchasing homes.

Mark said: “Being named one of the best places shocks me but at the same time but locally it’s very good.”

Mark delves into the contrast within Heaton Moor, noting distinct vibes between the vicinity of the Co-op and cinema, compared to the stretch of Heaton Moor Road towards Heaton Chapel, which boasts establishments like Cork of the North, trendy café Mouro, and Cassidy’s Irish bar, along with music stores, pubs, and delicatessens.

In his view, these spots cater well to their age bracket, though he acknowledges younger folks might be more tempted by Didsbury’s nightlife.

Matthew feels they might take for granted the treasures on their doorstep, observing a boom in Heaton Moor’s independent trade in recent years. He said: “People that come here talk a lot of how all the shops are independent as opposed to brands.

“There’s more coffee shops and boutique places plus it’s only ten minutes from town by train. In the last five years or so it’s come a long way, if you go back to when we grew up there was one cafe, now there’s like 20.”

Despite their affection for the locality, the couple concede that they’re uncertain when, if ever, climbing the local property ladder will become an achievable goal for them.

Mark, an early career professional, has his eyes on the property market, albeit with some apprehension: “I’m early on in my career but maybe long-term I’ll be able to afford to buy here, but it’s like £650,000 so it’s crazy.”

He notes that affordability is particularly strained near the centre of Heaton Moor, especially by the train station. 

Matthew said: “Ultimately the whole of south Manchester has become just as expensive as one another.

“Would I say it’s affordable? I’d say probably not, especially if you’re a bit younger, you need to be earning above average.”

Charlie, owner of the Easy Fish Co for 13 years, comments on the positive changes observed in Heaton Moor over time, describing how it’s got ‘better and better’ over the years.

He said: “It’s great, it’s come on a lot since when we first got here, all the empty shops that did exist years ago have gone and now there’s a nice combination.

“You have a butcher, greengrocer, fishmonger all on one road here, which is probably unheard of nowadays.

“There’s a real community feel to it, local people using local shops, bars and restaurants, so there’s a good vibe.”

Chris McMullen, manager of the specialist beer shop Epicurean, echoes this sentiment, bringing insights from his dual role running the brand’s second site in West Didsbury and residing there himself.

Drawing parallels between the two suburbs, Chris said: “West Didsbury has a very similar vibe to here, in fact a lot of people move over here from West Didsbury because they get a little more for their money.

“It’s very family focused here in terms of what we sell compared to Didsbury where it’s lot of young professionals. Over here there’s more families and that’s reflected in beer we sell too.

“You feel like you’re part of the neighbourhood when you’re here. You don’t get that as much in Didsbury where it’s a lot of people that just work in Manchester.

“I’ve got lots of regulars here, and they all know each other and there’s lots of events like the Nook’s open mic night, and things on at the rugby club too, there’s a big community around that. Didsbury feels like Manchester, and being in the Heatons doesn’t as much.

“You’re between Stockport and Manchester and its own thing. I think it’s overdue to be honest.

“It’s definitely its own thing. There’s some great new openings though like Hatters Lounge, Kobean and we all kind of know each other.

“Even though in Lockdown we lost the Traders Association, we all still keep in touch and use each other’s shops and businesses.” Further down the road, where Heaton Moor intersects with Heaton Chapel, a quaint row of independent shops can be found.

These include a florist, a take-out coffee shop, a cake store, a vintage shop, and a nail bar, all nestled within former coal merchant huts dating back to 1864.

The first two huts are the original outbuildings, boasting wooden facades and bay windows, and the Flower Basket – previously known as Mary’s Flower Basket – which features a charmingly crooked front door and a weathered post outside that was once used for tethering horses.

Sue Cook, the proud owner of a local flower shop for seven years, beams with pride for her native area.

Reflecting on her childhood dream, she said: “As a little girl, I always wanted my own flower shop, and my dad used to say you’ll have to start somewhere small like Mary’s Flower Basket and a week after he died, it came up for sale and the rest is history.

“It’s lovely around here, some very nice people and it’s very friendly. I mean you do get a few characters, but you do get that anywhere.

“It’s a little quiet down this end sometimes and the businesses next to me have changed a few times, but it’s just a case of finding something people want and can afford. But we do certainly keep ticking over and I’m very grateful.

“You have some younger families, but also the elderly come here and have a sit down with me, a chat and a coffee. And the younger generation come in for flowers too.

“I know a lot of people around here, I love it and I wouldn’t swap it. I find it is quite expensive in Heaton Moor and as you move out from there it gets a little more affordable, but would say Heaton Chapel and Moor are a little more expensive but you are near the railway station and the A6 and you’re not from hospitals and shopping.

“The only issue is some of the youth. It’s very different from when we were little, there’s no respect, and we find that more than anything, kids going around on scooters in balaclavas. Touch wood we’ve not had trouble here.”

Venturing deeper into Heaton Chapel, a mill can be spotted on the horizon, with Stockport and Reddish faintly visible in the distance.

As Heaton Moor Road merges into School Lane and intersects with the A6 down to Heaton Norris, a variety of independent businesses can be found, including small plates experts The ‘Burbs, wine shop Vino Buono and Heaton Hops.

A bit further down at the junction of Manchester Road, popular spots like the George and Dragon pub come into view, along with The Last Stop and Feed General Store.

Tristan Oxford, proprietor of Feed, launched the shop and kitchen over seven years ago. He resides in Levenshulme after moving from Heaton Mersey to purchase his first home at a slightly more affordable price.

He said: “It’s really easy to get into Manchester, but greener out here, I can tell that just from living in Levenshulme.

“It took us a while to find the right area for the business, but we liked the building, and what else was going on around here. Over seven years it’s become busier and more developed into the area.

“It’s mainly families, couples, but a nice mix of people, some older people too. Heaton Chapel is maybe a little more laid back then Heaton Moor, but they’re all good because they’ve got a good independent scene.

“It’s a really good community around here.”