Let's move to Altrincham and Hale, Greater Manchester

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/apr/20/lets-move-to-altrincham-hale

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<strong>What's going for it?</strong> There have been strange sightings on the Metrolink tram from Altrincham to Trafford Docks. UFLs. Up From Londoners. The BBC's arrival at the gruesomely titled MediaCityUK has added to the gene pool of the local property market, with Altrincham and Hale favoured on account of their general swankiness and astonishingly good schools. In Londonese, they are Kensington and Chiswick to Chorlton's Hackney: leafy and rich. Although Altrincham's centre, one of the richest patches of the north, has, according to a 2010 report, the most boarded-up shops in the country. They hope to parachute in Mary Portas for a zuzz. Until then, the pair have more than enough attractions to keep 'em coming: delicious property, golf courses, sylvan walks in the Bollin Valley and even a Priory Hospital (always a sign of swank) when it all gets too much.

<strong>The case against</strong> The Trafford Centre did for the high street: conservation areas and Old Market Place aside, it's depressing. Otherwise, it's Margo and Jerry crossed with Hollyoaks.

<strong>Well connected?</strong> Manchester airport's so close you can almost touch the wings. Cupped by the M56, tickled by the M60. Metrolink trams every six to 12 minutes (30 to Manchester Piccadilly), and half-hourly trains to Piccadilly (35 or so minutes) and hourly to Chester (59).

<strong>Schools</strong> Exceptional. Bollin, Bowdon CofE, Well Green, Elmridge, Cloverlea, Altrincham CofE and St Vincent's Catholic all "outstanding", Ofsted says. Secondaries: several "outstanding", among them Altrincham girls' grammar and boys' grammar, where the Stone Roses' John Squire met Ian Brown.

<strong>Hang out at…</strong> A great beer scene: try Old Market Tavern or Malt Shovels.

<strong>Where to buy</strong> Plenty of delightful if pricey property, with an awful lot on the market. A nice wodge of period semis and detacheds just south of the centre; The Downs and Higher Downs conservation area is a nice nook, Georgians and all. Poshest, though, is Bowden and Hale "village", as estate agents call it, with some of the priciest piles around Park Road to South Downs Road. More affordable east of Hale, and north of Altrincham, with a nice patch west, around Seamon's Road.

<strong>Market values</strong> Huge detacheds, £1m-£4m. Large detacheds, £450,000-£1m. Detacheds, £180,000-£450,000. Town houses and large terraces, £350,000-£750,000. Semis, £145,000-£1.2m. Terraces £100,000. Flats, £100,000-£400,000, but up to £2m for swankpads.

<strong>Bargain of the week</strong> Four-bed period semi, £249,950, with Waterson's.

From the streets

<strong>John Ackroyd</strong> "Visit Dunham Park to see the deer, then have one of the best National Trust meals you'll find."

<strong>Henry Law</strong> "Try tasty English beers, brewed to traditional north-west recipes, from the Dunham Massey Brewery, west of Altrincham. Or buy on tap at Costello's, Goose Green."

<strong>Alex McCann</strong> "Just 25 minutes' tram from Manchester. Coco's and Double Tree for delicious Italian and Indian dishes respectively. And try Pitta Crepe, a streetfood van that sells freshly made pittas and pancakes."

• Live in Altrincham and Hale? Join the debate below

Do you live in Bruton, Somerset? Do you have a favourite haunt or a pet hate? If so, please write, by Tuesday 24 April, to lets.move@guardian.co.uk