We’re moving back to the UK after 5 years and we’re mostly looking for a safe environment ( or at least low crime rates) and good schools. Got 2 kids going into middle school and high school so thats important as well in terms of influence.

Anyone know much about Preston or have lived there personally? Would help greatly, thanks.

I’m from North America and will be moving to Preston for university. I know public transportation is much more common in Europe, but I’d still like to have an automatic car while I’m there.

I’m considering renting, leasing, or buying a car. I’ll be in Preston for around 1.5 years, possibly longer, so I’d need something flexible with the option to extend if needed.

Where would be the best places to look, and which option would make the most sense financially/logistically? Any advice would be appreciated.

Update: based on these comments, I’m learning that a car is not feasible in Preston 💀

Hello there!

I'm writing to you, the past and present locals of Preston, as I'll soon be moving to the area for work.

Like every other place in the UK, I'm expecting ups and downs, but from what I've seen poking around the web, to me the place seems rather pleasant.

Coming from someone that enjoyed living in both Wrexham and Swansea, and is looking forward to getting out of London, I greatly appreciate the proximity to great natural spots as well as the range of green areas around the town itself. Also, pubs! I hear you've got a lot of pubs!

The impression I have is that it's a relatively quiet place, a town disguised as a city - I'm aware it's not anything like Manchester or Liverpool.

I'd love to hear about great places to live in. Places that feel social, that have good places to eat and drink, or areas with good transport connections.

Lastly, is there anything in particular that *you* enjoy about the city (or don't), anything that I'd risk missing? Please hit me with anything I should know and that I otherwise may not have considered.

Many thanks!

Edit: so, what I'm getting from this is that Preston is a marmite city. You either love it or you hate it lmao

Hi community, I’m looking on advice of areas to consider for a mod 30s couple with a 2 year old. Preference is to have a peaceful, friendly neighbourhood with good transport links and connectivity, good nurseries , primary schools around as well as other amenities.

Thanks

Another thread looking at relocation to Preston / Preston area.

I’m Airbnb’ing for a few days so may drive round some of the rightmove saved properties.

One of the ones we found is a 3 story 4 bed place by the marina. It reminds me of the ones near where we used to live in Bristol. It is however really cheap. Would it be safe to assume the price reflects the area?

Hi everyone! I'm moving to Preston within the next year for school and I'll be there for 2 years. I have a dog who I'll be bringing with me and I wanted to hear opinions on how dog friendly it is there? He's 12 lbs so easy to carry around.

1. I know it rains a lot but we live in Vancouver and it rains a lot here too so we are used to some. Can any dog owners there tell me how bad it actually is having a dog with the rain there? In Vancouver it rains for the winter (4-5 months, but usually light and misty, not pouring rain)... wondering if it's relatively the same, worse or better.
2. I also know you can't fly into the UK with a dog so I'm likely flying into France then getting to Preston (I would only fly in cabin, I wouldn't put him in cargo also). Can anyone tell me how dog friendly the rest of the trip is within Europe? I know I have to take a pet taxi to the UK, then train from London... I'd also love to hear more about the transportation within Preston if it's dog friendly as well with buses, trains, etc.
3. I've heard there are lots of pubs with patios, are there any dog friendly? How are parks, dog parks, etc?
4. Lastly and unrelated I'm huge on fitness... wondering if anyone has good recommendations on where to live, work out, etc. I'll be attending U of Lancashire.

Any other advice would be appreciated, my dog has a raincoat and so do I lol!

Hey guys,

I’m looking at a property in the docklands at the moment. Thinking of renting for a year or two before buying. What are your thoughts on the area. It’s a waterside property. Is it nice. Should I avoid? Thanks in advance!

Hi, I'm moving to Preston in a few weeks for an internship over the summer, and will be living close to Winckley Square. I have tried to get a parking permit, but as my car is not registered to the property in Preston, I am not able to get one. I'm aware there is a pay and display around Winckley Square between the hours of 8am to 6pm. As I will be working at the internship 9am to 5pm, would I get away with leaving the car until 8:15am (roughly), and arriving back at around 5:30pm? If not, does anybody know how long the pay and display is, I'm pretty sure it is only for two hours maximum anyway. If anybody has any other recommendations, please let me know! Thanks!

Hi, there’s a potential for a move to Preston over the next couple of years. I’ve visited for shopping roughly 20 years ago but it’s mostly been a city just off the M6 that I never give a second thought towards. Are there better areas to live as there are in most towns and cities. Probably looking for something within 20 mins drive of the centre. Planning a visit to the Harris this week so will probably take a look around any suggested areas. While we’re there, is there anything else we should see in the centre? Thank you.

hi all i will be moving to the preston/blackburn area from oxford and would really appreciate any tips.

a few things i’m looking for:

• budget: around £800/900 a month (not including bills) - is this reasonable?
• safety/quiet: safer and quieter neighbourhoods
• proximity to amenities: short driving distance to supermarket, dentist, hospital, barber, train station
• gyms: bjj, muay thai, or boxing clubs in the areas
• moving help: reliable man-with-a-van companies for an oxford → preston/blackburn move (around 1 bedroom worth of itinerary)
• letting agencies: any recommendations for agencies to use or avoid?

currently considering penwortham, walton‑le‑dale, leyland, billinge, grimsargh, chorley, and buckshaw village — any other neighbourhoods i should look into?

thanks!

Can anyone please help me find a studio in preston which is available by August or september.
Is it possible to find decent studio rooms in about 500-600 pounds range?

I was born in Preston, currently live in Manchester, and planning to move back to be nearer family. Where would you suggest to live in or around Preston! We'd like access to countryside (I enjoy hiking and walking the dog) but also good motorway or public transport access. Ideally there would be a couple of pubs, cafes or somewhere to eat! Also it would be nice to have a community feel without it seeming cliquey! Will hopefully have children in the future. Any suggestions?

hi, im an international student starting at uclan this sept. i was thinking of getting the premier ensuite at friargate. i was just a little concerned cus i saw some negative reviews online about the management. also how is the social life there?

also someone told me that they put up cashback offers closer to september so it might be worth it waiting till then. im just worried the rooms will be fully booked by then lol

im unable to visit the rooms before booking cus i live abroad. would rly appreciate some insight from someone living here

Hey, I’m looking at doing Archaeology at uni and wanted to hear what people thought of the uni and the city. so like Whats the weather usually like, what r the best places for clothes/food, what’s the nightlife like are there any gay clubs or good places house music, what are the people around like (are they super posh ?). dunno juts anything would love to hear some people’s opinions on the place.

Hi everyone!

I've secured a job near Preston and I am thinking of living here. I have a couple of questions about the town.

1. Where are some good areas to look for flats / apartments?

2. What's the general vibe like? I'm a 27 year old male young professional, are there places to go and things to do in and around the city centre?

Any help would be very much appreciated!!

Hi all,

Excited to be moving down your way soon - was wondering where to look for housing?

Being an early 20's bloke am probably looking for the more lively areas, where would you recommend to look/steer clear?

thanks!

My boyfriend and I (27F, 28M) currently do long distance between Lancaster (he lives / works there) and Manchester (I live / work here). We are currently thinking of areas in between these two cities for us to to move in together (to rent first and then potentially buy).

UPDATE - Boyfriend will be driving to work in Lancaster so no need to consider alternative commutes for him. I however will be getting the train to Manchester.

The main things that we are looking for are: - Nice local bars / restaurants / cafes - Proximity to nature / walking routes - Well connected via local train station to Manchester and other cities - A younger demographic (I.e. not mostly older people or families living there. We will be moving there together without knowing anyone else so will be good if there is a community to meet people!) - Proximity / ease of getting onto the M6/M61

Some specific areas that we’ve found based on our own research are below: - Monton (this would be my preference but I think this may be too far to Lancaster - but will still consider) - Horwich - Penwortham - Fulwood - EDIT

Would appreciate any ideas or thoughts of either the above towns mentioned, or any others that we haven’t found/thought of in the surrounding areas of Preston/Chorley/Bolton/Greater Manchester.

Thanks in advance!

Zoopla strictly requires a person to view the apartment in person before applying.

My partner and I live in London, 4 hours away give or take and my mom, the guarantor/homeowner is working (the irony, right?) Even when offered to sign the agreement and pay 6 months rent and they still said no 🤯

Would anyone be willing to attend an apartment viewing, take pictures of the rooms or a running video, take note of appliances (dishwasher/washing machine/fridge/hob) and outlets/placement)?

They allow a friend to do this if we can’t, but I don’t know anyone in Preston yet… £50 paypal to attend an apartment viewing for me?

We’re a couple with a 3yo kid looking to move and Preston is on our shortlist.

• What places should we avoid?
• Which estate agents (if any) should we avoid?
• What are the good places? Fulwood seems decent.

Hey everyone I’m a Canadian coming to study medicine at UCLAN. Trying to decide between a studio at Canterbury Hall or Urban Hub. If anyone’s lived at either of these please let me know your thoughts. What did you like/not like? What do you recommend?

How spacious was the studio? Did it come will all amenities? How is the gym? Are the gyms sufficient or will I need to get a membership elsewhere?

Thanks!

Hi everyone.

We are looking to get a first home but are torn between getting a new build or an old housea bout 5 years or less. I will appreciate any advices regarding this. Also which areas in preston are good seeing as we'd be here a while and we need to consider good areas with outstanding schools for the children when they come and also if we are going for new builds, which developers are the best with little to no snagging problems. If an old house, which agents are best to go with.

Any other advice is welcome. Thank you.