Levenshulme has been crowned one of the best places to live in the UK alongside fellow Manchester suburb, Ancoats.
The two districts are the only places in Manchester to make the Sunday Times ‘Best Places to Live’ list for 2019.
Ramsbottom and Altrincham were the only other towns to make the list from the nine additional Greater Manchester boroughs.
This year, Levenshulme is the only south Manchester suburb to make the cut. Although Chorlton was included in last year’s line-up, it was absent from 2019’s list.
Handpicking the best towns in the UK sounds like a tricky task, but the judges took a lot into consideration.
Judges looked at factors including schools, culture, employment, community spirit and shops to compile the list.
The judges commented on how much Levenshulme had changed saying:
“In just a few short years, “Levy” has gone from fake Adidas tracksuits and knock-off trainers to hand-knitted jumpers and home-baked vegan buns sold at an independent market.”
Levenshulme’s booming food and drink scene was one element that really piqued the judge’s interest.
They noted some of the area’s most popular hang-outs including Trove, The Klondyke Club, The Station Hop and the Talleyrand Bar.
The South Station project also caught their eye, which will see the once empty building transformed into a cycle café and ‘community hangout’.
Inspire in Levenshulme was also given a special mention. The converted church that offers yoga sessions and maths and English tuition for kids was named the community ‘mothership’ by the Sunday Times.
The Sunday Times also recognised Levenshulme’s ‘individual yet communal’ culture, which is a testament to its residents and business owners.
Our Levenshulme sales manager and long-standing local, Mary Cox said:
“Levenshulme is currently electric – there is a huge buzz about the area there are so many exciting things happening!”
“I think the anticipated wait for Station South & the Old post office and the opening of the new bar, Nordie, is a perfect example of the vibrant suburb we live in.”
“That 192 bus to the city centre (and Stockport) runs frequently and takes about 20 minutes each way, depending on traffic.”
“The fastest train service from Levenshulme to Piccadilly station is just a six-minute ride; it’s 20 minutes by car to the M60 motorway.”
“There’s also the Fallowfield Loop, eight miles of urban cycleway running eastwards from Chorlton to Levenshulme, then north towards central Manchester.”
“Broadband Speeds of 30Mbps are widely available; three in four residents have access to ultrafast services.”
“It’s such a good place to live, full of young families like us,” says Dena Bagi, a lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University.”
“There’s lots to do, like baby groups and ballet classes. And a vegetarian deli and natural wine shop is opening up soon.”
“Schools were a problem until Levenshulme High School (girls) upped its game and gained an outstanding rating from Ofsted in 2016; a new co-ed, Manchester Enterprise Academy Central, is adding to Levenshulme’s kudos.”
“There are several, good or outstanding primaries.”
“Not so good. According to Greater Manchester’s Clean Air Plan, parts of the A6 road through Levenshulme have NO2 levels in excess of 40 µg/m3.”
“This will breach legal limits next year if no action is taken, so the city council is backing plans for new cycle paths and walking routes.”
“The pick of the houses is in the Rushford Park conservation area, around Park, Central and Sylvandale Avenues.”
“Here, three- and four-bedroom Edwardian properties cost £250,000-£400,000.”
“The streets around Cringle Road, near Highfield Country Park, are cheaper, with Victorian terraces selling for £140,000-£230,000.”
We can all agree that there’s no place like Levy. It’s a melting pot of cultures that have come together to create a bustling community that’s truly unique.
There’s some really exciting stuff on the horizon for Levenshulme, including plans for a microbrewery and food hall.
If you’re looking for something fun to do in Levenshulme this weekend, there are loads of great event on.
“It’s all going on this bank holiday weekend” said Levenshulme sales manager, Mary.
“Levenshulme Old Library is playing host to the fantastic Night Time Economy, an evening of live music & poetry plus a pop up bar!”
“Odd Fellows Hairdressers has an evening of Art with Art beats.”
“Levenshulme Night market is back this Friday, with an after-party at The Klondyke with DJ sets from local resident, Janine Brown, the finest hip hop, soul, funk, dance hall & world music.”
