'I wouldn't live anywhere else' say residents as Preston named best city to live in North West

Preston locals weigh-in on their love for the area as the city is named the best place to live and work in the North West in new survey.
The people of Preston spoke to the Post about what they love about the cityThe people of Preston spoke to the Post about what they love about the city
The people of Preston spoke to the Post about what they love about the city

In the Demos-PWC Good Growth for Cities Index, Preston remains the highest performing city in the north-west, for the second time, and scored above average across a number of categories the public think are most important.

Such categories include economic wellbeing, including the availability of jobs, a positive work-life balance, the skills of the population and the variety of roles on offer.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

And the city has also been recognised for its resilience to the continued Covid-19 pandemic, with a lower proportion of employees in the city being furloughed as part of the UK Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CRJS) in comparison to other cities in the region.

The Post spoke to Preston residents and asked about their thoughts on the announcement, with many commenting on the 'community spirit' of the city.

Martin Hesketh, 37, from Lea, works in the city centre. He said: "There has been a lot of work done on the city and I have seen the developments that they have made over the years and are still making now.

"With the bus station and the market, they now look really modern and cool and it is great to see money being put into the city to make it a better place to live.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I like Preston because even though you are in a city, you are still close to the countryside and it still feels like a small and friendly community unlike in bigger cities. Everyone is friendly here, whether you are at the bus stop and you say good morning to someone or people are helping others out, in a smaller place like Preston there is a strong community spirit where everyone looks out for each other.

Martin Hesketh, 37, from Lea, works in the city centreMartin Hesketh, 37, from Lea, works in the city centre
Martin Hesketh, 37, from Lea, works in the city centre

"As much as I love visiting other cities like Manchester, I wouldn't live there because of the prices, whereas Preston is a much more affordable place to live in the North."

Amanda Bolton, 47, is originally from Leyland and was a student at UCLan, but now lives in Edinburgh. She works for Avanti West Coast and was in the city following an early train journey.

She commented: "I think Preston is a great city - it is brilliant for education with the university and I know there used to be a brilliant nightlife scene here.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"A lot of the modern developments are coming on really well and making Preston a much more appealing city, whilst also bringing in more job opportunities for those who have been struggling.

Amanda Bolton, 47, originally grew up in Leyland but studied at UCLan universityAmanda Bolton, 47, originally grew up in Leyland but studied at UCLan university
Amanda Bolton, 47, originally grew up in Leyland but studied at UCLan university

"It means people don't have to leave the area to find work, so it keeps people in the community and keeps the money here as it is being invested back into the city.

"I find that there is a very friendly community spirit here and everyone is looking out for one another."

And Geraldine McVann, 73, from Penwortham, said: "I was born in Preston and wouldn't go anywhere else, it's my hometown. The people here are so welcoming and friendly.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"It is sad to see so many shops closing up here but that is happening in every city. I used to always love coming to the market and you could buy absolutely anything. There are still lots of places to shop and go for food or drinks and after the pandemic, I still think there is hope for Preston in the future.

Geraldine McVann, 73, from Penwortham said she would 'never move' away from PrestonGeraldine McVann, 73, from Penwortham said she would 'never move' away from Preston
Geraldine McVann, 73, from Penwortham said she would 'never move' away from Preston

"They are doing the best to upgrade Preston and develop it. It is sad to see so many shops boarded up which makes it look unkept because I love the city."

Preston ranked 16th overall in the 2021 Good Growth for Cities index, which measures the performance of 42 UK cities against 10 categories including jobs, income, work-life balance, transport, skills, environment and the house price to earnings ratio.

Lee Hibbert, 45, lives in Ribbleton said: "I moved back to Preston recently because there is such a friendly atmosphere here. Everyone seems to be in a happier mood and there's a brilliant community spirit.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"For jobs when things are back to normal if you want to find something and put the effort in, there are plenty of job opportunities in Preston. They are trying to upgrade the city and I think that anything that helps stimulate things can only be a good thing.

"There is a lot of activity going on in Preston at the minute, such as upgrading the market and the road networks which promotes more activity and promotes surrounding affluence and makes it a much better place to live."

Business owner Gavin Hall, 42 and owner of the Business Utilities Group, Winckley Square, said: "Preston is definitely the best place I have ever lived - I am originally from the Fylde Coast.

"There are still lots of opportunities here in Preston for the right people, I own six different businesses that employ people across a variety of sectors.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The community is what keeps me here, everyone is welcoming and friendly. For people in my age group, we all know each other and all look after one another. Before covid, when you go out to the pub you recognise people and bump into people you know which makes you feel comfortable and homely."

Nina Lawrenson, 60, moved to Preston with her partner from Sicily and lives on Tanterton Hall Road. She said that Preston is 'absolutely wonderful'.

She said: "For me, it has been perfect living here and is a wonderful place to be. I have been here for 40 years and it is my adopted city and I absolutely love it. It is my favourite place to live.

"The people are very friendly here and there are still lots of job opportunities and businesses on the rise.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I like the historic old buildings and the old architecture and I think Preston is proud of that. The market is brilliant and the library is another prime example, it is a beautiful old building to look at and to be in."

Responding to the news, Coun Matthew Brown, Leader of Preston City Council, said: “I am delighted that Preston has maintained its position as the best city to live and work in the North West.

“This report also shows that our city has pulled together to endure the pandemic and gives me great optimism that we will be in a strong position to recover and grow."

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 per month for the first two months. Try us today by ​clicking here.