Why Move to Lancashire?
Lancashire offers coastline, countryside, market towns and major urban centres. It sits in North West England. It has strong links to Manchester, Liverpool, Cumbria and Yorkshire.
For this page, Lancashire refers to the wider Lancashire area. This includes the 12 Lancashire County Council districts, plus Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen. Lancashire County Council lists the 12 districts as Burnley, Chorley, Fylde, Hyndburn, Lancaster, Pendle, Preston, Ribble Valley, Rossendale, South Ribble, West Lancashire and Wyre. It also lists Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen as separate unitary areas in the wider Lancashire profile.
The county offers a broad lifestyle choice. You can live by the sea in Lytham St Annes, Blackpool, Fleetwood or Morecambe. You can choose city life in Preston or Lancaster. You can also look at rural villages in Ribble Valley, Wyre, Pendle or the Forest of Bowland.
Lancashire also has a strong visitor offer. Visit Lancashire highlights Blackpool, Blackpool Tower, the Forest of Bowland and Pendle Hill as part of the county’s appeal.
Why Move to Lancashire - What to Expect
Lancashire offers variety. It suits first-time buyers, families, commuters, students, retirees and landlords.
Preston offers city living and strong transport links. Lancaster has history, higher education and access to the coast and countryside. Blackpool gives buyers a coastal setting with major leisure attractions. Meanwhile, towns such as Chorley, Leyland, Burnley, Blackburn, Accrington, Clitheroe and Ormskirk offer a range of budgets and lifestyles.
The county also gives residents access to open space. The Forest of Bowland National Landscape covers 803 square kilometres of rural Lancashire and Yorkshire. It is known for walking, cycling, wildlife and quiet villages.
Therefore, Lancashire is well-suited to people who want choice. You can live near a city, a beach, a village or open countryside.
Housing in Lancashire: Exploring Your Options
Lancashire has a varied housing market. Buyers can find terraced houses, family semis, detached homes, flats, rural cottages and new-build estates.
Prices vary by area. In Preston, the average house price was £187,000 in February 2026. The average monthly rent was £778 in March 2026. First-time buyers paid an average of £164,000.
Blackpool offers lower average prices. The average house price was £137,000 in February 2026. The average monthly rent was £696 in March 2026. First-time buyers paid an average of £127,000.
Ribble Valley sits at the higher end of the local market. The average house price was £278,000 in February 2026. The average monthly rent was £803 in March 2026. First-time buyers paid an average of £218,000.
Other areas also offer choice. Lancaster had an average house price of £198,000 in February 2026. West Lancashire reached £236,000. Chorley reached £215,000. Fylde reached £226,000. Burnley remains more affordable, with terraced homes averaging £110,000 and flats averaging £78,000 in February 2026.
This range helps different buyers. Some may focus on value in Burnley, Blackpool, Hyndburn or Pendle. Others may choose coastal living in Fylde or Wyre. Families may compare Chorley, South Ribble, Lancaster, West Lancashire and Ribble Valley.
Education in Lancashire: A Hub of Learning
Lancashire offers education from early years through to higher education. Families can access primary schools, secondary schools, special educational needs support, school admissions and school transport services through Lancashire County Council.
The county also has a strong further and higher education network. The University of Lancashire has campuses in Preston and Burnley. The university states that it was founded in 1828 and now teaches students across Preston, Burnley, Cumbria and Cyprus.
Lancaster University is another major institution. It is based in the north west of England. It notes that Lancaster offers city life, campus life, nearby coastal towns and access to national parks. It also states that Manchester is around one hour away by train.
Edge Hill University is based in Ormskirk, Lancashire. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate and research courses. It also describes itself as a campus university in Lancashire.
This gives Lancashire strong appeal for families, school leavers and career changers. It also supports people who want to study close to home.
Why Move to Lancashire - Employment Opportunities
Lancashire has a large and diverse economy. Invest in Lancashire describes it as a £40 billion-plus economy with more than 55,000 businesses and over 728,000 jobs. It also highlights aerospace, cyber security, clean energy, digital technology and advanced manufacturing.
The county has long-standing industrial strengths. Lancashire County Council says advanced engineering, manufacturing and energy are being supported by new investment in cyber, digital and low-carbon sectors. It also points to the National Cyber Force headquarters at Samlesbury.
Major employment areas include Preston, Samlesbury, Warton, Burnley, Blackburn, Lancaster, Chorley, Leyland and Blackpool. Key sectors include aerospace, defence, cyber, clean energy, manufacturing, health, education, logistics, tourism, retail and professional services.
Lancashire’s Growth Plan also focuses on innovation, inward investment and workforce development. The Combined County Authority says Lancashire is home to 1.57 million people, over 55,000 businesses and £40 billion in GVA.
As a result, Lancashire can suit many career paths. It has local jobs, commuter links and growing investment areas.
Why Move to Lancashire - Transport Links
Lancashire has strong road, rail and public transport links. Visit Lancashire says the M6, M55, M61 and M58 help drivers reach all corners of the county. It also states that Lancashire can be reached in less than an hour from Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.
Rail links support commuters and students. Preston sits on the West Coast Main Line. Lancaster also has strong rail access. Lancaster University notes that Lancaster is around one hour by train from Manchester and around two and a half hours from London or Edinburgh.
Public transport also supports local journeys. Lancashire County Council works with bus operators through an Enhanced Partnership. It provides bus timetables, route information and supported bus service ticket details.
Travel needs will vary by location. Rural villages may need more car use. However, many towns offer useful links to Preston, Manchester, Liverpool, Lancaster, Blackpool and the wider North West.
Exploring Attractions in Lancashire
Lancashire has a wide mix of attractions. It offers seaside resorts, castles, countryside, walking routes, museums, markets and family days out.
Visit Lancashire highlights Blackpool and Blackpool Tower in the west. It also highlights the Forest of Bowland and Pendle Hill in the east.
The Forest of Bowland is one of the county’s strongest natural assets. It offers peaceful walking, riding, cycling, wildlife watching and star-gazing. It also has historic villages, tearooms and inns.
Lancashire also includes coastal attractions. Morecambe Bay, Lytham Green, St Annes beach, Fleetwood and Blackpool Promenade all support outdoor leisure. Historic and cultural places include Lancaster Castle, Clitheroe Castle, Samlesbury Hall, Hoghton Tower, Astley Hall, Towneley Hall and the Harris Museum.
This makes Lancashire suitable for weekends, school holidays and everyday life. Residents can choose coast, countryside, heritage or entertainment without leaving the county.
Dining Out: The Best Places to Dine in Lancashire
Lancashire has a strong food and drink scene. Visit Lancashire says the county offers diverse restaurants, from Michelin-starred British cooking to international cuisines. It also highlights local and seasonal produce.
Local produce is part of the county’s identity. Visit Lancashire promotes Lancashire producers, farm shops and farmers’ markets. It also encourages visitors to discover food and drink made across the county.
Fine dining is also part of the offer. The Michelin Guide lists Moor Hall in Aughton as a three Michelin star restaurant in its 2026 guide.
There are also many everyday options. Preston, Lancaster, Blackpool, Lytham St Annes, Clitheroe, Ormskirk, Chorley and Burnley all offer cafés, pubs, restaurants and casual dining. Rural inns and farm shops also add to the appeal.
Lancashire is well suited to food lovers. You can find seaside fish and chips, countryside pubs, independent cafés, modern restaurants, local cheese, regional produce and fine dining.
Mortgage Brokers in Lancashire: Securing a Home
Buying in Lancashire can involve many choices. Your mortgage route may depend on your deposit, income, credit profile, property type and long-term plans.
A local mortgage broker can help you compare lenders. This can be useful for first-time buyers, home movers, remortgage clients and landlords.
Lancashire has many different buyer profiles. Some buyers may want affordability in Burnley, Blackpool, Blackburn or Hyndburn. Others may look for family homes in Chorley, South Ribble, Lancaster, Wyre or West Lancashire. Buyers seeking higher-value village or rural homes may compare Ribble Valley, Fylde or parts of West Lancashire.
Investors may also review demand near universities, hospitals, town centres, transport links and coastal locations. A broker can help assess the case before an application is made.
Why Lancashire is the Perfect Place to Call Home
Lancashire offers balance. It has coast, countryside, jobs, schools, universities, transport links and a strong sense of place.
The county suits many lifestyles. Families can look for schools, parks and larger homes. First-time buyers can compare more affordable towns. Commuters can use rail and road links. Students can study at local universities. Retirees can choose coast, countryside or village life.
Lancashire also has a clear identity. The red rose, historic towns, market communities, seaside resorts and rural landscapes all add character. Visit Lancashire describes the county as stretching from Blackpool and its Tower to the Forest of Bowland and Pendle Hill.
For many movers, the appeal is simple. Lancashire offers value, variety and access. It gives buyers options without losing local character.
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FAQ: Why Move to Lancashire
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What makes Lancashire a great place to live? | Lancashire offers a mix of vibrant cities, charming market towns, and stunning countryside. With the Ribble Valley, Forest of Bowland, and coastal views in Morecambe Bay, it’s ideal for those seeking natural beauty without losing access to modern amenities. |
| How affordable is housing in Lancashire compared to other regions? | The average property price in Lancashire is significantly lower than the national average, making it a great choice for first-time buyers and families. You can often find larger homes or investment opportunities for less than what you’d pay in nearby Manchester or Cheshire. |
| What are the best areas to live in Lancashire? | Popular areas include Preston for urban life, Chorley and Leyland for commuters, Clitheroe for scenic living, and Lytham St Annes for coastal charm. Each offers a unique mix of community spirit, transport links, and lifestyle appeal. |
| What’s the job market like in Lancashire? | Lancashire has a growing economy driven by manufacturing, education, healthcare, and digital industries. The county also benefits from proximity to major employment hubs like Manchester and Liverpool, making it an attractive base for professionals. |
| How good are the schools in Lancashire? | Lancashire has a strong reputation for education, with several Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ schools and respected universities such as the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in Preston. |
| Is Lancashire well connected? | Yes, with easy access to the M6, M61, and M65 motorways, direct train services to Manchester, Liverpool, and London, and Manchester Airport less than an hour away, Lancashire is well connected for both commuters and travellers. |
| What lifestyle can I expect in Lancashire? | Expect a relaxed pace of life, friendly communities, and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you enjoy coastal walks, countryside cycling, or artisan food markets, Lancashire offers a quality lifestyle that balances affordability and wellbeing. |
| Are there investment opportunities in Lancashire property? | Yes. The rental market is strong, particularly in Preston, Burnley, and Blackburn. With ongoing regeneration projects, property values show steady growth, making Lancashire a sound choice for investors. |