Moving to Preston  

Before the move, it’s important to get to know your new city. The city of Preston in Lancashire has a population of 313,000, with 114,000 of those people in the city centre alone.  Nestled into the north of England, the city has a rich Roman and textiles history. The architecture of the city reflects the many stages of development and industry, making every walk a chance to discover new and interesting buildings and architecture.

Preston is also the proud home of English football. Preston North End F.C, the football grounds in the city, is one of the oldest grounds in the UK professional league. 

 

The History of Preston 

The city of Preston has a long and interesting history: there is evidence of Roman roads and it was recorded in the Domesday book as ‘Prestune’. Preston went on to become a market town in the middle ages, before becoming a hub for textile production in the 13th century. Notably, the city is also the birthplace of the inventor of the spinning frame, Sir Richard Arkwright.

Preston boomed during the industrial revolution, where the new technology and developments increased textile productions in the city like never before. This period of great production ended in the mid 20th century, when like much of the northern industry cities, Preston faced a period of deprivation and stark reduction in industry.

During the 60’s one of the city’s most recognisable modern buildings was built: the Preston Bus Station is an iconic modernist structure that remains a protected focal point of the city to this day. The city has enjoyed a period of reinvention since, with a focus on culture, architecture and new enterprise. Preston became a city in 2002 and is now a bustling and exciting place to live in the UK.

 

Preston: highlights and culture

The city is full of culture and history to discover. Preston’s many and varied phases of development, and the pride in that, has resulted in a host of incredible museums and art exhibitions to visit.

If you want to get to know the history of your new city better, we suggest taking a walk around some of the most impressive protected and listed buildings. Our favourites are the Harris Public Library, Museum and Art Gallery, Preston Canotaph, and St Walburge’s Church. Equally, the Avenham & Miller Parks designed by Edward Milner in 1860s are a great place to explore.

The city is a cultural hub in the North of England: Preston has many great music, art and comedy venues, as well as a range of types and styles of places to eat.

 

Things to do in Preston

Our moving experience doesn’t stop when the boxes have been unpacked. Let Santa Fe recommend the best things to do once you’re all moved in:

  • Brucciani’s coffee house is our favourite place to stop for exceptional quality coffee and snacks.
  • Take the time to queue for some traditional ‘parched peas’ at The Prestonian’.
  • If you’re a fan of decorative and fine arts, take a leisurely stroll around the Harris Museum and Library and the market, all set within an impressive Grade 1 listed building.
  • Take your pick from one of the city’s varied and exciting gig and live music venues. There is something for everyone, with events on most nights of the week.

Before your move, our local knowledge can help you get the feel of Preston. At Santa Fe, our local knowledge comes into its own during a local orientation tour. We organise a personalised trip to help you acclimatise, take a look at the housing locations we think will suit your lifestyle, and get a taste for the culture.

 

Where’s best to live in Preston?

Thanks to the many phases of development, Preston benefits from a variety of design, size and type of property, in a selection of different areas. The house prices in Preston are very competitive, with the average price of a detached home around £280,000-300,000 (accurate as of March 2019).

Here are our favourite areas:

  • Avenham Park – this river side, city centre area offers Georgian and early Victorian town houses and converted apartments. Great for convenience.
  • Whitesnake – the suburban feel makes this a great location for families and those looking for a quieter pace of life.
  • Fulwood – a peaceful suburb to the north of the city.
  • Watling Street Road, Higher and Lower Bank Roads – this conservation area offers impressive grand Victorian semi-detached homes and town houses in an city location.

We can help you with your property search. At Santa Fe, we have property experts who can advise you of areas in Preston that meet your needs, and even help you find your dream home. Let us help to make your move easy.

 

Family life and education in Preston

Preston is an ideal family location. With lots to do, good house prices and a great selection of school choices, a family move to Preston should meet all your needs.

The city benefits from a large number of outstanding rated primary schools, such as Cop Lane CofE, or Queen’s Drive. Equally, there are a good number of good or excellent rated secondary schools: Ashton Community School, Christ the Kind Catholic High and All Hallows Catholic High are just three of the great secondary choices available.

The city’s also home to the University of Central Lancashire (formally Preston Polytechnic), which is the sixth largest University in the UK.

Santa Fe provide local experts who can advise you in your school search, as well as guide you through the application process. We aim to make every part of your move easy.

 

Preston: Travel information

Preston benefits from excellent transport links. It sits along the west coast train line, providing direct trains to other leading towns and major cities in the north. You are just 10 to 20 minutes from Wigan by train, under an hour from Manchester, 35 minutes from Blackpool and just an hour on the train from Liverpool.

Preston is also right on the M6: the drive to Manchester is just under an hour; to Liverpool it’s just over an hour; and you can reach Blackpool in around 30 minutes.

The city also has great links to Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds Bradford airports for domestic and international travel.

 

How can Santa Fe Relocation help with your move to Preston?

We provide a one stop moving shop. Whatever you need from your move, we’ve got it covered: from finding your perfect new home, advising on the best schools for your family, storing your possessions while you decide, or just helping you get to know your new area.

We tailor your move to you, and this all comes with our premium packing, removals and unpacking service. We make moving home easy for you. Get a free moving quote from Santa Fe, and discover how we could make this the best move of your life.

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