aerial-view-old-trafford
3 min read

Moving to… Trafford

With Manchester to the north and Chester to the south, Trafford gives you easy access to one of the UK’s liveliest cities and sprawling countryside simultaneously. It’s the best of both worlds. And in this guide, we’re looking at what to expect if you’re planning on moving to Trafford, from the local transport options to entertainment amenities and more.

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A brief history of Trafford

Evidence shows that Trafford existed as far back as the Neolithic age, with activity also recorded in the Bronze Age and during Roman times. Yet, it wasn’t until the 19th century that Trafford’s population expanded rapidly with the arrival of the railway. It’s also known as the home of football club Manchester United, who have played at the Old Trafford stadium since 1910.

Where is Trafford

Trafford is a metropolitan borough of Greater Manchester spanning around 41 square miles. It includes the towns of Altrincham, Stretford, Urmston, Partington and Sale and is around 13 miles from Manchester city centre.

Moving to Trafford

There are plenty of popular areas to call home in Trafford, including Altrincham and Sale. Expect to find a variety of houses, many of which are charming period properties close to excellent travel connections.

Buying in Trafford

The average sold price in Trafford is £379,400, which is higher than the UK national average of £329,547. Expect to pay an average of £370,844 for a semi-detached home, £300,188 for a terraced house and £219,110 for an apartment.

There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Trafford, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.

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Renting in Trafford

One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £875 per month in Trafford, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £1,000 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £1,300 per month.

Cost of living

If you’re moving to Trafford, you can expect to pay similar prices to the UK national average when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £15, while a cappuccino and a pint of milk cost about £3 and £1 respectively.

Utility bills are considerably higher than national average (UK average £155) in Trafford, at around £175 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal. Expect to pay around £26 per month for broadband.

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The Millennium Bridge, Trafford Wharf, Greater Manchester

Living in Trafford

Open spaces

Trafford itself isn’t the greenest of areas, but nearby Chester offers plenty of nature for you to discover. The Peak District is also about 25 miles away and offers scenic sights ideal for anyone after a leisurely stroll.

Transport links

The Manchester Metrolink is the primary transport method in Trafford. It runs through Altrincham and into the heart of Manchester. Drivers will benefit from the M60, which crosses through the northern part of Strafford.

Shopping

While Manchester has some of the best retail options in the UK. Trafford also happens to be an exciting place to go for a spot of shopping. The Trafford Centre is perhaps the most well-known shopping site in the area and is the second-largest shopping centre in the UK. Here, you’ll find a range of favourites, including John Lewis, Apple and Selfridges.

Eateries

There’s a good mix of chain restaurants and independent spots in Trafford. From burger places to vegan places and traditional Italian restaurants, Trafford offers for everyone something.

Nightlife

You’ll find plenty of bars and pubs in and around Trafford, with Altrincham, Sale and Urmston offering some of the best options. For nightlife lasting until the early hours of the morning, head to Manchester and experience a night in one of the lively clubs.

Art & culture

Trafford is home to more than 230 Grade I and Grade II listed buildings. Meaning there are plenty of historical and cultural buildings to visit. See exhibitions at Sale Waterside Arts Centre or spend some time at the award-winning Imperial War Museum North, which is located in Trafford Park.

Things to do

Visit Old Trafford and join 75k-plus people to watch Premier League heavyweights Manchester United play in the Premier League. Or catch a game at the Lancashire County Cricket Club before watching the Sale Sharks play rugby.

What’s not to like?

Trafford doesn’t quite match up to Manchester for big-city buzz, although areas like Altrincham offer a quiet alternative for anyone who wants to escape the noiseIt’s not quite Manchester, where you have the best of everything on your doorstep.

Who lives there?

Trafford has a population of just 236,000 and a median age of 39.

Typical broadband speeds

Trafford benefits from the Gig1 service, meaning broadband speeds can reach an impressive 1,130Mbps – considerably higher than the UK national average of 67mbps.

Crime rates

The overall crime rate in Trafford averages around 81 crimes per 1,000 people.

Moving to Trafford

Move iQ’s property report provides an in-depth analysis of specific properties as well as details about the local area of Trafford. If you’re thinking of moving, make sure you get one first!

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Last Updated: November 1st, 2024