1. House Prices
Let’s start with the obvious then shall we? From January to March 2013, the average house price in London was £454,644, whereas in Liverpool it was £119,102. Although to some extent, there are reasons for this, the next nine points will hopefully explain why these reasons should not be enough to stop you from making Liverpool your home.
2. Reputation
Regrettably, any defence of Merseyside needs to deal with this at some point. If you do develop affection for Liverpool, you need to make sure you make the following point loud and clear to everyone you meet: for almost any measure of deprivation imaginable, from crime to youth unemployment, the statistics for Liverpool are no different to any other large Northern city, and compare favourably to many London boroughs.
3. Culture
The 2008 European capital of culture had continued to stake its claim to be a world class cultural city. It had more museums and art galleries than any city outside London. Additionally, film and music festivals, and other cultural events, continue to be an important part of the city’s calendar. All of this helps to make Liverpool and increasingly interesting and dynamic place to live.
4. Sport
With two of the most celebrated football teams in the world (and the one that plays at Anfield), Liverpool has always been a great sporting city. This is not limited to football either, Liverpool Cricket Club is one of the major outgrounds used by Lancashire.
5. Identity
To some extent of course, the idea of an “Independent Republic of Merseyside” is a southern based caricature. That is not to say that there isn’t something unique about Liverpudlian identity. Whether it comes from a sense of injustice over the deindustrialisation process of the 1980’s, or more deeply rooted historical grievances over events like the construction of the Manchester Ship Canal, isn’t really the point. Indeed, research by the Local Government Boundary Commission showed that the identity of “Merseyside” stretched further into the countryside than similar identities of other northern cities. If you move to Liverpool, you do become part of something interesting and unique.
6. Education
If you’re looking to move out of London to study, Liverpool is certainly worthy of consideration. The University of Liverpool, a member of the Russell Group, is a world class institution by any reasonable definition of the term, consistently ranked among the UK’s top twenty universities. With three universities, a legendary nightlife, and a term time population of 70,000 students, it all adds up to a fantastic place to go to university.
7. Transport
It’san easy journey by road or rail from Liverpool to other major urban centres, such as Manchester and Leeds. For more long distance commuters, it’s just over two hours by train from Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston. Additionally, Liverpool John Lennon Airport flies to many destinations throughout Europe.
8. History
The great port of the British Empire has been, in the words of its University “home to explorers and revolutionaries for over 800 years”. What is certainly true is that anyone with any interest in history will find plenty to keep them occupied, with well preserved relics of the past like the Liver Building and the Albert Dock.
9. Suburbs
Beyond the vibrant inner city, Liverpool has plenty to offer those looking for something a little quieter. Southport to the North and the Wirral to the South are as legitimately suburban as anywhere you’d find down south.
10. Growth
The days when the government planned a “managed decline” of Liverpool are long gone. It’s the UK’s fastest growing city outside London and has more scientists than Cambridge. With 36,000 active businesses in the city-region, Liverpool is an economically dynamic place to be.With transport links and cultural attractions being the best they’ve ever been, Liverpool tourism is booming and a great booster for the economy. Let’s not forget that part of the attraction of Liverpool that has played a large part in the city’s economic growth is its hospitality scene. Liverpool can now be classed as one of the best nights out in England.
Useful Information
Get information on nightlife in Liverpool at A Night in Liverpool, while you can also read about the city’s history here, find out what degree courses are on offer at the prestigious University of Liverpool and peruse the house prices at Keepmoat
Have you relocated from London to Liverpool recently? Or are you planning to? Do you have similar ideas about British cities? Even if you’re planning on moving in the other direction, share your thoughts below!
Alex is an enthusiastic blogger, with a great interest in the gradual economic regeneration of Northern England. He has family links in both London and the North West.
