A NEW report has revealed the top places to raise a family across England – and Warrington has been ranked seventh.
The research comes from the outdoor play equipment manufacturer and specialists outdoortoys, who analysed key factors such as safety, childcare costs, school performance, and access to outdoor space to show where family life feels easier to manage, and where it can feel more stretched.
Warrington came seventh overall, with the average cost of childcare coming to £1,096.00 and around 81 per cent of schools being rated outstanding or good, make it an ideal place to start a family. Additionally families in the area benefit from around 20 child-friendly attractions per 100,000 people and 810 m2 of green space per person.
This can mean children spending more time outdoors, walking short distances with friends, or using local spaces with greater independence. These are the moments that can help build confidence over time.
Sheffield came top of the table while Manchester ranked last overall with safety emerging as the biggest challenge due to crime levels reaching 145 incidents per 1,000 people, significantly above the study average.
Warrington’s crime rate was 69 per 1,000 people.
Alex Price, product manager at outdoortoys said: “Where children grow up has a lasting impact on how they spend their time. In areas with milder weather and lower rainfall, like Southampton or Cambridge, it’s simply easier to get outside more often without needing to plan around the conditions.
“When there’s somewhere nearby to play (a garden with swings, climbing frames, or playhouses, a local park, or a safe open space), children tend to spend more time being active and independent. Over time, that builds confidence, social skills, and a sense of freedom that’s much harder to develop when outdoor time is limited or heavily planned.
“It’s not about having perfect surroundings. It’s about making the most of what’s available and creating simple opportunities for outdoor play as part of everyday routines”
You can find the full research here: https://www.outdoortoys.com/blogs/campaigns/best-places-to-raise-children
