Living in Barrow In Furness

House Prices, Schools, Lifestyle & Property Market Insights

Your expert guide to living and buying Barrow

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Quick facts

Population
67,000
Office for National Statistics
Train Time to Manchester
Approx 140 minutes
National Rail Journey Planner
Average Asking Price
£175,000-£190,000
Rightmove House Price Trends
Average Monthly Rent
£750-£850 pcm
ONS Private Rental Market Statistics

Top strengths

  • Exceptional Employment Opportunities - Few Lancashire and Cumbria locations can match Barrow's concentration of highly skilled engineering, manufacturing and defence-based careers.
  • Outstanding Value for Money - Buyers often secure significantly larger homes for their budget compared to many parts of Lancashire, Greater Manchester and the South Lakes.
  • Coast, Countryside and Adventure - The coastline, Lake District National Park and Furness Peninsula offer endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Neighbourhoods — where to live

Hawcoat

Hawcoat remains one of Barrow's most desirable residential areas, offering larger detached and semi-detached homes, excellent schools and a quieter suburban feel. Properties are popular with professional families seeking long-term homes.

Best for Families and Professionals

Avg. price £££

Roose

Located to the east of the town centre, Roose provides a strong mix of family housing, schools and local amenities. The area continues to attract buyers looking for space and value.

Best for Growing Families

Avg. price ££

Newbarns

One of Barrow's most sought-after locations, Newbarns offers attractive residential streets, larger properties and excellent access to parks, schools and the coastline.

Best for Professionals and Established Buyers

Avg. price £££

Schools & transport

Schools & education

Primary Schools in Barrow-in-Furness
Families moving to Barrow benefit from a wide range of primary schools located throughout the town. Popular schools include Newbarns Primary School, Croftlands Infant School and St Bernard's Catholic Primary School. School availability remains an important factor in driving demand across many of the town's family-focused neighbourhoods.
Secondary Schools in Barrow-in-Furness
Barrow offers a range of secondary school options, including schools such as Furness Academy, Walney School and St Bernard's Catholic High School. The area also benefits from specialist educational provision and strong links between local education providers and major employers.
Further Education
Education and skills development play an important role in the local economy. Furness College provides a broad range of vocational and academic qualifications, while partnerships between education providers and major employers support apprenticeships and technical training opportunities.

Transport & connectivity

By Rail
Direct rail services connect Barrow-in-Furness to Lancaster, Preston, Manchester and Carlisle.
By Road
The A590 provides direct access to the M6 motorway and wider North West road network.
By Air
Manchester Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport are both accessible for national and international travel.

Why families choose Barrow In Furness

Families continue to choose Barrow because it offers an appealing combination of affordability, career opportunities and access to outdoor space. Housing often provides significantly more value than comparable properties elsewhere in the North West, enabling families to secure larger homes and gardens. The town benefits from a broad range of schools, sports facilities and community amenities, while the nearby coastline and national parks offer exceptional outdoor opportunities. Parents working within engineering, defence, healthcare and education sectors also benefit from strong local employment opportunities. For many families, Barrow represents a chance to achieve a higher quality of life without the housing costs associated with larger cities.

Life in Barrow In Furness

Affordable Home Ownership

Housing affordability continues to attract both local buyers and those relocating from elsewhere in the UK.

Coastal Living

Residents enjoy easy access to beaches, coastal walks and spectacular views across Morecambe Bay and the Irish Sea.

A Thriving Employment Hub

Barrow remains one of the UK's most significant centres for advanced manufacturing, engineering and shipbuilding, providing thousands of highly skilled jobs.

Gateway to the Lake District

The southern Lake District sits within easy reach, making weekend adventures and outdoor recreation part of everyday life.

Growing Investment & Regeneration

Public and private investment continues to support infrastructure, housing and economic development throughout the wider area.

Strong Community Spirit

The town retains a proud local identity supported by sports clubs, community groups and family-friendly events.

Who is Barrow In Furness right for?

Engineering & Manufacturing Professionals

Major employers provide outstanding career opportunities in specialist sectors.

Families

Affordable family homes, schools and outdoor space continue to attract long-term residents.

First-Time Buyers

Barrow often provides exceptional value for buyers entering the property market.

Lifestyle Movers

Those relocating from larger urban areas are increasingly attracted by affordability, space and coastal living.

Why choose Farrell Heyworth Barrow In Furness?

  • Local experts with deep knowledge of the market
  • Comprehensive marketing to sell or let your property
  • Award-winning service with thousands of 5-star reviews
  • Part of the North West's most trusted estate agency
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Local market insight

Daniel Carlton
"Barrow-in-Furness continues to experience strong demand driven by employment growth, infrastructure investment and excellent value for money. Family homes remain particularly sought after, while relocating buyers are increasingly recognising the lifestyle benefits of the Furness Peninsula. The local market benefits from a broad range of buyers, from first-time purchasers through to professionals relocating for career opportunities, creating consistent levels of activity throughout the year."

Daniel Carlton

Branch Manager

Frequently asked questions

Is Barrow-in-Furness a good place to live?

Yes. Barrow offers excellent employment opportunities, affordable housing and access to both the Cumbrian coastline and the Lake District.

What is Barrow-in-Furness famous for?

The town is internationally recognised for shipbuilding and advanced engineering, particularly within the defence sector.

Is Barrow-in-Furness good for families?

Yes. Affordable housing, schools, sports facilities and access to outdoor activities make Barrow popular with families.

What are the best areas to live in Barrow-in-Furness?

Hawcoat, Roose and Newbarns are among the town's most sought-after residential locations.

Is Barrow-in-Furness good for commuters?

While more remote than many Lancashire locations, road and rail links provide practical connections across Cumbria and the North West.

What is the average house price in Barrow-in-Furness?

Average property values generally range between £175,000 and £190,000 depending on market conditions and property type.

What schools are available in Barrow?

The area offers a range of well-established primary and secondary schools alongside further education opportunities through Furness College.

What is there to do in Barrow-in-Furness?

Residents enjoy beaches, coastal walks, nature reserves, watersports, local attractions and easy access to the Lake District National Park.

Why do people move to Barrow-in-Furness?

People are attracted by strong employment opportunities, affordable housing and a lifestyle that combines coast, countryside and community.

Is Barrow-in-Furness a good place to invest in property?

Strong employment, affordability and continued regeneration continue to support long-term demand across the local property market.

What our customers say

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