Living in Preston

Your expert guide to living and buying in Preston

House Prices, Schools, Lifestyle & Property Market Insights

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Quick facts

Population
162,864 residents
Office for National Statistics
Train Time to Manchester
35–50 minutes
National Rail
Average House Price
£189,000
Office for National Statistics
Average Monthly Rent
£790 pcm
Office for National Statistics

Top strengths

  • One of the North West's Best Connected Cities - Preston sits on the West Coast Main Line and at the heart of the motorway network, providing exceptional access to Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow and London.
  • Diverse Housing Market - From city-centre apartments and Victorian terraces to executive family homes in Fulwood, Cottam and Broughton, Preston caters to every type of buyer.
  • Strong Education & Employment - Excellent schools, UCLan and a growing economy continue to attract families, professionals and students to the city.

Neighbourhoods — where to live

Families & Professionals

Widely regarded as Preston's most prestigious residential area, Fulwood combines excellent schools, larger family homes and easy access to Royal Preston Hospital. The area remains one of the city's most sought-after locations.

Best for Families & Professionals

Avg. price £££

Cottam

Cottam has become one of Preston's most popular modern residential areas, with strong demand from young families drawn by its new-build housing stock and good schools. Its convenient access to Royal Preston Hospital makes it particularly popular with NHS staff, while new link road improvements continue to enhance connections to the city centre and motorway network.

Best for Young Families & NHS Staff

Avg. price £££

Ashton-on-Ribble

Located west of the city centre, Ashton remains popular for its variety of housing, local amenities and easy access to both Preston and the Fylde Coast.

Best for First-Time Buyers & Commuters

Avg. price £

Schools & transport

Schools & education

Primary Schools in Preston
Preston benefits from a wide range of highly regarded primary schools across the city. Popular schools include Fulwood St Peter's CE Primary School, Ashton Primary School and St Clare's Catholic Primary School. School catchments remain a key factor influencing demand across many residential neighbourhoods.
Secondary Schools in Preston
The city offers a broad range of secondary education options, including Archbishop Temple School, Preston Muslim Girls High School, Fulwood Academy and numerous faith and comprehensive schools. Preston's educational choice continues to be a major attraction for families.
Further Education
Preston is home to the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), one of the UK's largest universities, alongside respected institutions such as Cardinal Newman College and Preston College. The city's education sector plays a significant role in the local economy and property market.

Transport & connectivity

By Rail
Preston Railway Station is one of the North West's key transport hubs, offering direct services to Manchester, London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Liverpool.
By Road
The M6, M55, M61 and M65 converge around Preston, providing exceptional access across Lancashire and beyond.
By Air
Manchester Airport can typically be reached in around one hour via road or rail connections.

Why families choose Preston

Families continue to choose Preston because it delivers a compelling mix of affordability, education and convenience. The city offers a broad choice of neighbourhoods, from established suburbs to newer developments, enabling families to find homes that suit different budgets and lifestyles. Parents value the range of educational options available, while children benefit from parks, sports facilities and leisure amenities across the city. Areas such as Fulwood, Cottam, Broughton and Penwortham are particularly popular with families seeking long-term homes. Combined with strong employment prospects and excellent transport links, Preston continues to be one of Lancashire's leading family destinations.

Life in Preston

A City on the Rise

Regeneration and investment continue to strengthen Preston's reputation as one of the North West's most dynamic cities.

Excellent Shopping & Leisure

The city centre offers major retail brands, independent businesses, restaurants and entertainment venues.

University City Energy

The presence of UCLan contributes to a vibrant atmosphere, diverse population and strong local economy.

Outstanding Connectivity

Few northern cities can match Preston's combination of rail and motorway access.

Green Spaces & Parks

Avenham Park, Miller Park and numerous green spaces provide residents with excellent outdoor leisure opportunities.

Strong Property Market

The city's broad buyer base helps create a resilient market across sales and lettings.

Who is Preston right for?

Families

Schools, amenities and housing choice make Preston one of Lancashire's most attractive family cities.

Professionals

Excellent commuter connections and employment opportunities continue to attract professionals from across the region.

Students

UCLan brings thousands of students to the city every year, creating a vibrant and diverse environment.

Investors

Strong rental demand and a broad tenant base continue to make Preston an attractive location for property investment.

Why choose Farrell Heyworth Preston?

  • 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
Book your free valuation

Local market insight

Chris Plumpton
"Preston continues to be one of Lancashire's most active and diverse property markets. Strong demand comes from families, professionals, students and investors, creating activity across all parts of the city. Areas such as Fulwood, Cottam and Broughton remain particularly popular, while the city's ongoing investment and excellent transport links continue to attract new buyers. Preston offers a rare combination of affordability, connectivity and lifestyle that supports long-term market resilience."

Chris Plumpton

Branch Manager

Frequently asked questions

Is Preston a good place to live?

Yes. Preston offers excellent transport links, strong schools, diverse housing and a growing economy, making it one of Lancashire's most attractive places to live.

What is Preston famous for?

Preston is known for its university, rich industrial heritage, excellent transport connections and status as Lancashire's administrative centre.

Is Preston good for families?

Yes. Families benefit from excellent schools, parks, sports facilities and a wide range of neighbourhoods suited to family living.

What are the best areas to live in Preston?

Fulwood, Cottam, Broughton, Ashton-on-Ribble and nearby Penwortham are among the most sought-after locations.

Is Preston a commuter city?

Yes. Direct rail services and extensive motorway links make Preston one of the North West's strongest commuter locations.

What is the average house price in Preston?

The average house price in Preston is approximately £189,000 according to ONS data from July 2026.

What is the average rent in Preston?

The average monthly rent in Preston is approximately £790 pcm according to ONS rental statistics.

What schools are available in Preston?

Preston offers a wide range of primary and secondary schools alongside colleges and the University of Central Lancashire.

Why do people move to Preston?

People are attracted by affordability, excellent connectivity, educational opportunities, employment prospects and quality of life.

Is Preston a good place to invest in property?

Strong rental demand, population growth and a diverse housing market continue to make Preston one of Lancashire's most attractive locations for property investment.

What our customers say

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