October 13, 2016
selected branch: Liverpool
A vibrant city that offers the best in metropolitan living, Liverpool has long been known as a cultural centre in the UK. Not only that, on the outskirts of the hustle and bustle, you’ll find picturesque green spaces and coastal towns. From housing options including a growing number of new-builds and modern apartments to grand Victorian mansions, the city has properties to suit every taste.
Are you looking to settle down in Liverpool? Read on to learn more about what you can look forward to in the city.
From unveiling the world’s first wet dock in 1715, to launching music sensation The Beatles, Liverpool is a city surrounded by history.
Based where the River Mersey meets the Irish Sea, the maritime city was once comprised of only seven streets, all of which remain today. It was only in 1846, when Liverpool completed work on the Albert Dock complex, that it became a booming centre of international trade.
To showcase Liverpool’s status, many landmark buildings were constructed, including St. George’s Hall and Lime Street Station, and the city became one of the first to have a passenger railway.
In 2004, the waterfront was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and to date, the city is host to an impressive catalogue of 2,500 listed buildings, many of which host regular tours. The Museum of Liverpool is a popular option, with interactive exhibitions that take you on a journey through the founding of the city, the impact of WW2, and Liverpool’s iconic role in 1960s pop culture.
In 2008, Liverpool was awarded European Capital of Culture and since then, the city has seen a continued rise in independent shops and eateries. You’ll find an array of world-class museums and galleries around the waterfront, including the Merseyside Maritime Museum, and more cultural attractions.
Synonymous with arts and music, Liverpool is known for its annual series of festivals and live events that draw in crowds of locals and tourists alike. From Creamfields to Liverpool International Jazz Festival, there’s something for everyone, and events take place all around the city.
Liverpool is a melting pot and as such, there is no shortage of fine cuisine from all over the world. From independent delicatessens to high-end restaurants, it’s debatable whether a life-long local could have tried every eatery on offer. The famous Cavern Club is an essential point of interest, famed for hosting performances by the Beatles in the 1960s.
The city hosts the Liverpool Food and Drink Festival twice a year, often showcasing culinary talents that utilise local produce. Be sure to try ‘Scouse’, a stew of meat and vegetables served with beetroot, cabbage and crusty bread, one of the most famous dishes created in Liverpool.
It is difficult to compete with Liverpool when it comes to the city’s sheer variety of shopping options. Whether you prefer high street names or hunting for treasures in suburban vintage stores, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Liverpool ONE houses over 170 well-known shops and can be found right on the waterfront, and Bold Street isn’t far, with independent retailers offering everything from retro clothing to vinyl.
Liverpool is home to a number of well-regarded universities, including the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores and Liverpool Hope. The city sees floods of students each year, owing to the high standards of education, as well as its famous culture and nightlife.
There is also a number of top-rated primary schools in Liverpool, many of which are located in its suburbs, in addition to excellent secondary schools, private schools and specialist colleges. A full list of institutions and area-specific information can be found on the Liverpool City Council website.
Transport links in Liverpool are reliable and make commuting easy, whether you’re based in the city centre or coastal areas. Liverpool boasts a fantastic network of bus, train and ferry lines, as well as an international airport.
Travelling to the city is affordable and made simple with regular routes from all outlying suburban areas. The M62 motorway links Liverpool with Manchester, Leeds, Hull and Huddersfield, and following that, the M6 leads to Birmingham and cities further out.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is located to the South East, less than a 30-minute drive from the city centre. Already offering a huge range of destinations, the airport is due to grow and establish a new terminal by 2030.
If you need advice for first-time buying in Liverpool – or if you’re looking for a reliable mortgage broker in the North West – don’t hesitate to contact us today.
We’re experts on all things mortgage-related (and our services are always 100% free).
October 13, 2016
October 13, 2016