Your Complete Guide to Living in Preston

Last updated: January 2025

Preston is a vibrant city with the perfect mix of historical charm, modern flare and lush green spaces – making it the perfect place to relocate whether you are a student, family or professional. Here’s our comprehensive guide to the area!

Where is Preston?

Nestled in the heart of Lancashire, Preston is a city built with a rich history. Surrounded by other UK hotspots, Preston is the heart of the north-west giving residents’ access to the rich history of Northern England.

What is Preston Famous For?

Preston is filled with a rich history with some really wholesome facts which showcase this cities quirky side!

1. First town outside of London to be lit by coal gas
2. Inspired Hard Times by Charles Dickins
3. Home to Britian’s first motorway
4. Home to the UK’s first KFC
5. Helped to shape women’s football

Best Neighbourhoods in Preston

Penwortham

Perfect for families and retirees, this suburban area has great schools, is close to the station, easy access to river walks and the Avenham park. The main high street has some lovely independent shopes and cafes, all whilst being close to the city centre.

Penwortham features spacious semi-detached and detached homes, with the average house price around £238,845 (Rightmove, January 2025)

Fulwood

If you are looking for a neighbourhood a bit further out but still with great transport links, then Fulwood is the place for you. Perfect for families and professionals, the quite residential stress, good schools and proximity to the Royal Preston Hospital and the motorway are big draws for the area.

There is more of a mix here with modern builds and period homes with a bit of character which does make the average house a bit more expensive at £289,087 (Rightmove, January 2024)

City Centre

Much like any city, crime rates are higher in the city centre, but it still remains a popular place for students and young professionals as you are right in the centre of the action. Close to the vibrant nightlife, Fishergate and St. George’s Shopping Centre and the Harris Museum, the range of flats and modern apartment builds are perfect for those looking for the more social side of the city.

You can rent a flat for around £745 pcm, with a 3 bedroom semi-detached house setting you back around £1,000 pcm. If you are a student, you’re in luck as Preston is considered to be an extremely affordable student city with Save the Student reporting the average rent to be £499 pcm.

Cost of Living in Preston

Preston is considered to be extremely affordable city which is why it is so attractive so many looking to relocate.

Basic utilities on average cost £210.21, which is 7.9% cheaper than nearby Manchester and 13.8% than the UK national average. Similarly, rent (-26.1%), restaurants (-21.1%) and groceries (-9%) in Preston are all lower than Manchester.

Similarly, compared to a similar southern city; Southampton, rent in Preston is 21.7% cheaper.

Education

Preston is a very family friendly city, with many schools holding outstanding and good ratings from ofstead.

Primary Schools

The most notable primary schools include:

• Ashton-on-Ribble St Andrew’s Church of England Primary School
• Barton St Lawrence Church of England Primary School

Secondary Schools

Highly regarded secondary schools include:

• Penwortham Priory Academy
• Broughton High School

Higher Education

Preston is also home to the University of Central Lancashire, which is ranked 87^th out of all the universities in the UK (Complete University Guide), and is ranked within the top 15% in the world for the pursual of sustainable development goals (Times Higher Education).

Transport

Preston has excellent transportation links, close to the M6, M55 and M61 motorways, it’s ideal for commuters. Similarly, the Preston Railway Station is a major hub with services to Manchester, Liverpool, Glasglow and London.

Things to Do in Preston

Cultural Attractions

• Harris Museum and Garden
• Preston Marks
• Preston Guild Hall
• Bliz Live Music Venue
• Preston Playhouse

Outdoor Activities

• Avenham and Miller Parks
• Ribble Estuary Nature Reserve
• Preston Marina

Shopping

• St George’s Shopping Centre
• Fishergate Shopping Centre
• Deepdale Shopping Park
• St John’s Shopping Centre

Dining and Nightlife

Much like any UK city, dining in Preston presents a range of different cultural experiences, the top rated include:

• Turtle Bay Preston
• All Hopes No Promises
• The Hunters Pub & Dining
• The Italian Orchard

There are also a range of different live music venues such as The Bliz and The Ferret, along with clubbing classics like Popworld, Baluga and Revolution which will let you carry on the party until the early hours.

Living in Preston: The Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable housing
• Low cost of living
• Strong sense of community
• Excellent transport links
• Lots of green spaces and parks

Cons:

• City crime rates
• Lower incomes
• Low healthcare rating

Moving to Preston? Call Your Local Preston Locksmith

Have we convinced you to move to Preston? If you are taking the leap and relocating ensure that your new home is safe by changing your locks. Our local locksmiths are on hand to provide an unmatched service, to not only secure your home but also provide peace of mind that there’s no one with a wayward key.