What's it like to live in Formby? As one of the most desirable places to live in the North West, we get asked this question all the time when relocators meet with us to look for a new home. Nestled behind rural fields and dense woodland, you'd be forgiven for thinking Formby was home to a few houses dotted in between farmland. However, venture down the long and winding lanes and you'll soon discover there is much more to this coastal gem than meets the eye.
Here are five top reasons you should make the move to live in Formby according to a Southport estate agent...
1. You're Looking for Peace & Quiet
Even though Formby has a thriving local community, it's stayed true to its roots as a sleepy, family-orientated town. It's a place where many people escape to after tiring of the hustle and bustle that comes with living in a busy city suburb, making it the ideal location for those looking for peace and quiet.
During the summer months, there is still a serene atmosphere that envelopes the town, as the sky-scraping pine trees protect its residents from the commotion that tourists bring when flocking to enjoy the beach. There are some beautiful properties for sale in Formby that are located so close to Formby Beach and Pinewoods that they are practically in their back garden.
2. You Want Rural but Not Too Rural
Let's be honest, the idea of being cut off from the world may sound like a dream come true, especially after a long 9-5 with your nearest and dearest, but when you are actually stuck in the middle of nowhere, the novelty wears off quite fast. That's why Formby is an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy the best of both worlds. The village is home to some delightful bars and restaurants, so meeting up with friends is always an option.
Despite it feeling a world away from nearby Liverpool, the excellent transport links mean that residents are never too far away from taking advantage of the job opportunities, culture and nightlife that comes with living near a cosmopolitan city. So, if you want to go to the beach at 12 and be sipping cocktails in a swanky bar at 2, that's totally possible...with a quick wardrobe change, of course!
3. You Love the Great Outdoors
All hail Mother Nature and her ability to get children away from their screens and the ever-expanding electricity bill. There is nothing better than being in the great outdoors, enjoying some amazing, free, creative, totally free, memory-making, costs nothing fun! As an estate agent in Southport, we really shouldn't have favourites, it's kind of against the rules, but Formby really is one of the best places to live in Southport; the sheer amount of natural beauty right on our doorstep is incredible.
With stunning white sandy beaches, exotic sand dunes and towering pine trees, it's a suburban wilderness and the beating heart of the local's lifestyle. From relaxing walks along Formby Beach to adventurous asparagus trails through Formby Pinewoods, it's a place where you can escape from the world for a few hours and bask in the glory of nature.
4. You Want a Choice of Good Schools
Alongside the lifestyle that children get to enjoy, there are some fantastic schools in Formby that make the area a hotspot for families looking to relocate before the really important education years start. So when you're looking at properties for sale in Formby and notice the slightly higher-than-average house prices, don't panic, you're going to get a lot of bang for your buck here and that's even without considering the beautiful but endangered red squirrels as your neighbours!
There are plenty of schools to choose from in the local area, you can check some of them out in our Formby Area Guide!
5. You Want a Fantastic Social Life
Formby is home to the wonderful Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa, a luxurious hotel that is also a brilliant place to spend your evenings and weekends. With a bar, restaurant and regular events, it's a great place to meet with friends and family.
For those who want to spend their days on the golf course, Formby Hall boasts an 18 hole Championship Course, 9 hole Woodhey Dunes Course and a PGA Academy. With various membership options, there is bound to be an option to suit you! The spa and health club are the perfect places to relax and unwind after a game or a long day of work. Make sure if you're moving to Formby that you take a look at the hotel, we promise you won't be disappointed.