New Homes in Merseyside

Experience culture, history and coastal countryside

Encompassing the city of Liverpool - which was named the European Capital of Culture in 2008 - along with the smaller towns of Knowsley, Wirral, Sefton and St Helens, Merseyside is certainly a diverse and exciting place to live. From Liverpool’s historic Albert Docks to the fresh sea air at Ainsdale Beach, it’s no wonder that new homes in Merseyside are so popular with house buyers through the generations.

Merseyside through the ages

Liverpool is the biggest place in Merseyside, but back in the 13th century the city was just a small town that started life as a port used for trade and transportation to and from Ireland. After a regular market was set up, people began settling in the area, and by medieval times Liverpool was becoming a bustling settlement. During the English Civil War, many of Liverpool’s residents were killed or injured in the fighting, but by the end of the 17th century there was further growth as the port began trading with North America.

In the 18th century, important industries in Liverpool included sugar refining, rope-making, and the slave trade. By the 19th century, the population of Liverpool was booming, and it officially became a city in 1880. During the Second World War, the Liverpool Blitz saw heaving bombing in and around the city, with air raids through 1940 and 1941, and one bomb in particular killing 166 people who were seeking refuge in an air raid shelter.

Must-know info for families

If you’re moving to Merseyside with your children, it’s assuring to know that there are a large number of excellent schools in Liverpool and the surrounding areas, including The Blue Coat School in Wavertree, Wirral Grammar School for Girls in Bebington, Upton Hall School FCJ in Upton, West Kirby Grammar School, Wirral Grammar School for Boys in Bebington and Calday Grange Grammar School.

For higher education, universities include Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Hope University and the University of Liverpool. The City of Liverpool College, Knowsley Community College and Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts are also located close to your new home in Merseyside.

Places to see and things to do

When it comes to family-friendly entertainment and days out, there’s plenty to see and do in Merseyside. Knowsley Safari Park is a great place to take young children, while football fans will love taking a tour or seeing a match at Everton’s home ground Goodison Park, and Liverpool’s iconic Anfield stadium. For a breath of fresh air, Crosby Beach is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon, while Wirral Country Park, Southport Beach and Ainsdale Beach are also popular.

What about business?

Although Merseyside’s industry has historically centred around the port, today the region’s business scene is very wide-reaching, from retail through to banking, engineering and manufacturing. Liverpool has even been named the ‘UK capital for fast-growth firms’, making it an exciting place to live and work.

Big businesses operating from Merseyside include TJ Morris (trading as Home Bargains), European Metal Recycling, Princes food and drink group, Matalan Retail, the legal firm Hill Dickinson, Bibby Line Group, Santander commercial banking and aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

For travel

For commuters, Merseyside is easy to travel around either by car, bus or train. Liverpool alone has around 20 train stations, with the largest being Lime Street, while the surrounding towns and suburbs have trains linking with Liverpool and beyond.

If you want to travel further afield, the journey from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester by train takes around 50 minutes, while the train journey to London takes less than 3 hours. Liverpool John Lennon Airport has flights with major airlines travelling all over the world.