A LEADING lifestyle website has compiled a list of the ‘Top 300 Places to Live’, including both Chester and Tarporley.
Muddy Stilettos has selected the two Cheshire West locations among its impressive list of the most desirable areas.
Assessing unique features, the food scene, shopping, health and wellbeing, attractions, culture, schooling and more, the extensive criteria ensure that those selected have been thoroughly investigated.
Chester
Muddy Stilettos says that Chester brings residents the “urbane living without all the rush rush rush of the kingpin cities”.
Its centre has all of the fun of a larger city but feels “small, interesting and tranquil.”
It is also lauded for its impressive food scene, with Chester Market, Sticky Walnut, Chef’s Table, Twenty Eight, The Forge, Covino, Jaunty Goat and The Flower Cup mentioned as examples of its excellence.
Equally, its extensive range of independent shops is also a plus point, with the Rows highlighted for its historic charm.
History also feeds into to Chester’s other unique features, such as the Roman amphitheatre, Grosvenor Museum and Sick to Death, among others.
Community events and the city’s “lively cultural calendar" also gets a highlight, with Chester Pride, Autumn Racing Food and Drink Weekend at Chester Racecourse, and Chester Food and Craft Festival all getting a mention.
Properties in Chester average £297,638 with semis worth around £316,205, terraced homes averaging £251,455, and flats fetching £183,377.
Tarporley
With “country living at its core” Tarporley also makes the list.
A handsome area, the “glorious” Georgian-era high street is a highlight along with multiple historic pubs and classy bistros.
Rascal and Radical, a reimagined fire station, provides an “imaginative all-day dining menu” whilst spots like The Swan – which dates back to 1762 – provide a proper “village boozer” with tasty food options.
The Coast, the Little Tap, Terrarium, Latte Da Tarporley and Ginger and Pickles also receive praise.
Like Chester, Tarporley also features plenty of independent shops and boutiques, including the likes of Sve, The Attic Room and of course the ever-popular Hollies Farm Shop just 10 minutes’ drive away from the high street.
The lifestyle site also points out Weetwood Distillery and Brewhouse as a “best kept secret” with a rotating cast of street food vendors in residence on Thursday evenings.
Properties in Tarporley had an overall average price of £471,139 in 2024. Semis are worth around £381,333. Detached houses average £635,000, with terraced homes fetching £301,750.
The full ‘Best Places to Live 2025’ list , compiled in association with estate agents Knight Frank, can be found at: Best Places to Live | Muddy Stilettos | Muddy Stilettos.
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