Finding the perfect place to raise a family is one of life’s most important decisions. If Southport is on your shortlist, you are already considering one of the UK’s most sought-after coastal towns. For generations, families have been drawn to its 22 miles of stunning coastline, elegant Victorian architecture, and the famous sands of Formby just a short drive away.
But moving here in 2026 offers a unique and exciting prospect. The town is currently embracing a cultural regeneration, with a new programme, ‘Southport 2026: Elegantly Eccentric’, set to bring a vibrant new energy. This includes spectacular events like the ‘Lightport’ immersive light festival, the ‘Big Top Festival’ bringing world-class circus acts to town, and ‘Books Alive!’, a new literature festival for young readers.
This new cultural calendar, combined with the multi-million-pound regeneration of the Marine Lake Events Centre, means you are not just moving to a classic seaside town; you are moving to a town on the rise.
Beyond the attractions, Southport offers practical benefits for both first-time buyers and tenants. You will find excellent transport links, with direct trains getting you to Liverpool city centre in under 40 minutes. You also get more for your money, with a wide range of family homes that offer space and value.
This guide helps you look beyond the statistics, offering a genuine feel for the town’s most popular family areas.
What makes a perfect family neighbourhood?
Every family is different, but through years of helping people find their ideal home, we know the criteria that matter most. When researching the best family neighbourhoods in Southport, you will likely be measuring them against this checklist:
- Top-rated schools: The quality of local nurseries, primary schools, and secondary schools is often the number one priority.
- Access to green spaces: You want parks, play areas, and safe places for children to explore.
- Local amenities: The convenience of nearby shops, cafes, and family-friendly restaurants makes daily life easier.
- A strong sense of community: You are looking for a place that feels safe, welcoming, and has a true neighbourhood spirit.
- Quality family homes: You need access to a good supply of properties for both buying and renting that fit a family’s needs.
Using these five key metrics, we have explored the three areas that consistently top the list for families moving to Southport.
A detailed look: Southport’s top three family areas
While the town centre offers excellent flats for young professionals, families tend to be drawn to three distinct “villages” that each offer a unique lifestyle.
Birkdale: vibrant village life with a touch of elegance
The Vibe: Birkdale is often described as a “village within a town.” It has a vibrant, affluent, and bustling atmosphere centred around Birkdale Village. The leafy, Victorian-lined streets are home to a superb collection of independent businesses, including artisan bakeries, smart cafes, wine bars, and boutique shops. It feels self-contained, and many residents joke they rarely need to go into the town centre.
Schools: This is where Birkdale truly excels for families. The area is in the catchment for some of the region’s most in-demand schools. You will find highly-regarded primary schools like Farnborough Road Junior School and Birkdale Primary. For older children, Greenbank High School (girls) is rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, while the nearby Birkdale High School (boys) is rated ‘Good’.
Parks & Recreation: Birkdale is a very green and pleasant area. Aside from its tree-lined roads, it is most famous as the home of the Royal Birkdale Golf Club, a regular host of The Open Championship. The coastline and sand dunes are still within easy reach, offering a perfect balance of village convenience and open space.
Property: You will find some of Southport’s most impressive properties here. Grand, semi-detached, and detached Victorian and Edwardian family homes with large gardens are common. There is also a strong supply of high-specification modern flats, making it a popular (though premium) choice for professional tenants. As a guide, property prices here are generally the highest of our top three.
Best for: Families who want amenities, top-tier schools, and a bustling social scene right on their doorstep.
Churchtown: historic charm and the Botanic Gardens
The Vibe: If Birkdale is vibrant, Churchtown is tranquil. This is the historic heart of Southport, and it has a protected conservation status to prove it. The “chocolate-box” village centre, with its cobbled streets and 17th-century thatched-roof cottages, feels like stepping back in time. It is quieter than Birkdale, with a strong, close-knit community feel built around traditional pubs (like the Hesketh Arms) and local shops.
Schools: Churchtown is another educational hotspot. It is home to several ‘Outstanding’ and ‘Good’ rated primary schools. St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School is ‘Outstanding’, and Churchtown Primary School is also highly regarded. The latter is known for its excellent reception intake programme and a “forest school” that makes great use of the local environment. You will also find a dedicated baby and toddler group and parent-led schemes like the “Reading Angels,” which speaks to the area’s strong community and family focus.
Parks & Recreation: The jewel in Churchtown’s crown is the Botanic Gardens. This classic Victorian park is a local treasure, offering 22 acres of landscaped gardens, a large lake, a traditional fernery, and even a small museum. It is the perfect place for a family walk, a picnic, or feeding the ducks.
Property: The property stock here is full of character. You will find everything from the famous thatched cottages and period terraces to larger 1930s and 1950s semi-detached and detached family homes. These properties often come with generous gardens and are ideal for families looking to put down roots. It also has a healthy rental market.
Best for: Families who value green space, history, and a strong, peaceful community feel.
Ainsdale: coastal living for the active family
The Vibe: For families who live in their walking boots and wellies, Ainsdale is the perfect choice. While it also has its own “village” centre on Station Road with shops and cafes, Ainsdale’s identity is defined by the coast. It is the most “outdoorsy” of the three areas, offering an active lifestyle built around the beach, the dunes, and the nature reserve.
Schools: Ainsdale is well-served by good local primary schools, including Ainsdale St. John’s Church of England Primary, Kings Meadow Primary, and Shoreside County Primary. This makes it a dependable choice for families with young children, who can grow up walking to school with their friends.
Parks & Recreation: This is Ainsdale’s greatest strength. It is home to Ainsdale Beach, the only beach in the North West of England to be awarded a Blue Flag. This certification marks it as one of the cleanest and safest beaches in the country. It is a world-famous destination for kitesurfing, and on any windy day, you will see the sky filled with colour.
Stretching behind the beach is the Ainsdale & Birkdale Sandhills Local Nature Reserve, a vast, protected landscape of sand dunes and pine woods that is home to rare wildlife. For an active family, having this on your doorstep is an unbeatable playground.
Property: You will find a wide mix of properties in Ainsdale, suiting various budgets for both buyers and tenants. The area features everything from traditional bungalows and 1960s semi-detached houses to modern detached family homes, many with good-sized gardens. It offers excellent value and is a popular choice for first-time buyers and renters who want more space for their money.
Best for: Active families, beach lovers, and anyone who wants the coast and nature as their back garden.
How to start your Southport property search
Whether you are a first-time buyer, a seasoned home-mover, or looking to rent, starting your search in a new town can be daunting. Here are a few expert tips:
- For Buyers: Look beyond the property photos. Use online maps to check the walking route to your preferred school or the nearest park. For catchment areas, always check the local council website or the school’s own admissions policy for the most accurate information.
- For Tenants: The family rental market in popular areas like Birkdale and Churchtown can move very quickly. Have your references and deposit information ready so you can act decisively when you find the right home.
- For Everyone: Spend a weekend here. Have breakfast in Birkdale village, walk through the Botanic Gardens in Churchtown, and go for a windswept walk on Ainsdale beach. You will soon discover which area feels like home.
Let us help you find your new family home
Choosing a neighbourhood is just the first step. The next is finding the perfect property.
Northwood Southport can help you navigate school catchments, alert you to new properties, and provide honest advice to help you make the best decision for your family.
Start your Southport journey today by browsing our current family homes for sale and family homes for rent in Birkdale, Churchtown, and Ainsdale.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your move, contact our Southport office directly. We are here to help.
