I'm thinking about taking a job in Manchester, which would bring my partner Tim and I overseas (from the US) for a few years. The job would be in central Manchester, with some occasional trips to Liverpool. My partner and I are in our 30s/40s, no kids, one dog who would come with. We'd like to find a place where we could live w/o a car, and have pubs and shops and things in walking distance.
Anyone got advice about areas to consider? I've been thinking about Eccles as a good option - relatively close to central Manchester but also on the Liverpool train line, good transport links, reasonably up and coming area if we buy a place (the job's a 3 year gig and right now we're not planning on being permanent expats, so resale value would be important too).
Eccles looks good on paper but I've no idea what it is like in terms of livability. Anyone got input about Eccles, or other areas to consider?