If you’re considering a move to Skerton in Lancaster, Lancashire, you’re in for a mixed bag of experiences. Nestled on the north bank of the River Lune, Skerton offers a blend of suburban charm and proximity to the city. But let’s be honest—no place is perfect. This article aims to cover the good, the bad, and everything in between about living in Skerton, so you can make an informed decision.
Is Skerton safe?
When it comes to safety, Skerton tends to polarise opinions. On the one hand, long-time residents will tell you they’ve never felt safer. On the other hand, crime data does show some hotspots. For example, the shopping area sees its fair share of shoplifting, and Calkeld Lane has reported instances of anti-social behaviour. However, these incidents are often limited to specific areas and times.
Local opinion is diverse on the matter. Some say you should always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid certain areas late at night, while others feel confident in the community-oriented environment. Police patrols are frequent, and local initiatives aim to improve safety. It’s worth noting that many residents get involved in neighbourhood watch schemes, which helps foster a sense of community and security.
Is Skerton a nice place to live for families?
Family-Friendly Activities
When it comes to family life, Skerton has its perks. There are plenty of parks and playgrounds where children can play safely. Ryelands Park is a well-known spot, popular for its open spaces and playground facilities. Community centres often run family events, which can be a great way to meet other parents and kids.
Schools
Skerton doesn’t boast any outstanding schools, but the ones it does have are generally well-regarded. Skerton St Luke’s Church of England Primary School and Lancaster Ryelands Primary School both have ‘Good’ ratings and are popular choices among parents. Secondary school options include Central Lancaster High School, also rated ‘Good.’
However, getting a spot in some of these schools can be tricky due to catchment areas. If you have your heart set on a particular school, it’s worth checking the catchment area rules and maybe even talking to local parents for their insights.
Is Skerton expensive?
Skerton is relatively affordable compared to some of its neighbouring areas. The average property price last year was around £170,000. Semi-detached houses were the most common type of property sold, fetching around £185,000. Terraced houses and flats are even more affordable, at £145,000 and £130,000 respectively.
Renting is also reasonable. A two-bedroom house can be rented for about £850 a month, while a similar-sized terraced house goes for around £550. However, rental availability is somewhat limited, so you’ll need to act quickly when a good property comes onto the market.
If you’re looking for even more affordable options, you might want to consider neighbouring areas like Morecambe or Heysham. They offer similar amenities but at slightly lower prices, although you might sacrifice some convenience and proximity to Lancaster city centre.
What transport links are there?
Skerton is well-connected when it comes to transport. There are several bus routes that can get you into Lancaster city centre in no time. The main roads are well-maintained, making driving relatively hassle-free. For those who commute, the M6 motorway is easily accessible, providing straightforward routes to major cities like Manchester and Liverpool.
Trains from Lancaster station are frequent and can take you to various destinations across the UK. Cyclists will also be pleased to know that there are numerous bike paths and lanes, promoting a more eco-friendly mode of getting around.
What amenities are available in Skerton?
Skerton offers a decent range of amenities. Whether you’re in need of a pint of milk, a night out, or a quick bite, you’ll find what you need locally. Sainsbury’s and Lidl provide your supermarket needs, while smaller convenience stores like SPAR and Morrisons Daily cover the basics.
For dining out, you’ve got a selection ranging from takeaways like Millstone Chippy to sit-down restaurants like Quite Simply French. Pubs like Wagon & Horses and George and Dragon offer the perfect spot for a casual drink. Healthcare facilities are abundant, with multiple doctor’s offices, a pharmacy, and even veterinary care.
What is the surrounding outdoor area like?
If you love the great outdoors, Skerton has some fabulous options. Ryelands Park is a local favourite, complete with walking paths and open spaces. Quay Meadow offers a quieter, more secluded spot for a leisurely stroll. For those willing to venture a bit further, the nearby countryside provides ample opportunities for hiking and exploring nature.
So, what’s the verdict?
Skerton is a place of contrasts. On the one hand, it offers affordability, decent schools, and good transport links. On the other hand, safety can be a concern in certain areas, and you might find rental properties in short supply. Overall, if you’re looking for a well-connected, community-focused suburb with some character, Skerton could be a good fit.
What are the alternatives?
If Skerton doesn’t quite tick all your boxes, there are other areas nearby worth considering. Morecambe offers similar amenities at slightly lower prices, but you might have to compromise on commuting convenience. Heysham is another option, known for its picturesque views and quieter lifestyle, although it may lack some of the hustle and bustle that you might enjoy in Skerton.
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to visit these areas, talk to locals, and get a feel for what life there might be like. Happy house hunting!
What's your experience of Skerton?
Let us know your views of Skerton. Alternatively, if you'd like to suggest an amend to our article, please get in touch.Scerton is neglected. The city does not invest in Scerton and it is sad to see. Streets without greenery, without trees. Old, dilapidated buildings are scary. But if civic assistance were established for little money, you could paint the houses in nice colors, plant low trees so that the streets of Norfolk, Pinfold, Broadway would stop being scary. Maybe it would be worth encouraging residents in the housing project to put flower pots in front of their houses, hang flowers by the doors, clean the backs of houses and repaint fences.Similarly, no one pays attention to a shop that is shabby, dull and scary, instead of forcing the owner to clean it up. Changes in the surroundings can have a huge impact on the morale of the community of Scerton. When changes occur, when the streets become nice, the residents also change for the better, feel better and start to take care of the surroundings.In the summer, there could be deckchairs and umbrellas by the river under which you could relax, ice cream, cake and coffee stands. Scerton can be beautiful. It has wonderful air and a healthy microclimate, it is green by the river but deserted and nothing cultured happens here. They call it the second Brooklyn, but if these streets changed, it would encourage cool, new people to come here, and the local social pathology would have good role models and motivation for change.First, let the city take care of the old streets, help the residents with changes, and then let it build a new housing estate to which it will introduce well-lit residents so that decent citizens will live here. Also build an all-day culture and art center here, so that children and young people can learn necessary things like cutting and sewing, painting, playing instruments, singing, baking and cooking or learning foreign languages. There are many retired teachers who would be happy to share their experiences and children they would be cared for and have the opportunity to get to know a better world.