What’s It Like to Live in St Helens?
St Helens is an historic Merseyside town known for its industrial heritage, varied housing stock and strong transport connections to Liverpool and Manchester. Buyers are often attracted by its affordable properties, good schools and growing local amenities. If you are thinking about purchasing here it is worth understanding the types of homes available, survey considerations and local conditions that may affect your move.
St Helens Living – Property and Lifestyle Overview
Architectural Features of Properties
St Helens offers a wide range of properties including Victorian terraces, 1930s semis and newer family developments on the outskirts.
Historical Buildings and Their Features:
- The Friends’ Meeting House: This Grade II listed stone-built hall on Church Street has been used for Quaker worship since 1678. The building reflects St Helens’ early history and contributes to the character of the surrounding conservation area.
- Local Brick and Sandstone: Many terraces are built with traditional red brick and local sandstone. These materials are durable but can show weathering and damp penetration if not well maintained.
Survey Findings Specific to St Helens:
- Damp Issues: Older terraces in areas such as Thatto Heath and Parr can suffer from rising damp and condensation especially where ventilation is limited.
- Subsidence Risks: Some properties near former mining sites have been monitored for subsidence or ground movement.
- Roofing Concerns: Traditional slate roofs are common and often require maintenance to address slipped slates and ageing ridge pointing.
- Energy Efficiency: Pre-1930 homes often have solid walls and limited insulation which can increase heating costs.
Local Amenities and Notable Places
Local Amenities:
- St Helens Hospital: A modern facility providing a range of healthcare services.
- Sherdley Park: A large green space with woodland, gardens and a golf course popular with families and dog walkers.
Notable Places:
- The World of Glass: A museum and visitor centre celebrating the town’s glassmaking heritage.
Flood and Radon Risks
Flood Risks: Areas near Rainford Brook and Sutton Brook can be at higher risk of surface water flooding during heavy rain. Checking Environment Agency maps and commissioning a flood risk assessment is recommended if buying nearby.
Radon Risks: Radon levels in St Helens are generally low but testing is still advisable for older properties and those with basements.
Traffic Congestion and Issues
Traffic Congestion: The A58 Linkway and roads around Ravenhead Retail Park often experience congestion during peak commuting times and weekends.
Public Transport: St Helens Central and St Helens Junction stations provide regular train services to Liverpool, Manchester and Wigan. Local bus routes connect neighbourhoods across the town.
Conservation Areas
Conservation Areas: The Church Street Conservation Area includes listed buildings such as the Friends’ Meeting House and several traditional terraces. Planning permission is required for alterations that affect the character of the area.
Future Projects: The St Helens Town Centre Regeneration Plan includes proposals for new housing, retail units and public spaces which may affect access and parking during construction.
Safety and Crime Statistics
St Helens has crime rates similar to other towns in Merseyside. The most reported issues are antisocial behaviour and theft around the town centre. Suburban areas such as Eccleston and Windle tend to record lower crime levels.
Home Survey Considerations
Survey Recommendations: A Level 3 Building Survey is often advisable for older properties, especially Victorian terraces and pre-war semis. These homes can have hidden defects including damp, timber decay and structural movement.
Unique Survey Challenges: Properties close to former industrial sites may need checks for ground contamination or stability.
Local Building Materials and Their Implications
Traditional red brick and sandstone are common and require ongoing maintenance such as repointing and sealing to protect against moisture. Slate roofs should be inspected regularly to prevent leaks and deterioration.
Comparison with Nearby Areas
Compared to Widnes and Warrington, St Helens offers more affordable Victorian and Edwardian homes while still providing good transport links and a range of local amenities. Buyers often find better value for larger properties here.
Best Places to Live in St Helens and Why
St Helens has a variety of neighbourhoods that appeal to buyers seeking different styles of housing and local amenities.
Eccleston
Eccleston is a popular area with detached and semi-detached homes, good schools and a quieter suburban feel. Many properties here have larger gardens and off-road parking.
Windle
Windle offers a mix of period terraces and modern family homes. It is known for its green spaces and proximity to the town centre.
Rainhill
Rainhill sits on the eastern edge of St Helens and has a strong village atmosphere with well-regarded schools and historic properties. It is convenient for commuters travelling to Liverpool.
Thatto Heath
Thatto Heath has affordable terraces and semis making it attractive to first-time buyers. The area has local shops, schools and a railway station with services to Liverpool and Manchester.
Why Buyers Choose St Helens
Many buyers are drawn to St Helens for its mix of housing, established amenities and strong transport links. Whether you are looking for a Victorian terrace or a modern detached house it is always worth arranging a professional survey to identify any hidden issues before you purchase.
St Helens Property Market Trends – 2025
Thinking of buying in St Helens? Here’s a simple overview of this year’s prices and what’s happening locally.
Average Prices – St Helens (July 2025)
| Property Type |
Average Price |
Most Common |
| Terraced |
£151,300 |
Yes |
| Flats |
£112,850 |
No |
| Semi-detached |
£193,400 |
No |
Source: Rightmove, July 2025
The average house price in St Helens is around £160,000. Terraced homes are the most common sales followed by semi-detached properties and flats. Prices have risen by about 4% compared with the previous year.
What’s Happening in the Area?
St Helens continues to invest in regeneration and housing improvements with several projects progressing:
- St Helens Town Centre Transformation: A long-term scheme creating new housing, retail units and public spaces with work expected to continue into 2026.
- Parkside Development: Plans for a mixed-use site including employment space and new homes near Newton-le-Willows.
- Affordable Housing Schemes: Local partnerships are delivering new affordable homes and shared ownership properties across Thatto Heath and Sutton.
- Rail and Road Upgrades: Improvements to the A580 East Lancashire Road and enhancements at St Helens Central Station to support growth.
For First-Time Buyers
Two and three-bedroom terraces remain popular with first-time buyers thanks to good value and access to schools and shops. New build options are also becoming available as regeneration progresses.
In Summary
St Helens offers a mix of traditional and modern housing with steady price growth. If you are thinking of buying arranging a professional survey will help you understand any potential maintenance needs before you commit.