With affordable property and a buoyant community atmosphere, it’s no surprise that Bootle continues to be one of Merseyside’s most popular areas for buyers and renters.
In fact, Bootle was recently named as one of the top-five most in-demand areas for rental properties in the UK, alongside Merseyside neighbours Prenton and Birkenhead on The Wirral.
So, if you’re looking to invest in a rental property, you’re a tenant looking for great transport links into Liverpool, or you’re a family looking to live in an area with a real community feel and some superb schools, Bootle could be for you.
Where is Bootle?
Formerly part of Lancashire, Bootle was integrated into the Borough of Sefton, Merseyside in 1974.
Three miles north of Liverpool city centre, Bootle is a port town on the banks of the River Mersey.
What is Bootle famous for?
As well as its docks, which are part of the Atlantic Gateway for freight and logistics, Bootle, like other parts of Merseyside, is also the birthplace of several famous Merseyside footballers.
Former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher was born in the town, alongside ex-Reds player and manager Roy Evans and fellow Anfield hero Steve McManaman.
West Ham legend Alvin Martin was also born in Bootle.
Is Bootle a nice place to live?
Bootle’s Victorian heritage makes it a great place to buy or rent if you love period property.
Because Bootle was hit hard by bombing during the Second World War, some of its Victorian architecture was lost and its expansion as a town through the mid to late 20th century means those period properties have been joined by more modern family homes.
Quieter than its big neighbour Liverpool, Bootle is great for those buyers and renters who want a little more peace and quiet but who also want to remain close to the city for work.
Houses for sale in Bootle
Bootle has retained a large amount of its Victorian character and stands out against other areas of Merseyside for that reason.
If a period home is very much on your Merseyside property wish list, then Bootle offers plenty of Victorian houses and conversions for all budgets.
Homes like these are largely affordable, too, with the average property in Bootle costing £106,685 according to Zoopla – more than £100,000 below the UK national average.
What’s available right now?
This characterful mid-terrace period home is right in the heart of Bootle, close to amenities and a short walk from Kirkdale station for trains into Liverpool and beyond.
At offers over £70,000 it would make either a great starter home for a first-time buyer, or an investment property in an area where rental demand is high.
Houses to rent in Bootle
Property to rent in Bootle includes period houses, conversions and more modern properties.
Flats and houses close to Kirkdale, Bootle Oriel Road and Bank Hall stations are always in high demand and rental property in Bootle generally doesn’t stay on the market for long.
Young professionals working in Liverpool, but looking for either a quieter life or more value from their rental property, flock to Bootle, with Rightmove reporting an average monthly rent of £576 in the town during the second quarter of this year.
What’s available right now?
Located in the Orrell area of Bootle, this three-bedroom period home has been refurbished throughout and would suit a couple or family looking to rent in the area.
Close to Seaforth & Litherland station, the property would also suit tenants needing solid transport links back to Liverpool.
Schools in Bootle
With 35 primary schools in the area, Bootle families aren’t short of choice when it comes to education for their children.
Of those 35, four are rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted:
- Forefield Community Infant School
- Rowan Park School
- St Monica’s Catholic Primary School
- St Robert Bellarmine Catholic Primary School
A further 23 primary schools, meanwhile, are rated ‘Good’.
At secondary education level, Rowan Park School, which is ‘all-through’ from the ages of three to 19, is rated ‘Outstanding’, with Hugh Baird College rated ‘Good’.
Hugh Baird also offers undergraduate courses through its university centre, meaning Bootle students don’t even need to leave the area to achieve a degree.
Pubs in Bootle
Most of Bootle’s best pubs are located around the Strand Shopping Centre in the middle of town.
The Jawbone Tavern is one of Bootle’s most popular pubs, located in the Bootle Village area of town. With music and a lively crowd at weekends, the Jawbone is well worth a visit.
Lock & Quay on Irlam Road, meanwhile, is a quieter micro-pub with a real community feel. Indeed, profits from the pub are invested back into community projects around Bootle, so every pint sold is making a difference.
Restaurants in Bootle
As well as its array of pubs, Bootle is also home to some excellent restaurants for those wanting to stay closer to home rather than venture into Liverpool.
The best option If Italian classics are your thing is Piccola Italia in Litherland where a whole host of pizza and pasta dishes are on offer.
Also worth a visit is L20 on Exeter Road, where the menu features such delights as seared hake, 72-hour slow cooked pork belly and apple panna cotta.
Although L20 is temporarily closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, it hopes to re-open very soon and will certainly remain a popular choice.
Finally, another great option for lunch or dinner is 14 Bar & Grill. Having re-opened in July, the venue has continued to do what it does best – namely grilled meats, seafood and hearty Sunday roasts.
Further reading…
If you’re thinking of buying your first property in Bootle, take a look at our guide on how to save for a deposit as a first-time buyer.
