I live just a few miles from chorley (mawdesley) and personally I would rather live in one of the small villages outside of the town. Try Euxton, Eccleston, Heskin, Wrightington, Parbold, Mawdesley, Croston.
I agree, having lived in Parbold for fifteen years, but prices are getting a tad silly in the villages now and if your struggling to find a place in Southport I reckon you will struggle with these places too. Parbold is handy for Southport (12miles/30 mins) yet is only five mins from the M6, which can be very useful. All the above villages are very pleasant though. Not sure about the rest but I think Parbold is nearly up to its quota for broadband.
Small world tho, one of my mates from school days used to be the manager at Mawdesley Eating House
