What is it Like to Live in Littleborough?
Littleborough is a quaint town in Rochdale that is very appealing to people who want to have the benefits of being reasonably close to a big city like Manchester but who want to live in a more tranquil, picturesque area.

Just a 30-minute drive from Manchester City Centre or a short 20-minute train journey, it is an ideal location for commuting into the city, shopping or enjoying the many restaurants and bars. There are numerous natural beauty spots in the surrounding areas of Littleborough, including Hollingworth Lake and Healey Dell Nature Reserve.
For prospective homebuyers, another appeal of the area is that house prices are comparatively low compared to other parts of the UK. In May 2023, the average house price in Littleborough was £228,939 (based on the previous 12 months).
Lower property prices are helping people to get onto the property ladder, and the area also sees substantial house price increases over time. Nearby Newhey has seen significant house price growth in recent years, and the area is considered an excellent place to buy property in terms of value for your money. Landlords have been moving their attention to properties in North England for this reason.
If you want to know whether Littleborough is a nice place to live, here’s a summary of what living in Littleborough is like:
Littleborough schools
Good schools are a top priority for families when looking for a place to live. Littleborough has a good choice of schools, including Littleborough Community Primary School (rated Good at the last Ofsted inspection), St Mary’s Roman Catholic Primary School (Good), Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School (Good) and Wardle Academy (Good). Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School is a short distance away, which achieved an Outstanding rating from Ofsted.
Shopping in Littleborough
In the heart of Littleborough, there are independent shops to browse and boutique clothing shops where you will find unique garments and a Co-op Food, Sainsbury’s Local and Lidl, so you don’t have to venture far to pick up your groceries. The Trafford Centre and Manchester City Centre are a short journey away, offering fashion stores and designer brand clothing shops.
Eating out in Littleborough
In Littleborough, an array of eateries and top restaurants offer a wide selection of cuisine types, from the highly rated Riva Italian to the contemporary Krave Café. If you enjoy dining with a view, the Lake Lounge Bar and Restaurant or The Waterside won’t disappoint. If you want to explore further afield, Manchester’s famous Curry Mile or some of the high-end restaurants in Spinningfields might catch your fancy.
Littleborough is also a hub for traditional pubs, with the countryside location boasting friendly watering holes such as The Summit Inn and Hare on the Hill.
Things to do in Littleborough
There is no shortage of activities in the area, with plenty of green spaces and a stunning canal walk down Rochdale Canal. You are spoilt for choice for countryside walks, and Blackstone Edge and Hollingworth Lake are popular spots for scenic walks.
A trip to the cinema, bowling or theatre in Rochdale is a short drive away. Manchester has many top attractions, from world-renowned football stadiums to art galleries, music venues and museums. People come from around the world to experience Manchester’s impressive nightlife, and the city centre is home to several great theatres.
Transport Links
Before you move to a new area, it is essential to check out the transport links if you want to be able to get out and about or are planning on commuting into the city. Littleborough has its own train station, which provides easy access to Manchester, Rochdale, Wigan and Leeds, amongst other popular destinations.
Several bus routes also service the town, and the close proximity to the M62 motorway ensures people living in Littleborough can quickly get onto their journey to drive to other parts of the UK.
Estate Agents in Littleborough
If you want to buy a property in Littleborough or the surrounding areas, you can use local estate agents or nationwide agents. Choosing the right estate agent in Littleborough will help you to find your perfect property so you can enjoy all of the unique aspects of living in this part of Greater Manchester.
At Cowell Norford, we have been finding properties for people in the Rochdale area for over 40 years and have expert knowledge of the property market here. Contact us today, and we can help you find what you are looking for, whether it is your dream home, a good value rental or a great property investment opportunity.
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