Is Oldham A Good Place To Live?

If you are considering buying a property in the Greater Manchester area, there are many reasons to consider Oldham. Property in Oldham is more affordable than in most other parts of England and with great transport links to Manchester City Centre, there are good job opportunities and great amenities just a short distance away.

The average house price in Oldham was £198,000 in October 2024, according to data from ONS. Compared to other boroughs of Greater Manchester such as Trafford, where average house prices were £385,000, property in Oldham is significantly more affordable.

The appeal of Oldham doesn’t stop at cheap house prices; some areas of Oldham are located in the Peak District National Park and there are many quaint villages and picturesque locations in the borough.

Read on to find out more reasons to choose Oldham as a place to live.

Why Live in Oldham?

While the main attraction of living in Oldham is the affordable housing, there are plenty more reasons why people choose this part of Greater Manchester to live in. You can drive from central Oldham to Manchester in 30 minutes and the train also takes a similar amount of time.

One of the benefits of living in Oldham that is often overlooked is its close proximity to the beautiful countryside in nearby areas of the Peak District. Chadderton, for example, is located in the foothills of the Pennines, and Dovestone Reservoir is a popular natural beauty spot in the area. Residents of Oldham have the benefit of being a short distance from the tranquil countryside, while having easy access to the abundance of attractions in central Manchester.

Both Manchester City Centre and the Trafford Centre offer excellent shops, restaurants and entertainment options, while sports fans can watch football teams like Manchester United and Manchester City, rugby team Sale Sharks or follow cricket at Old Trafford Cricket Ground.

Overview and History of Oldham

Oldham has a rich history, rising to prominence in the latter part of the 19th century, when it became known as the textile manufacturing capital of the world during the Industrial revolution.

Many properties in Oldham are terraced houses, with some stone cobbled roads still existing. A number of historic warehouses and mills have been converted into modern living spaces, and properties in Oldham also include cottages in the rural villages.

Oldham also has a strong cultural heritage, with historic theatres, museums and galleries. One of North England’s most famous foods – Fish and Chips, is believed to have originated from Oldham’s Tommyfield Market in the 1860s.

What is Oldham like today?

Oldham has a very diverse population and excellent, modern transport links. Rural views and good restaurants are some of the highlights of the area, with many top curry houses to choose from. Areas such as Uppermill have charming high streets with boutique shops and cafes.

Given how close Oldham is to the Peak District, it is a popular place for countryside hikes and Alexandra Park and Tandle Hill Country Park are nice places to visit. There is also a good choice of schools in Oldham, with three ‘outstanding’ schools and 11 ‘good’ schools.

What is Oldham famous for?

Oldham is most famous for the town’s contribution to the textile industry and this industrial heritage is still very visible in the town today, with many old mills and warehouses in the local area. Some very famous people have resided in Oldham, most notably Winston Churchill, Alan Turing and Emmeline Pankhurst.

Where are the best places to live in Oldham?

The best place to live in Oldham depends on what your priorities are. The most sought-after areas of Oldham include Royton, Uppermill and Greenfield. If you want to be close to the hiking trails of the Peak District, Saddleworth is a good place to live.

However, if you want to be able to easily commute into Manchester, central areas of Oldham such as Glodwick may be more convenient and offer more affordable properties.

What is there to do in Oldham?

Oldham has plenty of things to do, from days out at parks to shopping in the town centre. There is a cinema, several theatres and traditional pubs, while the vibrant nightlife and entertainment hub of Manchester is nearby.

If you would like to find out more about the available properties in Oldham and surrounding areas, get in touch. Whether you are looking to get onto the property ladder or want to move closer to the countryside, we have all types of properties to show you.

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