{"id":2774,"date":"2026-05-07T09:10:17","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T09:10:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yopa.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/?p=2774"},"modified":"2026-05-07T11:56:39","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T11:56:39","slug":"whats-it-like-to-live-in-oldham","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dy36-2.stage.yopa-dev.co.uk\/homeowners-hub\/whats-it-like-to-live-in-oldham\/","title":{"rendered":"What’s it like to live in Oldham?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Surrounded by\nthe majestic Pennines and wedged between two scenic stretches of river, Oldham\nis a Greater Manchester town (and borough) that boasts big city connections\nwith slower-paced suburban living.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oldham is on\nthe border of Lancashire, and this amenable town emerged in the 19th<\/sup>\nCentury as a result of the booming textile industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know?<\/em><\/strong> The world\u2019s first-ever “test-tube baby” was born at Oldham General Hospital in the summer of 1978. That\u2019s one for the pub quiz!<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

One of the\nbiggest draws of Oldham is its choice of affordable housing, its easy access to\nManchester city centre, and its proximity to some of northern England\u2019s most\nstunning natural beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As an\nincreasing number of young professionals, growing families and couples looking\nto get on the property ladder flock to Oldham, it\u2019s a region that continues to\nblossom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the past 12 months, homes in Oldham sold for an average price of \u00a3218,415. Significantly more affordable than the Greater Manchester region overall and particularly areas such as Bowden, Bowdon, Hale and Altrincham.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what is\nit actually like to live there? If you\u2019re thinking about relocating to Oldham,\nwe\u2019ll tell you all you need to know to make an informed decision below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s start\nwith transport, shall we?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transport links <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Oldham is a well-connected area with\ntwo nearby train stations that run services to Manchester city centre whilst\nalso offering connections to other major destinations in the north-west.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both Mills Hill<\/a> and Moston<\/a> train stations, run by Northern Railway, offer frequent services to Manchester Victoria<\/a> (with onward connections to\nthe likes of Leeds, Liverpool, and Newcastle-upon-Type) as well as Blackburn,\nClitheroe, Rochdale, and Kirkby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re travelling by other means of public transport, you\u2019re in luck, because not only is Oldham connected to Manchester\u2019s extensive tram network<\/a>, the town\u2019s bus services<\/a> also cover the whole Manchester region and offer connections to a host of nearby destinations as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For those looking to travel by car, Oldham is served by the A62 and the M60 \u2013 gateways to many of the north-west\u2019s most amenable routes, with easy access to southbound locations too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh, and it\u2019s easy to get to Manchester Airport<\/a> from Oldham too \u2013 perfect for international jet setters and anyone\nwho travels for work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Schools\nand education<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to getting your cherished cherubs a decent education, we know there\u2019s no room for complacency. The good news is, Oldham is home to plenty of trusted primary and secondary schools<\/a> as well as settings with suitable SEND (special educational needs & disabilities)<\/a> provision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are at least 40 primary schools situated within the Oldham catchment area, most of which sport a \u2018Good\u2019 Ofsted rating. Oldham\u2019s Corpus Christi RC Primary School boasts an \u2018Outstanding\u2019 rating by Ofsted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have slightly older kids at that next big stage of their educational career, Oldham is home to 17 secondary schools. Many of these settings are highly rated and have achieved \u2018Good\u2019 Ofsted ratings as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For young adults looking to expand their minds in a dynamic higher education setting, Oldham College<\/a> is a top choice. This inviting campus offers transitional academic qualifications, vocational courses, and modern apprenticeships. A \u00a322 million investment means that the college is equipped with some of the area\u2019s most state-of-the-art facilities too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oh, and let\u2019s not forget the younger\nmembers of the family: there are lots\nof trusted playgroups, nurseries, and preschools<\/a> located\nthroughout the Oldham region. <\/em>All bases covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leisure and amenities<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re on the hunt for everyday\nessentials or a little retail therapy with a bite to eat thrown in, Oldham can\naccommodate you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to a bumper load of high\nstreet shops, quirky independent retailers and boutiques dotted around the\narea, Oldham\u2019s Spindles Town Square\nShopping Centre<\/a> is packed with brand names, plus a choice of coffee or snack outlets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also find a choice of indoor as well as outdoor markets<\/a> in Oldham, including the Tommyfield Market, which is open to shoppers on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays throughout the year. The stall owners are more than friendly, and you\u2019ll find just about everything imaginable during a trip here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the big supermarket shop, Oldham\nalso delivers the goods. There is Tesco, Aldi, Heron Foods, Farmfoods, and the\nlocal Sonali Supermarket all within walking or driving distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like to get active and work up a sweat?\nGreat, because Oldham Leisure Centre<\/a> is home to a 25 metre swimming\npool, a fully-equipped gym, a sauna & steam room, an indoor bowls area, and\na range of exercise classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As \u2018The Gateway to the Pennines\u2019, Oldham is surrounded by an abundance of natural beauty, too, with a host of country parks, nature walks<\/a>, and recreation grounds \u2013 everything you need for a day out in the fresh air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s on? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a vibrant region with a community vibe, Oldham plays host to a great mix of local events<\/a> and activities throughout the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The recently refurbished Coliseum Theatre<\/a> has a range of live shows and entertainment on offer including stand-up comedy and live music with both local and international talent on display, the local ParkRun<\/a> is getting more popular every year and there are plenty of activities<\/a> like the Extra Small Cinema for children and young people to get involved with. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For drinking and dining out, you won\u2019t\nbe disappointed either. There is plenty of choice in Oldham<\/a>. The Molino Lounge, The Blue\nTiffin, and The Northgate are all recommended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some other must-see attractions in and around Oldham:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n