Is Oldham ok or is it rough?

[Teandtoast1]

We really want to move to Manchester or outskirts not too fussed. Have found a lovely house in Oldham to rent which is our plan for a year before buying.

What is it like and how quick can we get into Manchester? I think we may go spend a weekend to see what it’s like but would be nice to hear other opinions.

It depends on what area of oldham. The center and some parts can be a bit rough but some areas like Shaw, lees and royton can be quite nice 🙂

Which bit of oldham?

I haven't been but I believe it's the most deprived borough of Greater Manchester. However, like anywhere I think there will be better areas than others.

Depends where

We lived in Chadderton for half a decade, no problems really with anti social behaviour or crime where we were. Quiet street mainly older people, people were friendly, neighbourly. Took about 20 mins into Manchester if no traffic -if you're driving in at 8am on a weekday it can be much longer. Trams are pretty good if you're close to a stop, from south Chadderton I think about 20 mins into Manchester? From Oldham centre or further north such as Shaw it'll be longer. That said I prefer being in a leafy suburb down south, but do miss bits of being in Chaddy.

House we found was in shaw? I can cope with a bit of roughness 🤣

Shaw is nice. 35 minutes on the tram to Manchester. Asda and Aldi, a few nice pubs, good primary schools. On the edge of the hills. Next to Saddleworth (the posh bit of oldham!)

Like anywhere some parts are better, but interestingly most people in Oldham would not think they were in Manchester. It is generally a relatively deprived area, and a trip 'to town' would be an occasion.
There are some areas with quite strong racial tensions. This might be a problem for some people.
I would suggest looking to the south of the city

Shaw is great. It's not posh but it's entirely decent without any grim bits.

Did you move to Shaw @Teandtoast1 ? Should we look out for you in Asda?😁

I grew up in Shaw and parents still live there. There’s not much money around but it’s not rough, I certainly wouldn’t feel unsafe there. I’d mainly describe it as boring.

Aside from the proximity to the moors and the tram into Manchester, I can’t think of much else that’s particularly good.

Although it’s next to Royton which is apparently now brilliant for a night out, but I’ve not been.

I just reserved a home in Hollinwood part of Oldham and I don’t know much about the area, should we go ahead or not? We have kids and we are coming from Worsley which is nicer area but we are buying now and budget is a bit tight.