Relocation

[rhian16]

Hi mums, first time posting!!

Looking for some advise. I have lived in Cyprus since childhood, my future hubby who i met whilst training in the UK was originally from Manchester. He has now been offered a job that will be between Middleton, Rochdale and Oldham so we are initially looking to rent a 3 bed property. My issue is that I have always lived in a "village" or " outskirts" location and don't want to live in "manic Manchester". I have children to think about so primary schools are also important. Looking for both the above and also has to be in a rural or semi rural area, that feels safe yet isn't crazyily expensive. Please please Help. All ideas greatly appreciated. X

I can’t help as I don’t know the area, but I’d recommend re posting with the area you are looking at in the title so people who know it click on it

How far are you prepared to travel commute-wise? What is "crazily-expensive" in your opinion?

Somewhere like Todmorden might be worth a look, was once a run down old mill town, but has had a real injection of life the last 10 years and now seems to have a real community feel whilst being semi-rural

Do go look though, some people find the towns around there very bleak, as they're surrounded by the moors

I love the moors around there - they make my heart sing! But definitely have a drive around as my windswept heaven may be your bleak. Agree Todmorden is worth a look. Ripponden is nice too, and Littleborough. Ramsbottom's further but still not far and worth a look. There's lots of possibilities if you drive around there and you'll be better off in one of the villages/small towns rather than Rochdale and Oldham themselves which can be a bit grot (I say that with affection) and the city doesn't sound like it's right for you either, though it's really only the centre that's really manic. It's a cool, friendly place ime, but wherever you decide to settle, the weather's gonna be a shock after Cyprus - wrap up warm!

What is affordable? What would the budget be?
Todmorden is nice but the cheaper stuff is cheap because it floods… ditto hebden bridge.
Woodhouses is really nice but stuff rarely comes up.
Marsden is really nice but I think it’s a bit of a secondary school black spot round there.
Mossley and Greenfield have excellent schools.
ramsbottom and rawtenstall are nice too.

I’d have a good nose round, it’s more bleak moors round north Manchester than typical English rolling green fields!

My old colleague lives in Greenfield and loves it. Near Saddleworth-and Uppermill which is gorgeous and lively is just down the road. Lovely walks and easy reach for your hubby’s job.