September 28th 2024.
When you think of the most desirable places to live in the UK, the usual suspects come to mind - London, Edinburgh, Cambridge, or Cornwall. But perhaps you wouldn't immediately think of Oldham as a top contender. However, this Greater Manchester town has a lot more going for it than meets the eye.
In fact, Oldham is one of the most sought-after cities for renters in the UK, receiving more inquiries than many other popular locations. According to research by Rightmove, it ranks as the eighth most inquired about area, with an average of 54 inquiries per available rental property. One reason for this could be its relatively affordable rent prices, with the average advertised rent per month being £1,022 - making it more affordable than other places.
Despite its appeal for renters, people seem to have mixed opinions about Oldham. While some praise it as "gorgeous," others have labeled it as a "miserable" place to be. But one thing is for sure - Oldham has a rich history that has shaped its current appearance. As part of Lancashire, Oldham rose to prominence in the 19th century as an international hub for textile manufacturing. It was a bustling boomtown of the Industrial Revolution and was among the first industrialized towns, producing more cotton than France and Germany combined at one point.
However, the decline of the textile industry in the mid-20th century had a significant impact on the town's economy. With the closure of the town's last mill in 1998, unemployment levels rose, and deprivation and inequality increased - especially in the past 18 months due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
But despite these challenges, Oldham still has plenty to offer - including its fantastic selection of pubs. In fact, the Campaign for Real Ale's annual Good Beer Guide features 12 top pubs in Oldham, making it a must-visit for beer lovers.
Aside from its pubs, there are other perks to living in Oldham. According to Leading Oldham, the town boasts beautiful landscapes, diversity, and exciting new plans. They describe Oldham as a borough of contrasts, with almost a quarter of its land being part of the stunning Peak District National Park, while also undergoing a massive transformation in its town center with new shopping centers, markets, cultural attractions, and more.
But what do the locals think of Oldham? On Reddit, many have attested to its charms, with some noting its gorgeous areas like Saddleworth. Others love the easy access to Manchester and the stunning views. However, some have a less positive view, with one Reddit user describing it as a "miserable s***hole." This sentiment is reflected in a recent study by Rightmove, which named Oldham as one of the "most miserable" places to live in the UK, while Richmond in London claimed the top spot as the happiest place to live.
But for those looking for a new place to call home, Oldham has a lot to offer - from its rich history to its vibrant pub scene and beautiful landscapes. And with exciting new plans in the works, it's definitely a town worth considering. Do you have a story about Oldham to share? We'd love to hear it! Get in touch by emailing us at [insert email address].
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[Generative AI is experimental.]
