The Best Areas to live in Oldham (2025)

Wanting to make the move to Oldham but not sure which area would suit you? In this blog, we cover the best areas in Oldham for you to consider. 

Oldham has a strong community feel. It boasts scenic rural areas but has easy access to Manchester City Centre and neighbouring areas. With a rich industrial history and views of the picturesque Pennines, it could be the ideal place for you. 

At Jon Simon, we have a range of properties in Oldham and the surrounding Greater Manchester areas. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy, why not see if we have the perfect home for you? 

6 of the best areas to live in Oldham

While you might be considering a move to Oldham, you may not know the best areas within the Oldham district. We’re here to help! In this list, we break down each area to give you an idea of what they have to offer.

Chadderton

Chadderton is certainly a family-friendly area with plenty of residential areas and green spaces. A popular attraction is Chadderton Hall Park, which has serene walking routes and a children’s play area, making it a great spot for all the family. Chadderton also has a good selection of primary and secondary schools for your little ones. It’s generally considered to be one of the safest areas in Oldham with a friendly, community feel.

Transport links in Chadderton are great, with bus routes connecting you to other areas of the Oldham district and to Manchester City Centre. If you’re looking to buy a house, the houses in this area are generally affordable, and there are some properties to rent available within the area.

Overall, Chadderton is great for those who want a suburban feel but easy access to the city. Perfect for families and first-time buyers, this could be the area you’re looking for.

Saddleworth

Saddleworth is great for those who love to be active outdoors or for nature lovers in general. It has Dovestone Reservoir, Saddleworth Moor and the Pots and Pans walking trail, making it one of the most scenic areas in Oldham.

Those looking for a rural lifestyle would settle nicely here, and there’s the option to travel to Manchester City Centre through Greenfield Train Station. Perfect for those who want to embrace countryside living with the option to access the city from time to time. Uppermill is at the heart of Saddleworth, a quaint village with plenty of restaurants, bars and shops. This includes Grandpa Greene’s, famous for its authentic, luxury ice cream. 

Overall, Saddleworth has a very rural feel, but still has access to plenty of activities and amenities. Properties can be on the more expensive side, but the houses are gorgeous and unique due to their countryside setting. 

Failsworth

Properties in Failsworth tend to be more reasonable than some neighbouring areas in Oldham, making it great for first-time buyers or renters. There’s a nice mix of new builds and older Victorian terraces.

Failsworth has plenty of cafes, pubs, and shops, including its own shopping precinct. It has easy access to the metrolink, meaning Manchester City Centre is close by and a breeze to get to. It’s home to Daisy Nook Country Park with fantastic waterways and natural habitats for wildlife. 

Overall, Failsworth is one of the best-connected areas in the Oldham district, great for those who want city life nearby or who need to commute. It has affordable properties and plenty to do in the area, from shopping to exploring its green spaces.

Shaw and Crompton

In comparison to other areas in Greater Manchester, Shaw and Crompton are a relatively affordable place to live. It boasts lots of community spaces, such as Crompton Library and Playhouse 2, an intimate theatre run by volunteers. 

Shaw and Crompton have a strong market-town feel and certainly use this to their advantage by hosting a weekly market. There are plenty of schools to choose from if you’re looking to move your family here.

Overall, Shaw and Crompton still retains its market-town vibe while having direct access to urban areas. It has a good amount of green spaces to offer, but is one of the closest areas in Oldham to Manchester City Centre. 

Royton

Royton can be classed as a quieter part of Oldham with lovely housing estates and residential areas. Perfect for those who want to escape the buzz of the city but have it close by to visit from time to time. There’s access to Royton Leisure Centre for the fitness fanatics, and Royton Park for the nature lovers.

The house prices in Royton are generally affordable- it’s somewhere in the middle in comparison to other areas in Oldham. There’s a mixture of housing styles in the area to choose from, from new builds to older terraced houses.

Overall, Royton is great for families looking for a quieter, suburban area with quality schools to choose from. Its calm environment gives it a safe, residential feel, which can be appealing to those wanting to settle down.

Delph

Delph is known as a picturesque, quaint village, making it a popular area in Oldham for people who want a scenic landscape. It is small in size, giving it a tight-knit community feel, which makes residents feel safe and secure.

The houses have quite a historical feel, with some cottage-style builds situated within a village lifestyle. There’s a variety of options for both buying and renting within the village. 

Overall, Delph is perfect for outdoorsy people who want to indulge in rural living within a quaint village setting. There’s the advantage of not being cut off from the city with easy bus routes and a nearby train station.

Find your ideal place to live with Jon Simon

Hopefully, now you have enough information about the areas in Oldham to weigh up your options! There’s something in the Oldham district for everyone – whether you’re a nature lover or want to be close to the city, there’s an ideal area waiting for you. Wherever it is you’ve decided to move, we’re here to help with the process.

At Jon Simon, our friendly team of experts are here to help you find the perfect property that suits your needs. Whether you’re renting or buying, we’re here to answer any questions you may have. Don’t hesitate to get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!