The Best Places to Live in North Bury
31st March 2026Situated in Greater Manchester, North Bury is quickly becoming a desirable location for buyers and renters of all types. From families looking for space to roam to professionals searching for an escape from city life, the beautiful countryside and accessibility to urban areas make North Bury a sought-after alternative to urban environments.
With locations like Greenmount, Hawkshaw, Ramsbottom and many more offering a range of benefits, it’s hard to choose where to settle down in North Bury.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the best places to live in North Bury and what makes them extra special for homeowners and renters.
At JonSimon, our Ramsbottom estate agents have expert knowledge of the local area and can help find you your dream property without the hassle.
Why is North Bury a popular location?
North Bury has become a desirable location in the past 10 or so years, thanks to the brilliant balance between city life and countryside living. With great transport connections, residents have easy access to Manchester and the surrounding areas, whilst also being able to escape busy life and head to the breathtaking Irwell Valley and the Moors.
Many people love this area for the vibrant community, independent eateries and friendly locals. For those who have children, North Bury is also appealing for its selection of well-respected and rated schools.
Now you know just some of the appeals of this location, let’s delve into some of the best villages and towns to live in North Bury.
Ramsbottom
Considered one of the gems of North Bury, Ramsbottom was once a traditional mill town that has now become a brilliant modern location that’s sought after by all types of renters and buyers. Situated in the Irwell Valley, Ramsbottom has some of the most stunning countryside views in North Bury and beyond.
The town centre is the focal point of Ramsbottom, with a selection of local cafes, boutique stores and delicious eateries.
For many people, what draws residents to this area is the strong sense of community. You can enjoy a range of local events throughout the year, from festivals to farmers’ markets, all designed to help locals connect.
As a Ramsbottom resident, you’ll get to enjoy a wide variety of restaurants and pubs and a bustling high street with independent businesses. When you want to escape from reality, you’ll also have easy access to nature with beautiful hiking spots.
Family Appeal
Ramsbottom is generally regarded as a safe place to live and has a very family-friendly environment. With a number of popular and respected primary and secondary schools, parents have a number of options for education that suit their child. There is also ample outdoor space and greenery to allow kids to play and explore, with residential areas offering safe spaces like parks and playgrounds.
Ramsbottom Property Market
Properties in Ramsbottom offer varied options for both young professionals and families. From traditional terraced houses to luxury developments, there are plenty of opportunities to rent and buy.
Although homes in this area tend to be slightly higher than those in other areas in North Bury, many people believe the area is worth the investment because of the ideal balance between country life and amenities.
Greenmount
Sitting just below Ramsbottom, Greenmount is another brilliant area that’s become desirable to many modern residents. Known as a more peaceful alternative to Manchester and other cities, Greenmount offers a strong community atmosphere. With a range of local clubs, parks and sports facilities, team activities and events play a big role in life in this North Bury village.
With access to woodlands and the surrounding countryside, Greenmount is ideal for people who love the outdoors and lead active lives.
With excellent transport links, professionals can easily commute in and out of Bury and children can easily travel to and from any one of the excellent local schools. Alongside strong transport links, the area also has access to a number of green spaces for sports and kids’ clubs.
Housing in Greenmount
Properties in Greenmount offer a great variety that suits both renters and buyers. You’ll find a brilliant selection of detached and semi-detached homes in this area, alongside quaint, cottage-style properties that are popular for countryside living.
Greenmount also offers a range of modern developments suited to first-time buyers and professionals. With new investments in the housing industry in this area, Greenmount is a popular but more pricey area of North Bury.
Despite the price tag, the appeal of the surrounding countryside and the investment opportunity new and renovated properties offer still make Greenmount a highly desirable location.
Hawkshaw
If you’re searching for a quiet, rural life, then you might be interested in the more hidden area of Hawkshaw.
With a small population of only around 1000 people, Hawkshaw offers a more close-knit village atmosphere whilst also being close enough for easy travel to large areas like Manchester, Bolton and Bury.
Traditional Village Life
With a picturesque backdrop of rolling hills and woodlands, it’s easy to escape the stress of city life and explore Hawkshaw. Enjoy Sunday lunch with friends and family in one of the many traditional pubs and eateries, or take part in one of the many community events organised each year.
With a smaller population, you’ll be able to integrate into the community and feel like a true local when you invest in a property in this North Bury location.
Accessible for Families
Although Hawkshaw has a more rural feel, you’ll still have access to vital amenities like schools if you have children or are planning on starting a family. With a local Church of England primary school in the village and a range of school options in surrounding areas, your family can enjoy a slice of country life without having to sacrifice essentials like education.
Many of the properties in Hawkshaw are large homes or detached properties like cottages, ideal for families who need plenty of space with an added touch of privacy. Due to the smaller population of this village, housing is in more limited supply, and there is a more competitive market. However, homeowners in this area find the rural charm of Hawshaw well worth the higher prices.
Lesser-Known Great Locations in North Bury
Whilst the above locations are our top picks for buying or renting a property in North Bury, there are a number of other areas with amazing appeal:
- Tottington – This area has great connections to Greater Manchester, a strong community spirit, and is particularly popular for commuters looking to work in more urban areas.
- Summerseat – A stunning river village with a quiet atmosphere and true country feel, this area is popular with homeowners wanting to enjoy retirement in a more relaxed environment.
- Holcombe – A quaint village with breathtaking country views and access to Holcombe Hill, lovers of nature and outdoor activities flock to this area for a balance between rural and urban life.
- Walshaw – If you want a more suburban life with access to a range of good schools, country towns and urban areas, Walshaw has a great balance.
- Nangreaves – For those wanting to live in a smaller, quieter community, Nangreaves offers a more close-knit feel without feeling isolated from larger neighbouring areas.
Find the Perfect Property for You in North Bury
North Bury is one of the standout locations in Greater Manchester and is desirable for good reason. The balance of countryside charm, close communities and brilliant connectivity to surrounding areas make North Bury a brilliant place to call home. Whether you’re looking for a bustling town like Ramsbottom or a quieter life in Hawkshaw, there’s plenty of property options for growing families, first-time buyers, young professionals and retirees.
If you’re ready to make the move and need help finding your dream home, get in touch with our expert estate agents at JonSimon. We handle the hassle of admin processes and make it easy to make the move to prime locations in North Bury and beyond.
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