It’s previously been named one of least happy places to live in the UK
A UK town which has a reputation for being “miserable” has been named one of the most in-demand spots for renters.
When you think of desirable locations to live in the UK, you might name places such as London, Edinburgh, Bath, or even Plymouth.
A place that probably wouldn’t automatically spring to mind is Oldham.
However, it turns out this Greater Manchester town is one of the most in-demand cities for renters in the entire country.
According to Rightmove, Oldham is the eighth most enquired about area, receiving on average 54 enquiries per available rental property.
A key factor in this is its affordability. The average advertised rent per calendar month in Oldham is just £1,022, an absolute bargain compared to prices in some of the big cities.
At the same time, it’s got great transport links to nearby Manchester, making it an ideal location for commuters.
But poor old Oldham has a bit of a reputation to overcome it seems, with residents split over whether it’s a nice place or not.
A booming town of the Industrial Revolution, Oldham has fallen into decline in recent decades, and unemployment is high in the area.
The town has plenty to offer though, including plenty of history, easy access to Manchester, and the beautiful scenery of the Pennines right on your doorstep.
On their website, Leading Oldham writes: “On the edge of stunning Pennine landscapes, yet only a short tram journey from Manchester city centre, Oldham is a fantastic place to live, work and enjoy.
“Ours is a borough of contrasts. Almost a quarter of Oldham lies within the spectacular Peak District National Park, with picturesque Saddleworth villages offering the best of rural life.
“Meanwhile, our town centre is undergoing a huge transformation, with plans for a new shopping centre, market and food hall, park and cultural attractions now well underway.”
Some locals are split though, according to the Metro.
On Reddit, one person who grew up in Oldham said people’s experience of the town “depends on what part you’re in,” adding that there “are some gorgeous areas like Saddleworth.”
Another agreed that whilst the town as “its rough areas like all places” it also has “so many good residents, lovely hills and views and easy access to Manchester by all modes of transport.”
But some didn’t agree, with one person saying the town centre looked “deprived” whilst another said buildings like the library and museum are “falling into disrepair.”
Someone else went even further, describing Oldham as a “miserable s***hole of a town” that is “dirty, and depressing.”
There seems to be some truth to the sentiment as well, with the town being named the least happy place to live in the north-west in Rightmove’s Happy at Home index – and the 206th in the entire UK.
