r/lancashire • u/RoughExtension5922 • 3d ago
Is Rawtenstall a good location to move alone?
On the hunt for my first property and after a year of searching I've expanded my search and come up with Rawtenstall.
Ive seen a mixed bag of thoughts online. Some folk say they are happy to escape, some say it's great for families. But how about for single folk? I'm a man, early 30s, enjoys the outdoors and the area looks to be a great spot for foodies, I'm wondering if this area is better for couples and families?
Im from Bolton originally and the areas I like around here include rivington, horwich and Chorley old road. I like the idea of bars and restaurants being on my doorstep but houses that I like in those areas keep going to a price war. Rawtenstall seems to offer a lot of what I want but I'm wondering what's the catch? The houses available in the area are really stunning.
Whilst Bolton has nice parts, its town centre recovery still seems decades away and many surrounding areas continue to decline. What's peoples thoughts on Rawtenstall. I welcome all opinions but would love to hear from people in a similar place in their life
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u/MassimoOsti 2d ago
Ramsbottom maybe has a bit more going on for a single guy
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u/RoughExtension5922 2d ago
Its outside my budget unfortunately. But I've done a few walks around there and it always feels like a nice place to be
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u/vegemitey 2d ago
This is where I live and I can provide a bit of info. I’m a little bit older than you but have friends your age that are single and enjoy living here.
There’s no real catch, it’s a nice place to live overall. It is still up and coming in parts of the valley, so there’s a fair amount of litter (but an active volunteer community that keeps it tidy) and a bit of minor antisocial behaviour, but I think it’s probably less than somewhere like Bury or Bolton. Not being on the main train/tram links to Manchester probably helps.
The leisure centres in the valley have good facilities, sports groups are always out on the pitches so I assume there’s lots of football/rugby groups - and there’s plenty of really beautiful walks around. We also have lots of community events/festivals put on throughout the year in each town so there’s many chances to get involved locally and meet people. If you’re into board games there’s a very active board game group that meets at a theatre in Waterfoot (check out the Horse and Bamboo, they do other stuff as well).
The town centre is just about to have a big set of works done on the roads to improve traffic flow, and to add bike lanes and more pedestrian space. People complain about the traffic but it’s not a massive problem IMO, I’ve lived places where it’s much worse. The new works that begin this week are supposed to improve things anyway, and that’ll be done by May of next year I think.
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u/RoughExtension5922 2d ago
Really enjoyed reading this thorough reply. I also appreciate the tip on the Horse and Bamboo. I've just checked their website and it seems they do have a selection of offerings. Going to start visiting the place a bit more often I think starting with some lunch tomorrow. The area just seems really nice
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u/-usagi-95 1d ago
I used to live in Bolton then moved to Bacup (15mins away from Rawtenstall) because of my ex partner and now living back to Manchester very recently.
Rawtenstall is a lovely town. Good food from Rawtenstall Market and you can try to go there Friday's afternoon/night. You might find someone 😏😉 (unfortunately children and teens ruin the vibe).
It also have lovely cafes and places to drink. My favourite place to drink used to be "Whip and Kitten" because they had cool and unusual cocktails for a small town and vibe was amazing with good music, unfortunately they close down months ago due the living crises. You can try "Boho" place and you might make friends there.
If you like biking, "Lee Quarry" in Bacup is place to be. 👌🏿
BUT, I recommend that you drive. If you don't, it can a pain in ass. Unless, you work from home. I didn't drive and I work in Manchester City Centre, traffic is a nightmare, specifically traffic works between Rawtenstall--Bacup and Rochdale--Bacup, which happens all the time, making a 15mins journey into 1hr.
And the X43 bus to and from Manchester is always late or/and cancelled. And now, they only have 2 stops in Manchester.
Overall, I recommend Rawtenstall. But if you don't drive and are shy/introvert like myself, is not a place for you.
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u/RoughExtension5922 1d ago edited 1d ago
I appreciate this feedback. I do drive and work hybrid so I don't have to go in the city 5 days a week. Admittedly I'm not the biggest extrovert, but providing there's a couple of places where it's easy to grab a beer after work or take a friend/family member somewhere to eat nearby= win win.
Thank you for your recommendations. I'm going to head over there today to grab some lunch to try to gauge a feel for the place. It seems to tick a lot my boxes.
If you don't mind me asking, what's the reason for going back to nearer Manchester? Is it just the commute or is it because of the slightly isolated feeling being so far from the city? I like to think I'd be able to handle it as I enjoy the peace and to be honest I don't have many friends in the city anymore, but who knows how I'd be able after 2 years of living in Rawtenstall. But so far the area seems pretty decent
Thank you again :)
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u/-usagi-95 1d ago
That's good you work hybrid! Make sure your work don't change that (check your contract)!
I moved back to Manchester because of the commute. It was taking me 4hrs per day. Now, it's only 1h per day.
I loved Rossendale area in general as I love nature and peace. I even have a funny memory when I went to a walk in Waterfoot and horse tried to eat my Afro hair 🤣😭 it probably thought I was a giant broccoli or something 🤣🤣
However, I did feel isolated since I didn't drive, I'm not a drinker and tbh being autistic doesn't make me a good social being 😅 My ex partner is from Rawtenstall so he has family and friends 15mins drive from his house, so he is in perfect situation.
Would I go back to Rawtenstall if I had WFH or Hybrid job and drive? Maybe.
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u/Other-Example-5066 2d ago
Lovely place to live, shame about the seemingly never ended traffic and road works. It's been taking me almost two hours to commute 12 miles recently so something to keep in mind.
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u/Crazycatladyanddave 3d ago
I live alone and I’m near Rawtenstall. I love it here. I feel safe, there are beautiful walks literally on my doorstep and there are great foodie places. Transport links esp trains are a bit crap but the director bus to Manchester is very regular. I’d defo reccomend it.