Living in Wigan, Greater Manchester
What this article covers
- What makes Wigan, Greater Manchester a good or bad place to live in relation to other cities and towns in the UK
- Pros and cons of living in Wigan, Greater Manchester for working professionals, students, and families
- Best and worst areas to live in Wigan, Greater Manchester
Wigan, a large town in Greater Manchester, is situated on the River Douglas and is surrounded by woodland, lakes, and picturesque countryside. A historic market town, it embraces the charm of northern England.
What makes Wigan a good place to live
Wigan promises a balanced lifestyle with its rich industrial heritage, high-quality education facilities, and excellent transportation links. The vibrant community, coupled with a number of parks and nature reserves, makes it suitable for both families and working professionals. With two universities nearby, it also provides a culturally rich experience for students.
What makes Wigan a bad place to live
Some might find the colder, wet climate off-putting. Wigan doesn’t offer the cosmopolitan lifestyle found in larger cities, and during football match days the town centre can get crowded.
Buying and renting in Wigan
Compared to other regions of Greater Manchester, Wigan is fairly affordable. On average, buying a home costs around £160,000 and renting a one-bedroom apartment can range from £400-£600 per month.
Public transportation in Wigan
Public transport, like buses and trains, are convenient in Wigan. Wigan North Western, a main train station, offers direct trains to Manchester, Liverpool and London. For air travel, Manchester Airport is a short journey away.
Safety in Wigan
Wigan is generally safe, although like anywhere, some areas are more desirable than others. It is important to research and consider this when choosing a place to live.
Most popular areas in Wigan
Standish (WN6)
The popular area of Standish is known for high-quality, local schools making it popular with families.
Aspull (WN2)
Aspull offers panoramic country views and is a hit among professionals seeking a peaceful lifestyle.
Least popular areas in Wigan
Ince-in-Makerfield (WN2)
Despite cheaper property prices, Ince-in-Makerfield is less in demand due to its lower rated schools and lesser amenities.
Leigh (WN7)
While Leigh has seen some recent development, it is considered less desirable due to higher crime rates and fewer transportation links.
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