One of the fastest-growing towns in the UK, Bolton boasts a tight-knit community and has plenty of things to do and see. It’s also surrounded by miles of sprawling countryside and is just 12 miles from Manchester. In this guide, we’re looking at what to expect if you’re moving to Bolton, from house values to rental prices and much more. Here’s the lowdown on Bolton.
A brief history of Bolton
Historically and traditionally, Bolton was a part of Lancashire. It’s a former mill town and has been a production centre for textiles since Flemish weavers settled in the 14th century. Bolton was a boomtown until the end of the First World War, thanks to urbanisation and development that coincided with the Industrial Revolution.
Where is Bolton
Today, Bolton forms part of Greater Manchester and is located in North-West England. It’s close to the West Pennine Moors and lies between Manchester, Darwen, Blackburn, Chorley, Bury and Salford.
Moving to Bolton
Bolton is known for its affordable housing, and you’ll find a good selection of homes here. There are plenty of terraced houses, as well as semi and detached homes. You’ll also find new-build apartments around the town. Kearsley and Harwood are two of the most popular areas in Bolton, while Lostock and Egerton are known as upmarket areas.
Buying in Bolton
The average sold price in Bolton is £201,753, which is lower than the UK national average of £329,547. Expect to pay an average of £360,914 for a detached home, £137,236 for a terraced house and £118,007 for an apartment.
There’s a varied selection of estate and letting agents in Bolton, with chain and independent options available to help you find a home.
Renting in Bolton
One-bedroom homes rent for an average of £550 per month in Bolton, with two-bedroom properties fetching in the region of £750 per month. For larger homes, expect to pay an average of £875 per month.
Cost of living
If you’re moving to Bolton, you can expect to pay lower prices to the UK national average when it comes to everyday living. A meal for one person is around £11, while a cappuccino and a pint of milk cost about £2.85 and £0.95p respectively.
Utility bills are higher than national average in Bolton, at around £165 per month for electricity, heating, cooling, water and waste disposal (UK average £155). Broadband also matches the average at about £29 per month.
Living in Bolton
Open spaces
You can easily access acres of countryside in Bolton. Jumbles Country Park features parkland, reservoir, and scenic walks via footpaths through valleys and across adjacent hills. Moses Gate is a restored country park with unique wildlife, horse riding and walking and cycling paths.
Transport links
Bolton is well served by public transport, with trains operated by the Northern and TransPennine Express. There are services to Manchester taking just 19 minutes, while Rochdale, Edinburgh and Blackpool are all accessible from Bolton.
Shopping
You’ll find a mix of shops in Bolton, including Market Place Shopping Centre. It’s set in a period building constructed in the Victorian era and features designer boutiques. Other shopping options include Bolton Gate Retail Park and Bolton Market, which has 300 stalls across an indoor and outdoor space.
Eateries
Whether you’re after classic British grub or cuisine from Europe and beyond, Bolton has you covered. With tapas restaurants offering Mediterranean plates like paella and fried calamari. And Italian restaurants with authentic cuisines and various pizza options.
Nightlife
You can find one of the best nightclubs in Bolton with four floors, five rooms and six bars. The city of Manchester is also nearby and offers great nightlife options.
Art & culture
Bolton has a rich culture, which you see first-hand at places like the award-winning Bolton Little Theatre with its seven plays a season. There’s also the Bolton Steam Museum, which has the most extensive collection of working steam mill engines in the UK and possibly even the world.
Things to do
If you want to immerse yourself in history, go on Horwich’s town centre heritage trail. It will reveal how the town has developed over the years and give you more insight into the history of Bolton. There are also plenty of nearby villages, such as Barrow Bridge and Rivington.
What’s not to like?
Bolton offers a good balance of Manchester’s buzz and small-town charm. But if you prefer the bright lights of the city, it might fall short of your expectations.
Who lives there?
Bolton has a population of just 288,000 and a median age of 35.
Typical broadband speeds
The average broadband speed is 106mbps in Bolton, which is considerably higher than the UK national average of 67mbps.
Crime rates
The overall crime rate in Bolton averages around 42 crimes per 1,000 people.
Moving to Bolton
Move iQ’s property report provides an in-depth analysis of specific properties as well as details about the local area of Bolton. If you’re thinking of moving, make sure you get one first.
Last Updated: October 13th, 2022
