Living in Rochdale

Rochdale’s identity is built on strong community values and lively local traditions. Regular community events, such as the Rochdale Feel Good Festival and Christmas lights switch-on, foster a welcoming atmosphere. Local markets, especially the long-established Rochdale Market, provide not only fresh produce but also a social hub for residents.

The town benefits from a number of community centres, sports clubs, and arts collectives. Green spaces like Broadfield Park and the nearby Healey Dell Nature Reserve contribute to a healthy outdoor lifestyle, while the proximity of Hollingworth Lake Country Park draws both walkers and families seeking active weekends.

Like many towns of its size and urban proximity, Rochdale experiences varied crime rates. Central areas and certain neighbourhoods may see higher incidents of anti-social behaviour or petty crime, but many residential suburbs are perceived as generally safe and community-oriented. Over recent years, regeneration schemes and increased neighbourhood policing have focused on improving safety and fostering positive relationships between communities and law enforcement.

Community watch groups and initiatives such as Neighbourhood Policing Teams are active in Rochdale, working to reassure residents and address local concerns. Areas near the town centre benefit from visible police presence and security measures, while outlying districts can offer a more peaceful residential atmosphere. It is recommended that newcomers review latest crime statistics for specific streets or areas of personal interest.

Parking in Rochdale is generally manageable, particularly in suburban and residential zones where on-street parking is widely available. The town centre includes a mix of paid car parks and some controlled resident permit areas. During busy periods or at peak shopping times, demand may increase, but spaces are usually accessible without extensive delays.

Rochdale is served by key arterial routes including the A58, A627(M), and, most notably, the M62 motorway, which provides swift links to both Manchester and Leeds. Commuters can benefit from short journey times to nearby urban centres, making Rochdale a popular base for those who drive for work or leisure.

• Manchester – approx. 30 minutes via M62 (15 miles)
• Leeds – approx. 50 minutes via M62 (36 miles)
• Bury – approx. 25 minutes via A58 (10 miles)
• Oldham – approx. 20 minutes via A671/A627(M) (8 miles)

Rochdale offers a broad selection of dining and social venues. The town centre is home to a range of restaurants including South Asian cuisine, Italian eateries, and traditional British fare. Popular establishments such as The Baum have gained recognition for their selection of cask ales and welcoming atmosphere, while The Flying Horse Hotel is another favourite for both food and live music.

The café culture has grown in recent years, with independent coffee shops and bakeries becoming more common. Takeaways are plentiful, serving everything from curries to fish and chips. Nightlife is generally relaxed but includes a number of vibrant pubs and bars, particularly along Yorkshire Street. While there is not a large club scene, live music nights and community theatre events fill the cultural calendar, often taking place at venues like Touchstones Rochdale and the Curtain Theatre.

School quality: A range of well-rated primary and secondary schools, alongside two notable post-16 colleges.

Parks and green space: Abundant access to parks such as Broadfield Park, Queen’s Park, and Hollingworth Lake Country Park.

Childcare: Numerous nurseries and early years providers across the borough.

Safety: Community-focused policing and regeneration aimed at maintaining family-friendly environments.

Family activities: Regular family events, museums like Touchstones Rochdale, sports centres, and playgrounds.

Pet owners find Rochdale to be a welcoming location with a good choice of green spaces and walking routes. Areas such as Healey Dell Nature Reserve and Hollingworth Lake Country Park offer extensive countryside walks ideal for dogs. Many public parks include dedicated dog-walking zones and open fields, while pet-friendly cafés and pubs are gradually increasing in number.

There are several veterinary clinics and pet shops across the town. Generally, local attitudes towards pets are accommodating, though pet restrictions may apply in some private rental properties or shared accommodation settings.

Rochdale is a well-connected urban centre with comprehensive transport options. Rochdale railway station offers regular direct services to Manchester Victoria (approximately 15 minutes), Leeds, and beyond, making it a popular choice for commuters. The Metrolink tram system provides convenient journeys to central Manchester, Oldham, and neighbouring towns, enhancing regional accessibility.

Public bus services link Rochdale with surrounding villages and Greater Manchester destinations, while the M62 motorway provides efficient road access for those travelling by car. Manchester Airport is about 45 minutes away by road, providing international and domestic flight connectivity.

• Manchester city centre: 30 mins by train or tram
• Leeds: 1 hour by train
• Manchester Airport: 45 mins by car

The town’s proximity to the motorway network is a key benefit for those commuting across the North West or seeking easy access to Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Primary Schools in Rochdale
Rochdale has a good selection of highly regarded primary schools. Calderbrook Primary School consistently earns positive reviews for its supportive environment and educational standards (Ofsted: Good, 2018). St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Primary School and All Saints’ Church of England Primary School both offer strong faith-based curriculums and receive solid Ofsted ratings. Hamer Community Primary School is another popular choice for families, prized for its community ethos and inclusive atmosphere.

Secondary Schools in Rochdale
Notable secondaries include Wardle Academy (Ofsted: Good, 2022), renowned for its focus on both academic achievement and extracurricular opportunities. Matthew Moss High School (Ofsted: Good, 2019) is well-regarded for its commitment to holistic education. Kingsway Park High School and Oulder Hill Leadership Academy are also established options serving diverse catchment areas.

Colleges & Sixth Forms
Hopwood Hall College is a significant post-16 education provider, delivering a broad suite of vocational and academic courses, and drawing students from across the wider region. Rochdale Sixth Form College is known for its strong A-Level results and regular placement of students at top universities.

Universities
There is no university based directly in Rochdale, but excellent rail and road links place the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, and the University of Salford within easy commuting distance for students residing in the town.