Do you know that the top brands AO.com, Warburtons, and Parcel2Go are all headquartered in Bolton? As a result, the town attracts thousands of employees from all over Lancashire.
Choosing the right commuter town can significantly improve your work-life balance, especially if you’re one of the many employees attracted to Bolton from all over Lancashire. Whether you’re looking to shorten your daily commute from a distance or seeking a quieter suburb for your family, we have the perfect solution for you.
Continue reading to discover some of the most affordable Bolton commuter towns, each with its own unique charm, amenities, and transport options. We’ll also delve into Bolton’s potential as a commuter town for nearby cities and its average cost of living, providing you with a comprehensive view to help you make an informed decision.
Where do people commute to Bolton from?
Chorley
Distance: 11 miles | 30 minute drive | 15 min train journey | Avg. house price: £206,315
Chorley, known for its vibrant markets, draws 150 stallholders and food traders each week. It’s also home to numerous schools, a large FE college, a theatre, a cinema, and a bowling alley. For sports enthusiasts, Chorley offers multiple cricket clubs and golf and leisure centres with pool and squash courts. The historic Astley Hall and Yarrow Valley Country Park are also attractions to the south. Most homes here are terraced, reflecting Chorley’s industrial past, and these can be yours for an average price of £146,750. Best of all, Bolton is just a half-hour drive via the M61, or you can hop on a train and reach the town centre in 15 minutes.
Bury
Distance: 6 miles | 25 minute drive | 40 min bus journey | Avg. house price: £225,009
Situated between Bolton and Rochdale alongside the River Irwell, Bury is a sought-after market town with good road links. You can find everything from independent shops to retail parks here and the town’s famous open-air black pudding market stalls. Additionally, Bury boasts three museums (transport, art and military), a quaint heritage railway and several parks with woodland trails. And to keep the family entertained whatever the weather, there’s also a cinema, bowling alley and arts centre with live theatre, music and comedy shows. Properties here are typically affordable terraced homes costing around £174,206.
Atherton
Distance: 5 miles | 20-30 minute drive | 25 min bus journey | Avg. house price: £186,812
Atherton is a similar distance from the town centre. This Bolton commuter town has grown from its mining roots to include new housing developments alongside classic terraces. As such, semi-detached homes were most popular last year, selling for £186,812 on average. The town centre has a leisure centre with a pool, gym and skate park. It also has a roller sports rink, indoor air rifle range, soft play area, and a snooker club. Atherton also has a local library, a small shopping centre and several listed Victorian buildings in its conservation area. The town is well-connected by bus and has a train station on the Manchester-Southport line.
Wigan
Distance: 10 miles | 30-40 minute drive | 15 min train journey | Avg. house price: £180,575
Located midway between Manchester and Liverpool, this former mill town’s heritage is immediately apparent due to its 125 listed buildings! However, nowadays, it is home to a 25k capacity football and rugby stadium, three college campuses, two train stations and a karting race circuit. The town centre has several shopping arcades, a roller rink, a swimming pool and river cruises along the canal. There are numerous nature reserves, fishing lakes, and picnic areas to the south, and 250 acres of Haigh Woodland Park are also nearby. In short, there’s plenty to do in Wigan! Plus, commuters are only a 15-minute train ride from Bolton.
Prestwich
Distance: 9 miles | 20 min drive | 1 hr bus ride with a change | Avg. house price: £270,667
Alternatively, if you’d prefer to live somewhere surrounded by green spaces, then Prestwich is worth a look. Just a short drive from Bolton, this town is popular with young professionals and features a tram link to Manchester. The High Street has a host of bars, cafes, and independent retailers, and there’s also an artisan Makers Market that is held once a month. You’ll also find a cricket, tennis and bowling club in town, plus Heaton Park & Golf Course close by. And if you like getting outdoors, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Prestwich has multiple nature reserves and riverside parks, and Philips Park has its mountain bike trail.
If that wasn’t enough, this Bolton commuter town is set for a £100 million regeneration. As such, residents will soon have access to a new food court, health centre, library and community space in the town centre.
Where do Bolton residents commute to?
If you’re moving to Bolton and wondering how accessible nearby towns and cities are, look no further. Here are the best options when it comes to commuting outside of town for work:
- Manchester – 20 min Northern train service to Manchester Victoria (every 30 minutes) / 25 min Northern service to Manchester Piccadilly (every 20 minutes)
- Preston – 45 min drive via M61 or A675 / 25 min Northern train service (2 per hour)
- Blackburn – 30 min Northern service (every 30 minutes) / 40 min drive via the A666
- Stockport – 35 min drive via the M60 / 45 min train journey with a change to Manchester Piccadilly (every 20 minutes)
In addition, Liverpool is just an hour’s drive via the M62. However, bear in mind that this route can take considerably longer at rush hour. You can also take the train, which involves a change at either Wigan or Manchester Piccadilly, with a total journey time of 1hr 25 minutes.
The cost of living in Bolton
Before deciding where to call home, it’s worth considering the cost of living in Bolton.
Average salary
In terms of the cost of living, it’s important to note that the average salary in Bolton was £33.1k in 2023, which is significantly lower than the national average of £42.2k and neighbouring Manchester’s £43.5k. However, the housing market in Bolton offers a more affordable option. With average house prices at £209,788, properties in Bolton are approximately £70k less than the national average, making it an attractive choice for those looking to save on housing costs.
Cost-effective towns
If you want to increase your budget, the Bolton commuter towns of Wigan, Chorley, and Atherton may be more cost-effective. Or, if you’re happy to forego a garden, you could live centrally for less in a terraced home. These currently cost £152,104 on average and are great starter homes. They’re also ideal for those who work in the town centre or rely on public transport to commute elsewhere.
Monthly rent rates
Alternatively, monthly rent rates now average £958 in Bolton. That’s around £886 for a flat and £1,122 for a house. On top of that, you’ll have to account for utilities (approx. £237.50 for two people) and groceries. For reference, 1L of milk now costs £1.21 and a loaf of bread £1.15. Then there’s council tax, priced at £1,427.38 per year for Band A homes in 2024/24. Meanwhile, the Band C rate for larger homes is now £1,903.18 – 5% more than last year.
Transportation links
On the plus side, single-fare bus tickets on the Greater Manchester Bee Network cost £2 or less. And 7-Day AnyBus Travelcards are available for £21 per adult, making it easy to get around the region. Monthly gym memberships in Bolton are also relatively affordable at around £27.50. And there are many free museums and parks to enjoy in your spare time.
Have a house to sell in Bolton?
Ready to relocate to one of Bolton’s best commuter towns but need to sell your home first? If it’s taking longer than you’d hoped, get in touch! Our team of time-served cash house buyers can help you fund your move in as little as one week – or whatever timescale suits you. It doesn’t matter where your property is located, whether it is in town or in its condition. We will buy it regardless! Get a free cash offer now to determine your home’s worth.
