Moving to Wigan? Before you pack your bags, make sure you read this article. We’re covering everything you need to know before you move to Wigan. This includes the financial side of things, things to do, and overall safety,
Let’s get started.
Moving to Wigan
If you’re asking, “is Wigan a nice place to live?” you’re most likely concerned about factors such as job opportunities, community atmosphere, and overall affordability. We’re here to say that you needn’t worry about them. Here’s why:
The town’s charm lies in its friendly community, and in today’s day and age, it’s tough to find somewhere that can promise that. Don’t just take our word for it; Wigan has received awards for being one of the happiest places in the UK. The strong sense of community was the most highly-regarded sentiment that helped it achieve the award.
Wigan has plenty of nice areas to choose from, including those such as Ashton-in-Makerfield and Appley Bridge. No matter where you choose to live, you’ll be surprised at the affordability, especially if you’re moving from a larger city.
While Wigan isn’t a city, if you want to visit one, there are plenty that are perfectly accessible. For example, Manchester and Liverpool are a short drive or train journey away, so you’ll always feel safe from the action.
Amenities in Wigan
Great Schools
Wigan is home to a variety of educational options for families. With 110 primary schools and 36 secondary schools, families are spoilt for choice.
Notable high schools include Golborne High School, Oakfield High School and College, Newbridge Learning Community, St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School, and Bedford High School.
Top primary schools such as Our Lady’s RC Primary School and Woodfield Primary School provide a great foundation for young families.
Access to excellent local schools is usually a top priority for many families, and Wigan delivers.
Family-Friendly Amenities
Continuing on from the above point, Wigan provides plenty for families to have a great place to call home. The town offers numerous family-friendly activities, parks, and green spaces, ensuring there are always active things to do. Additionally, Wigan is home to plenty of restaurants that will provide something for everyone, no matter how picky they may be.
Recreational Attractions
Wigan is also home to a few attractions of its own. For example, the iconic Wigan Pier is a historic landmark and home to a heritage museum and live music venue. Additionally, sports enthusiasts can enjoy watching teams like Wigan Athletic FC and Wigan Warriors play in their home stadium.
Transport
Wigan is an excellent commuter town, providing easy access to major cities like Manchester, Liverpool, Bolton, and Warrington. The town’s strategic location allows individuals to enjoy the benefits of larger cities while residing in a more affordable and family-friendly environment. Wigan’s connectivity makes it an attractive option for those seeking career opportunities, education, or family-friendly living.
Cost of living
If you’re looking to move to Wigan, you may be worried about affordability. It’s always a concern no matter where you move to. However, if you’re moving to Wigan from a city, you’ll have nothing to worry about. Wigan will be much more affordable than other major cities. It’s a reason why many commuters choose to call Wigan home. They save on city costs while having similar benefits.
Cost of housing
If you’re looking to purchase a property in Wigan, the current average sold prices are as follows:
- Flats – £89,212
- Terraced house – £118,154
- Semi-detached house -£175,126
- Detached house – £273,411
The current average selling price for properties in Wigan is £159,967. Now compare that to the UK average property price of £264,500. Properties in Wigan seem like a bargain! For about £10,000 more than the UK average, you could bid on some of the best houses Wigan offers.
Cost of renting
For those looking to rent property in Wigan, the current asking prices are as follows:
- Room – £521 pcm
- Flat – £908 pcm
- House – £959 pcm
So, prices are quite reasonable, especially when compared to other major cities.
Broadband speeds
If you’re thinking about moving to Wigan, it’s important to know about the internet speeds that you can expect, especially if you’re planning to use Wigan as your primary remote working location.
In Wigan, you can choose from the usual popular providers like Virgin, BT, Sky, and Openreach, so pricing can vary, but you can always find a good deal.
Currently, the average broadband speeds in Wigan are around 135.86 Mbps for downloading and 26.24 Mbps for uploading.
Crime rates
Wigan falls under the Greater Manchester Police jurisdiction and so benefits from a highly regarded police department. Wigan is generally a safe place to live, especially in comparison to major cities. Crime rates vary from area to area within Wigan; however, the town is fairly safe to live in by and large. In recent years, the crime rate has averaged around 111.6 per 1,000 people, which is slightly above the national average but still much less compared to other major cities like Manchester or London.
Wigan is a great place to call home; with a family-friendly atmosphere and a convenient location, it’s perfect for those wanting city-like amenities without the city problems.
If you need to sell a flat fast, we can help. At We Buy Any Home, we are cash house buyers in Wigan and can help you sell your property in as little as seven days. When we make our cash offers, we use the actual market rate of the property to ensure you receive the most competitive cash offer possible. Get in touch to find out more.
