Area Overview for BL1 6FL

Area Information

BL1 6FL is a small residential postcode in England, home to 1,571 people spread across a compact area with a population density of 257 people per square kilometre. This area, part of the Borough of Bolton in Greater Manchester, sits near historical settlements like Halliwell, which was once a township within the medieval parish of Bolton-le-Moors. The community here is characterised by a mix of older housing stock and a stable population, with a median age of 47 and a strong presence of adults aged 30–64. Daily life is shaped by proximity to local amenities, including multiple retail outlets and rail connections. The area’s compact size means residents can access essential services within a short distance, though its small footprint also means the housing stock is limited to a specific cluster of properties. Living here offers a quiet, established environment with a focus on local infrastructure, though the area’s historical roots and modern-day practicalities create a distinctive blend of tradition and convenience.

Area Type
Postcode
Area Size
Not available
Population
1571
Population Density
257 people/km²

The property market in BL1 6FL is dominated by owner-occupied homes, with 92% of residents living in properties they own. This high level of home ownership suggests a community of long-term residents rather than a transient rental market. The accommodation types here are primarily houses, which is unusual for urban areas and indicates a suburban or semi-rural character. The small size of the postcode means the housing stock is limited to a specific cluster, which could make the area appealing to buyers seeking a quiet, established environment. However, the compact nature of BL1 6FL also means the property market is niche, with limited options for buyers looking to expand or move within the immediate vicinity. For those considering this area, the focus on owner-occupation and the predominance of houses suggest a market that prioritises stability over growth or development.

House Prices in BL1 6FL

No properties found in this postcode.

Energy Efficiency in BL1 6FL

The lifestyle in BL1 6FL is supported by nearby amenities that cater to daily needs. Retail options include Morrisons Halliwell, Morrisons Daily, and Farmfoods Halliwell, offering grocery and convenience shopping within reach. The area’s rail network, with stations like Hall i’ th’ Wood and Bolton, provides easy access to urban centres and beyond. While specific parks or leisure facilities are not detailed in the data, the presence of multiple retail and transport hubs suggests a focus on practicality over expansive recreational spaces. The compact nature of the area means residents can access essentials without long commutes, though the lack of named parks or cultural venues may limit options for leisure activities. The character of daily life here is defined by convenience and proximity to services, with a balance between local and regional connectivity.

Amenities

Schools

Near BL1 6FL, families have access to a range of educational institutions, including St Peter’s Smithills Dean CofE Primary School, which serves younger children, and Smithills School, a primary school with an Ofsted rating of satisfactory. North Bolton Sixth Form College provides post-16 education, while Youth Challenge Pru offers alternative learning pathways. A second Smithills School is listed as an academy with the same Ofsted rating. The mix of primary, sixth-form, and specialist schools suggests a comprehensive educational infrastructure, though the Ofsted ratings indicate that while some institutions meet basic standards, others may require improvement. For families prioritising school quality, the availability of multiple options is a plus, but the ratings highlight the need for careful research into individual institutions.

RankA + A* %SchoolTypeEntry genderAges
1N/ASt Peter's Smithills Dean CofE Primary SchoolprimaryN/AN/A
2N/ASmithills SchoolprimaryN/AN/A
3N/ANorth Bolton Sixth Form Collegesixth-formN/AN/A
4N/AYouth Challenge PruotherN/AN/A
5N/ASmithills SchoolacademyN/AN/A

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Demographics

The community in BL1 6FL is predominantly composed of adults aged 30–64, reflecting a median age of 47. Home ownership is high, with 92% of residents living in owner-occupied properties, a figure that suggests a stable, long-term demographic. The accommodation types here are primarily houses, indicating a low-rise, residential character. The predominant ethnic group is White, which aligns with broader regional trends in Greater Manchester. This demographic profile implies a mature, settled population with established family structures. The absence of specific deprivation data means the area’s quality of life can be inferred from its high home ownership and stable age distribution. However, the lack of diversity in ethnicity and the concentration of older adults may influence local services and social dynamics, with a focus on community continuity rather than rapid change.

Household Size

Family (3-5 people)
most common

Accommodation Type

Houses
most common

Tenure

92
majority

Ethnic Group

White
most common

Religion

N/A
most common

Household Composition

N/A
most common

Age

47
median
Adults (30-64 years)
most common

Household Deprivation

N/A
with no deprivation

NS-SEC

49
in Lower managerial occupations

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Planning

Planning Constraints

  • Flood Risk
    Locked
  • Ramsar Wetland Sites
    Locked
  • Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
    Locked
  • Protected Nature Reserve
    Locked
  • Protected Woodland
    Locked
  • Crime Risk
    Locked

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the community feel like in BL1 6FL?
BL1 6FL has a stable, mature population with a median age of 47 and 92% home ownership. The community is predominantly White and composed of adults aged 30–64, suggesting a settled, low-turnover environment. The area’s small size fosters a close-knit feel, though amenities are limited to nearby retail and rail services.
Who lives in BL1 6FL?
The population is largely adults aged 30–64, with a median age of 47. Home ownership is high at 92%, and the predominant ethnic group is White. The area’s demographics reflect a long-term, established community with limited diversity in age and ethnicity.
What schools are near BL1 6FL?
St Peter’s Smithills Dean CofE Primary School and Smithills School (Ofsted rating: satisfactory) serve primary education. North Bolton Sixth Form College provides post-16 education, and Youth Challenge Pru offers alternative learning. Multiple schools are within practical reach.
How is transport and connectivity in BL1 6FL?
The area has five nearby railway stations, including Hall i’ th’ Wood and Bolton, plus a metro station at Radcliffe. Broadband and mobile scores are 88 and 85 respectively, indicating excellent digital connectivity for working from home and daily use.
Is BL1 6FL safe?
The area has a critical crime risk with a score of 0/100, indicating above-average crime rates. Enhanced security measures are recommended. Other assessments, like flood risk, show no significant hazards, but crime remains a primary concern for residents.

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