Middleton is a town in the Metropolitan Borough of Rochdale, within Greater Manchester in England, sitting on the western edge of the South Pennines and roughly midway between Rochdale and Manchester. Its position gives a mix of suburban streets and green fringe, with easy commuter links into the city while still feeling close to moorland and countryside.
Historically it grew from a medieval settlement into a notable mill town during the Industrial Revolution, with textiles shaping much of its past; today the local economy is more mixed, with retail, light industry and many residents commuting into nearby urban centres. Cultural life has a community focus, and the area contains historic sites such as Hopwood Hall, alongside ongoing regeneration efforts that aim to balance heritage with modern housing and commercial needs.