Former resident of Bury, moved up to Rossendale – Bacup end, about 5 mins ride from Lee Quarry.
I used to work in Salford – from Bacup, its about 1/2hr to 1hr depending on traffic on the M60 in the morning.
When i was in Bury, it took longer from where i lived (to commute to Salford) because of the amount of traffic in Bury.
Bus links wise – there is the X43 that goes through Rawtenstall, then via the M66 to Prestwich, and gets to manchester and terminates at Piccadilly Gardens.
Houses wise – a simple 2 up, 2 in the middle, 2 down and a cellar back to back terrace is about £60,000 – 2 bed terraces are about £60-70k