A guide to living in Manchester

Manchester is the second largest urban area in England, and is often thought of as the UK’s second city. Located in the north west of England nestled between Liverpool and Leeds, Manchester is also reportedly the UK’s fastest growing city economically. The area's 2.8 million residents are incredibly proud of their city – and rightly so. In 2018 Manchester was officially named the Best Place To Live In The UK in The Economist's Global Livability Index. Read on to discover the developments rated by residents as the best places to live in Manchester and to read reviews from locals who own or rent in Manchester. The landlocked county of Manchester is mostly urban and comprises ten boroughs: Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan and the cities of Manchester and Salford. Historically, the textiles industry generated most of Manchester's wealth. However, the city has developed to become a major exporter of media, music and football. It's home to two international football teams – Manchester United and Manchester City – as well as popular TV soap Coronation Street and five universities.

Excellent

83.0%

Very Good

13.0%

Average

2.9%

Disappointing

0.6%

Very poor

0.5%

Best places to live in Manchester

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 81

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Castings, M1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.97

(168 reviews)

The Castings offers studio, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments in Manchester’s newest neighbourhood, Piccadilly East. Residents benefit from top-notch amenities ranging from 3 roof terraces, complete with wraparound views of Manchester, to a high-spec gym and studio space with 24/7 virtual classes. Additionally, there are 2 social lounges, a cinema room, bookable private dining room and a working hub with meeting rooms and private booths.

1st

Ranked 1st out of 68 in Manchester

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Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Trilogy, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.9

4.90

(380 reviews)

The Trilogy is a HomeViews award-winning development comprising of 232 one, two and three bedroom apartment. This is more than an outstanding development. It’s the start of a whole new community – and a new chapter in your life. Feel safe whatever the time of day or night with 24-hour security, while the on-site resident services team are always on hand to answer questions or lend assistance. You will be enjoying vibrant, modern living in the heart of Castlefield, with its waterside bars and pubs perfect for al fresco drinks on sunny days. The nightlife and boutiques of Spinningfields are just a few moments away on the tram or a leisurely twenty minute walk.

2nd

Ranked 2nd out of 68 in Manchester

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Award Winner 2025

Poplin, M4

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.85

(88 reviews)

Poplin offers 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments to rent in a community of 144 homes. Residents benefit from flexibility, social spaces and rooftop views. Additionally, residents can enjoy a communal atrium garden, glass atrium and social lounge, and a bookable kitchen. Bordering Ancoats, Poplin is just a couple of minutes’ walk to the Shudehill interchange, and ten minutes to Victoria Station. It’s also a short walk to spots such as Angel Meadow, Cutting Room Square and New Islington Marina – or onwards to any of the shops, bars, restaurants and supermarkets of the Northern Quarter.

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 68 in Manchester

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Award Winner 2025

The James Manchester, M4

By The James

Award winner 2025

4.79

(30 reviews)

Formerly a 19th century shoemaker's warehouse, The James Manchester has been carefully converted to offer luxury apartments, providing residents with generous spaces to recharge mind and body in a prime central location known for being a creative and culture hub. Situated in the lively Manchester's Northern Quarter, renowned for its blend of office spaces, shops, and leisure offerings, the property benefits from its proximity to the bustling business district, a variety of retail shops, and convenient transportation hubs such as train, bus, and tram stations.

4th

Ranked 4th out of 68 in Manchester

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Award Winner 2025

Apo at Angel Gardens, M4

By Apo

Award winner 2025

4.78

(393 reviews)

Apo at Angel Gardens, newly managed by Apo as of 1st November 2025, sits in the heart of Manchester, within the NOMA innovation district. It features a total of 466 interior designed apartments to rent with a mix of sizes, ranging from studios to three beds. In addition, it is pet-friendly. Likewise, residents benefit from free WiFi and, a Samsung 50″ inch smart TV included in their rent. Plus, onsite amenities such as: a rooftop sports pitch, rooftop terrace, residents’ gym, sky lounge, private dining room, media room and atrium.

5th

Ranked 5th out of 68 in Manchester

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Page 1 of 17

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4314 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4314

Alex McMahon (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Anco&co, M4

Apr 2026

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Anco & Co Review

Alex McMahon (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Anco&co, M4

Apr 2026

The design for Anco & Co is fantastic, especially in our new flat. The downstairs area is so nice and cosy and the roof terrace gives you a great view of Ancoats and into Manchester! The staff are always so helpful and chatty. They really make an effort with the events they put on for residents which makes a big difference! Shoutout to Elly & Adam who helped us with our moves in to our properties it means a lot!

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

I have no bad words to say about the area - I absolutely love living here. I feel safe, it’s not too loud and I think it’s the coolest part of Manchester.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Yes always been great in sorting out any issues we’ve had quickly and efficiently.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish there was some form of provision for parking but its one we’ve managed in the end.

・・

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

HomeViews

Sara S (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Anco&co, M4

Apr 2026

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Beautiful apartments with the best team!

Sara S (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Anco&co, M4

Apr 2026

The development is gorgeous with great facilities. All the apartments are set out beautifully and we've never had a problem that isn't fixed straight away. Although the flats have a new build vibe they are also full of character which I think a lot of newer apartments lack. We have recently moved to a different apartment within the same block as we love it here so much but were looking for a little more space. The team are absolutely incredible here and made the whole process as quick and smooth as possible- I can't praise them enough (shout out to Adam and Elly!!) Every single person that works here is approachable and helpful, and having lived in multiple complexes in Manchester, they are easily the best team!

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

I love living in the area, we have everything we need right on our doorstep and it never feels to crowded or busy.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Yes, although we haven't had may issues anything raised is dealt with straight away, the app also makes it super easy to raise any maintenance problems

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

The only thing would be to do more research on parking in the area as it can be a little trickier to find a permit

・・

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

HomeViews

Josh (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Castings, M1

Apr 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

A warm, welcoming and homely environment with a good feel of city living

Josh (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Castings, M1

Apr 2026

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The Castings is the perfect location for city living. I frequently get the train and use public transport and It is so convenient for this with a tram stop 2-3 minutes away and Piccadilly station a 6 minute walk. It has a costa on the door step and other local shops & restaurants nearby.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Yes, i had an issue with the internet, which wasn't down to the landlord, regardless the team were quick to offer help and i managed to get it resolved without any stress.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wouldn't say there was much I wasn't sure about when i moved it but for any minor questions i had, the concierge team were always on hand.

・・

HomeViews

Trish C (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Union, M3

Apr 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Enjoy Living Here

Trish C (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Union, M3

Apr 2026

The design could be worked on in terms of the beds up against the wall with one nightstand. It's difficult to make the bed. A dresser would be advantageous and closets a bit bigger. I used the facilities on 1st floor until they blocked it off and created Union + at a fee . I don't have a need for the gym, work spaces or bar but upon my first moving in here I did check these out and had no complaints. Property Management is on top of issues from what I've seen.

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

I'm doing this review for the second time since my arrival April 2024. Location is perfect! Surrounded by various restaurants, shops, free bus route, Aviva, Science Museum, markets, First Street and much more! Wish I could stay!

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Had an issue with my bedroom door sticking, bedroom bed sqeeking lifting up and down, toilet leaking underneath, leak in ceiling at entrance door and these matters were all addressed immediately. Tom is the best and responds directly and promptly.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

Good - love the location as a person involved in the Arts having Aviva right next door is great! Enjoy the Market every Saturday at Campfield

・・

HomeViews

Tim (Tenant)

Unverified

Kampus, M1

Apr 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Easy living, great people, solid spot in Manchester

Tim (Tenant)

Unverified

Kampus, M1

Apr 2026

Please tell us about the good and bad aspects of living in your local area:

The area’s really convenient everything you need is within walking distance, loads of food options, good transport links, and it feels pretty lively without being overwhelming. It’s ideal if you like having things going on but still want your own space. No Downsides.

How has the building management responded to any problems or issues you have raised:

Two people really stood out to me Ed and Lilly. Ed was great: super helpful, always followed up, and brought really good energy. And Lilly… she’s basically the MVP of the building. If Kampus had a secret weapon, it’s Lilly.

Please share one thing (or more) which you wish you had known before you moved in:

I wish I’d known how much I’d actually end up using the shared spaces—they’re way better than expected and make it easy to get out of your flat without really leaving the building. Also didn’t realise how quickly the place starts to feel like a little community, which has been a nice surprise.

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 863

These reviews are the subjective opinion of a HomeViews user and not of HomeViews

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