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

83.1%

Very Good

12.9%

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 82

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Castings, M1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.97

(194 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

(383 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

4.87

(92 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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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

4390 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4390

Jack (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Vox, M15

May 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Great place to live, highly recommend

Jack (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Vox, M15

May 2026

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

Very closely situated to Cornbrook tram stop for easy access to the city. Also very close to a nice path down the canal that leads to an excellent pub, bars and deansgate-castlefield train station.

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

Any issues were handled quickly and efficiently, though rarely had to raise anything.

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

Good social opportunities/events that are great to get involved with, would recommend using them to meet your neighbours.

・・

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

HomeViews

Harriet (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Bendix, M4

May 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Love the staff love the building!

Harriet (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Bendix, M4

May 2026

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

The local area is really centralised, utilities are brilliant and the street is tidy and quiet and great transport links

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

All problems have been resolved quickly and effectively

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

As we have lived in the area previously, there wasn’t really anything we weren’t aware of prior to moving.

・・

HomeViews

Killingeve (Tenant)

Verified Resident

uhaus, M1

May 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Happy place

Killingeve (Tenant)

Verified Resident

uhaus, M1

May 2026

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

Streets are clean, wide range of food places, bars and shops. There is site security which is reassuring at night as can get busy on Oxford road

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

All in good time frames and helpful with swapping my furniture

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

To many students around the block, no issues but lots of them

・・

HomeViews

Qasim Hussain (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

May 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Great swan street

Qasim Hussain (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

May 2026

Living at Swan Street House in Ancoats has been an incredible experience. The building’s staff amenities are outstanding, with a fully equipped gym, a relaxing pool area, stylish communal rooms, and well-designed working spaces that make both productivity and downtime easy. The apartments themselves are modern and comfortable, but the real highlight is the view—stretching out across the whole of Manchester, it’s especially stunning at night when the city lights bring everything to life.

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

It’s so easy to get around, nothing is more than 15 minutes away. Great public n transport links too

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

They have responded very quickly and it’s easy using the app

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

I wish I had know about all the lounges and dining room use

・・

HomeViews

Jack (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

May 2026

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

This is rated 2.00 out of 5.00.

I’d avoid tbh

Jack (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

May 2026

Don’t be blinded by the amenities, you could probably find better We got an email about a stolen parcel that I’d put money on being stolen because the doors were stuck open all day and night for the 6th time in a year Honestly find that nothing really gets sorted, I’ve often found an endless loop of blaming contractors and tenants for issues like the windows and doors when the responsibility is very clearly on the building management to get it resolved, I’ve never encountered a business so unwilling to take responsibility for their mistakes Shout out the maintenance guy tho he actually puts a graft in

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

Area is good but this isn’t anything to do with swan street hse, there’s plenty of flats in this area

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

Barely anything, just found it’s constantly not their fault

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

Like I said I would just avoid, the building management aren’t interested in you they don’t reply to emails or WhatsApp or answer the phone 99% of the time unless you use the dial option that’s meant to be for sales

・・

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

HomeViews

Page 1 of 878

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

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