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

82.9%

Very Good

13.1%

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

(162 reviews)

£1,180-£2,165 pcm

Studios, 1, 2, 3 beds

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

4.89

(361 reviews)

£1,020-£1,700 pcm

1, 2, 3 beds

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)

£1,240-£2,200 pcm

1, 2, 3 beds

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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Development image of The James Manchester, M4

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The James Manchester, M4

By The James

Award winner 2025

4.8

4.80

(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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Development image of Apo at Angel Gardens, M4

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Award Winner 2025

Apo at Angel Gardens, M4

By Apo

Award winner 2025

4.79

(393 reviews)

£1,320-£2,385 pcm

Studios, 1, 2, 3 beds

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

4227 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4227

Davide (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Feb 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

New at west tower

Davide (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Feb 2026

I recently moved into **West Tower**, and it's been a fantastic living experience overall. The staff here are exceptionally welcoming and helpful—always quick to respond and genuinely caring. A huge thanks to **Beth**, who's been amazing from move-in day onward. Whether handling questions, coordinating maintenance, or just offering a friendly chat, she makes residents feel valued and supported. The building is kept in pristine condition. Hallways, elevators, lobbies, and all common spaces are consistently spotless—cleanliness is clearly a priority, creating a fresh, comfortable atmosphere every day. Amenities are a major highlight. Convenient on-site restaurants make grabbing a meal effortless. The dedicated working area is modern, quiet, and perfect for productivity or remote days. The gym is well-equipped for solid workouts, and the pool is a standout—clean, refreshing, and ideal for laps or relaxing. They offer a selection of fitness classes, which add nice variety, though expanding the schedule with more options (like yoga or strength sessions) would be welcome. The sports court is spacious and great for games, but installing a volleyball net would elevate it for more residents to enjoy. One of my absolute favorite perks is the dog-friendliness. The walking paths and green areas around the building provide peaceful, scenic routes—perfect for daily strolls with my pup. West Tower combines excellent maintenance, thoughtful amenities, and a warm community vibe thanks to its outstanding team. It's a highly recommended spot to call home—just a few minor tweaks like extra classes and that volleyball net, and it'd be perfect!

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

All the restaurants and facilities offered are great! Super clean and always full of helpful and polite staff

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

Yes, when I had problems setting up heating I got helped

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

The gym is super clean, all staff there is super helpful too

・・

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

HomeViews

Olivia D (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Broadside, M4

Feb 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Great location. Great price. Great staff.

Olivia D (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Broadside, M4

Feb 2026

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

There is some noise coming from works outside but we have been given updates about these. I was told there would be a gym as well as the fitness studio in the first year of me moving here but I am yet to see this. The events are great and the staff are amazing. I’ve had two issues whilst living here and they’ve been fixed or rectified pretty much immediately.

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

I was locked in my room once and a lock smith was here within an hour. I also needed the hob replacing and this was done the same week.

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

That the gym wouldn’t have been ready. Other than that I think I’m pretty happy

・・

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

HomeViews

Sam P (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Broadside, M4

Feb 2026

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

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Amazing place, Big rooms but a bit pricey.

Sam P (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Broadside, M4

Feb 2026

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

Good - central location and very quiet. Grocery shop right opposite building and tram is 7min walk Bad - not enough sunlight on lower floors and continued drainage problems. Annual rent increase is on the steeper side and rent pcm is above industry average for similar developments

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

Been fixed within 48hrs. No issues other than that.

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

The flat next to me was constructed throughout my stay here which was a bit annoying but other than that amazing place.

・・

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

HomeViews

Emily (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Anco&co, M4

Feb 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Light-Filled Living & Lovely Vibes!

Emily (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Anco&co, M4

Feb 2026

ANCO building is perfect, we have been living here now for 5 years and the only reason we will move is when the time comes for us to buy our own house! The flats are decorated/ designed so nicely and are so different from your standard white wall flats! The building has fab amenities such as a roof terrace (which is gorgeous in summer) and a cinema for cosy evenings! The daytime and nighttime staff are incredibly friends and kind and slowly become like friends when you’ve been here a while! We haven’t even thought about looking to live elsewhere, I truly do not feel any other building could compare to Anco!

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

The area is absolutely perfect, there is everything you would ever need right on your doorstep, a great selection of bars, restaurants and also a post office situated directly opposite the building - I couldn’t fault the area at all! The only negative I would say, is occasionally homeless are sleeping outside of the building, which can be quite off-putting at times.

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

Always - we’ve barely had any issues since living here however, whenever anything small as cropped up, the issue has been solved so quickly!

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

I do wish we would’ve known earlier that the gym that used to be available wouldn’t be coming back after its closure - this was such a good perk and one of the reasons we chose to live here!

・・

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

HomeViews

Hope (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Feb 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Smooth and easy

Hope (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Feb 2026

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

Needed a replacement key and they provided it immediately no hassle. Holly & Josh were amazing at the desk.

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

Super responsive and with quick to fix any issues!

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

Nothing, the space has been everything we were looking for.

・・

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

HomeViews

Page 1 of 846

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

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