A Guide to Living in Manchester

Getting Around Manchester

If you haven’t visited Manchester for a few years you might be in for a surprise. The city’s skyline has changed dramatically in the last decade, with new residential development springing up around the city centre. More people are living in Manchester city centre than ever before.

“The tram station is a minute away which is a huge deal for me. Super easy to get around town because of that. We’re also in range of a lot of restaurants so deliveroo and Uber eats are awesome for us. So many choices. Overall we’re in a really great location.”  Mark-Christian, Verified Resident of The Trilogy

Spinningfields is one of the richest areas to live in Manchester. It is an area popular with footballers and soap stars. The amenities, array of restaurants and bars on the doorstep make this a highly desirable area; if you can afford the price. The River Irwell runs right through the heart of Spinningfields with developments Potato Wharf to the west and 10-12 Whitworth Street to the east. There are communal areas such as Hardman Square where local workers meet for lunch.

“The area is the best, its quiet but close to centre, close to the canal. Its close to the deansgate station. And its close to deansgate so loads of bars and restaurants there.” Anon, Verified Resident of Potato Wharf

Travel times to Manchester

Manchester is extremely well connected to the rest of the UK by road, rail and coach. London can be reached in two hours and 21 minutes by train, while Birmingham is only an hour and a half. For more details see our blog on Travel times to Manchester for connection times to all major UK cities.

The Alternative Areas of Manchester

The reputation of Ancoats isn’t the best and was once viewed as the rough area of Manchester. A recent regeneration has allowed the dilapidated mills and deserted streets to become a much popular area. With new luxury flats like Flint Glass Wharf and The Ice Plant that are rated as some of the best places to live in Manchester, there are shops, bars, and new restaurants opening on a weekly basis and a flood of new residents moving to this area.

The Northern Quarter has a similar reputation to Ancoats with once empty streets now home to cafes, chic vintage shops or hip new bars. Local Mancunians are drawn to this area for the uniqueness and eclectic offering of property like Nuovo Apartments and Burlington House with sites between the two. Not as cheap as Ancoats it is not as expensive as other city centre areas. You are more likely to find quirky spaces, high ceilings, or conversions full of character. For many Castlefield boasts the best of both worlds. The convenience of town just a five-minute walk away but it is more peaceful, quiet and has some stunning views down by the canal. Many locals feel you get the best of both worlds living here. 

“The area is brilliant – we are so central to town – and Ancoats is really up and coming at the moment. The only downsides are the noisy road outside – but that is to be expected anywhere central!”  Naomi, Verified Resident of Nuovo Apartments

Outside the City Centre

For something new, visit Salford Quays. Whilst not the city centre every day the two seem to merge closer and closer. Salford Quays has become the media hub of not just Manchester but the UK with the iconic MediaCity. Many companies are relocating to the north west bringing with them new residents who are making this area of the city their home at developments like Middlewood Locks and Wilburn Basin. Both rated as great places to rent in Manchester. Salford Quays offers riverside living with shops, architecture and scenic views.

You can find out more about living in Manchester by reading reviews from residents. Click on the developments below to find out more about residents’ experiences and discover great places to rent in Manchester. If there’s a Manchester property that you can’t see on HomeViews,  you can add a new listing and leave your review here.