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

82.6

Very Good

13.4

Average

3.0

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

4.96

(145 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

(353 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 2024

Poplin, M4

By Native Communities

Award winner 2024

4.85

(82 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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The James Manchester, M4

By The James

4.82

(21 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

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

Apo at Angel Gardens, M4

By Apo

Award winner 2025

4.79

(390 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

4050 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4050

SA (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Pomona Wharf, M15

Nov 2025

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Well-Managed and Good Value

SA (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Pomona Wharf, M15

Nov 2025

Pomona Wharf is a slightly older development, but it’s well managed compared to many others. The building is simple and practical, and that’s reflected in the rent, which makes it good value for the location. It’s in a quiet area with excellent tram links right outside, making it easy to get into the city centre. Overall, it’s a solid place to live if you want convenience without paying premium prices.

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

Pomona Wharf is a great location for access into Manchester city centre while still feeling a bit more relaxed and residential. The main positive is the transport – Cornbrook tram stop is right next door, making it very easy to get into town, MediaCity and Trafford. There is a Tecco Express and COOP nearby and larger supermarkets within a short drive.,

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

The management team are helpful and approachable. Maintenance issues are usually dealt with quickly and communication is good throughout. It feels like problems are taken seriously and the building is well looked after.

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

I wish I’d realised how quiet it is compared to the city centre, which is actually a good surprise, and that most amenities are a short walk or tram ride away rather than right outside

・・

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

HomeViews

Anonymous review (Tenant)

Verified Resident

New Vic, M4

Nov 2025

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

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Good apartment to live in town centre

Anonymous review (Tenant)

Verified Resident

New Vic, M4

Nov 2025

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

Good location just by Arndale Loads of good restaurants and pubs around Just by the tram line Good parking close by

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

Yes usually resolved very quickly Typically next day

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

For the rent we pay, there’s better options coming up in the area

・・

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

HomeViews

Jade M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Cotton Field Wharf, M4

Nov 2025

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

This is rated 3.00 out of 5.00.

Great location although improvements could be made

Jade M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Cotton Field Wharf, M4

Nov 2025

Design of the building is sufficient, however, having lived in the building for a few years now, I feel the materials used aren’t as good quality as they could be and the wear & tear of the flat has become noticeable despite taking care of it. Property management is great from the guys on concierge although sometimes they’re stuck between a rock & a hard place with orders from above, which definitely removes the human aspect of it. They switched around the people working on the concierge recently which is worrying as less people seem to be challenged coming into the building as they aren’t familiar with the residents.

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

The location of Cottonfield wharf is great as it’s right on the marina & there is an Aldi a 5 minute walk away. There’s always little independent bakeries & bars directly under & next to the building. Parking availability isn’t great and you have to pay £115 per month for a parking space & this does not allow for guests as it is registered to a number plate.

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

Maintenance issue are usually dealt with fairly quickly but when it’s regarding contract renewal it can become more difficult

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

If you’re living in a flat of multiple occupancy with somebody you don’t know, it would be worth considering schedules as noise in the communal space can quite easily be heard from the bedrooms

・・

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

HomeViews

Charlotte C (Tenant)

Unverified

Vox, M15

Nov 2025

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

This is rated 1.00 out of 5.00.

Wouldn’t recommend

Charlotte C (Tenant)

Unverified

Vox, M15

Nov 2025

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

Sadly, there is a crowd of homeless people who all chill around Vox and sometimes even come into the building to get a free coffee. Drug users dotted around the building

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

Awful customer service. For example, our freezer completely broke and thawed over, and when we asked for help, we were told to “pour boiling water on it” … health and safety risk, no?

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

Staff are money over people , really miserable vibes

・・

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

HomeViews

Christina (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Broadside, M4

Nov 2025

This is rated 3.00 out of 5.00.

A good place to live

Christina (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Broadside, M4

Nov 2025

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

Area is a 5 min walk from NQ and city centre. Full of bars, restaurants, cafes and supermarkets. Always feels like a breeze.

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

Although a big delay with some carpet problems, the carper was changed and very happy with the results. Dave, their maintenance guy, was lovely, kind, on time and did a great job with changing my carpet. Would deffo recommend him.

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

They use community utilities for bills, where you pay all bills (water, electricity, gas) all together. Some will like, others won’t

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 810

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

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