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

83.5%

Very Good

12.6%

Average

2.8%

Disappointing

0.6%

Very poor

0.5%

Best places to live in Manchester

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 88

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Castings, M1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.97

(199 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 69 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

(408 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 69 in Manchester

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Award Winner 2024

Vox, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2024

4.9

4.90

(256 reviews)

Vox, managed by Allsop is located just off the A56 in Manchester. The Vox offers a collection of 1,2 and 3-bed apartments. Moreover, they are only a short bus away from the city centre. In addition to underbuilding parking, there is also storage for over 280 bikes. These are monitored by CCTV and stored behind fob operated doors. Other facilities include a gym, roof terrace and residents lounge.

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 69 in Manchester

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Award Winner 2025

Poplin, M4

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.88

(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.

4th

Ranked 4th out of 69 in Manchester

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Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

Leef Manchester, M4

By Leef Property Management

Award winner 2025

4.79

(30 reviews)

Previously managed by The James until July 2026, Leef Manchester is a 19th century shoemaker's warehouse that has been carefully converted to offer luxury apartments,

5th

Ranked 5th out of 69 in Manchester

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Page 1 of 18

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4587 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4587

Glesni B (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Sept 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Happy tenant

Glesni B (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Sept 2026

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

There is so much to do in the area - bars, cafes, gyms and markets. It is a very vibrant area full of young people.

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

Yes when we raise a ticket on the app it is seen to and resolved within a matter of days.

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

Windows don’t open fully which is a problem in the summer especially with the hot heat waves. The flags get super hot and only being able to open the windows a tiny bit, with no AC, it is unbearable.

・・

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

HomeViews

Brooke C (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Podium, M16

Sept 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Podium Review

Brooke C (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Podium, M16

Sept 2026

We LOVE the design of Podium. It’s always very clean, smells new and fresh! I work in the Co working space which is always a calming, pristine space to work from and my partner treats it as a second living room! The manager Natalie has been lovely and supportive with us from day one and has helped us with any questions we’ve had. Emma the engagement manager has orchestrated weekday events that we’ve both thoroughly enjoyed attending - for the activity niche itself and to meet our resident neighbours. My partner in particular has immersed himself into the events and loved them all, making new resident friends and connections with the event leaders. Please continue the events momentum!

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

Podium is situated in the ideal location for us. We are extremely close to the metro (5 minute walk that feels like 40 seconds). We haven’t experienced any anti social behaviour - we are on the same street as Stretford Police station which makes the area feel extra safe. My partner often walks into the centre and we spend our weekends exploring both Chorlton and Didsbury as our close neighbouring areas. We couldn’t be happier with where our new home is located.

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

The building management facilitated the fix of my shower head. This was fixed immediately.

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

I’ve been pleasingly surprised by the quality of the events, the wine glass painting for example was very up my street and the lady leading the session was very professional and warm (as they all have been)!

・・

HomeViews

Riley B (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Sept 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Ann-Marie was very lovely when giving us our introduction and was more than happy to help out with any questions we had. She has been very helpful since check in!!

Riley B (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Sept 2026

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

Very central location which is within walking distance of shops and bars. It’s quiet when the windows are shut and a very safe area around the building.

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

We have not raised any problems so far all is okay

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

Nothing that comes to my mind, everything is all good

・・

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

HomeViews

Tomgioo (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Astley, M1

Sept 2026

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Happy customer!

Tomgioo (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Astley, M1

Sept 2026

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

Access to the town centre is a massive perk of living here. Everything is on our doorstop. The only downside would be that it can get quite noisy

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

Problems have been sorted efficiently and without too much hassle at all

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

I wish we knew we had to pay a separate hot water bill

・・

HomeViews

Leon J (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Vox, M15

Sept 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Great place!

Leon J (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Vox, M15

Sept 2026

We’ve really enjoyed living at VOX over the past four years. The apartments and communal areas have a modern, well-designed feel, and the facilities are a real benefit, particularly the residents’ spaces and amenities. The building is generally well maintained and the management team have always been approachable and helpful whenever we’ve needed assistance. We’ve also appreciated the ongoing improvements and investment in the building over the years, which has helped keep the development feeling fresh and well looked after.

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

The location is excellent, with a great range of shops, restaurants, bars and open spaces all within easy walking distance. Transport links are very convenient, with good access to buses, trains and the wider city centre. Living on the street is generally quiet and convenient, with very little traffic noise or anti-social behaviour. Overall, it’s a very well-connected area and a great place to live.

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

Usually straight away. Maintenance are brilliant and always on-site

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

How useful it is having a gym as part of the building!

・・

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

HomeViews

Page 1 of 918

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

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