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

82.7%

Very Good

13.2%

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

4.97

(155 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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Rental Only

Award Winner 2024

Poplin, M4

By Native Communities

Award winner 2024

4.86

(84 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 Apo at Angel Gardens, M4

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

Apo at Angel Gardens, M4

By Apo

Award winner 2025

4.79

(392 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.

4th

Ranked 4th out of 68 in Manchester

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The James Manchester, M4

By The James

4.79

(29 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.

5th

Ranked 5th out of 68 in Manchester

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Page 1 of 17

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4136 total reviews

Write a review

Viewing 1-5 out of 4136

Adey (Tenant)

Unverified

Swan Street House, M4

Dec 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

JUST DO IT ITS THE BEST. Move here.

Adey (Tenant)

Unverified

Swan Street House, M4

Dec 2025

This place is awesome. Love the gym, so aesthetic and cool. Had a date in the cinema room and it was cool to show off and have the whole cinema to myself and my date. The yoga room is super cool also and lastly I love the study rooms and lounges. Trust me this place has a lot to offer. The staff have social events on every month and I’ve met co residents and made friends. Holly and Ted are the best, always smiling and friendly and absolutely amazing at their work.

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

Absolutely love this place. The restaurants are amazing. Walking distance to deansgate which has so may restaurants. Love love love it. I get to walk everywhere and save on transport.

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

Yes they always respond immediately. Absolutely fantastic.

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

Nothing really. The place is absolutely amazing. Maybe the room size but it’s cool.

・・

HomeViews

Kristen L (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Dec 2025

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

10/10 all round!

Kristen L (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Dec 2025

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

Living in The Residences couldn’t be more convenient! There’s a general store downstairs, a tram stop 6 mins walk away, lots of restaurants in walking distance and not to mention the gorgeous facilities in The Residences! Honestly couldn’t ask for a better or more convenient location.

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

Issues are resolved extremely quickly - usually in the same day.

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

Honestly nothing! We moved from South Africa, having never been to Manchester and we felt that we had all the information needed!

・・

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

HomeViews

Zoe James (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The James Manchester, M4

Dec 2025

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Brilliant

Zoe James (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The James Manchester, M4

Dec 2025

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

It’s a bit noisy on the weeekds but very close to the mall , tram stops and the bus and train stations . Brilliant location . Better being on the. Higher floors

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

Very quick and easy to get in touch with. Able to help immediately

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

The noise that comes from the bars and restaurants in the weekend .

・・

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

HomeViews

Huseyin F (Tenant)

Unverified

The James Manchester, M4

Dec 2025

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

General Comment

Huseyin F (Tenant)

Unverified

The James Manchester, M4

Dec 2025

Your concept is generally good, but I must point out a few issues. Firstly, I live on the north side and it gets really cold. It would be better if you replaced the air conditioners with heaters. Secondly, the wind comes in under the front doors of the apartments, making the house very cold. Thirdly, I really like the design of the house, but there aren't enough cupboards or similar items for storage. Finally, the insulation between the apartments is really inadequate, and I can hear the footsteps of someone walking on the floor above me.

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

This area is in the heart of Manchester, so there's a variety of shops, restaurants, and outdoor spaces. It's very close to Victoria train station and bus stops. However, because it's so close to bars, it gets very noisy at night, which is disturbing.

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

They are polite and helpful. If I say something they help me.

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

My house has an empty space underneath and it's difficult to heat. I wish I had known this beforehand.

・・

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

HomeViews

Tenant of 5 years (Tenant)

Unverified

uhaus, M1

Dec 2025

This is rated 3.00 out of 5.00.

Excellent location but its rent might not be reflective of its value

Tenant of 5 years (Tenant)

Unverified

uhaus, M1

Dec 2025

Design is modern but the apartment is rather small for its price so it’s not of great value. Facilities are good but again limited. Management used to be great when bills and housekeeping were inclusive but it’s no longer the case so I think it’s not justifiable for its price anymore and hence not great anymore. Most staff are friendly and welcoming. They could however be more strict with guest entry as they’re too many people coming in and out who don’t live here

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

Shops and restaurants are really good, I wish there were better grocery shops like M&S around and maybe a dental clinic. Lots of noises around which is not ideal as there are plenty of bars here. Good transport links

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

They tend to respond really quickly to repair, they’re friendly.

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

I wish I knew that housekeeping and that bills are not inclusive - this was previously agreed to be inclusive and I wish I knew how difficult it is to book facilities in advance

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 828

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

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