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

83.4%

Very Good

12.7%

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 87

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Castings, M1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.97

(196 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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Award Winner 2025

The Trilogy, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.9

4.90

(399 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 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.

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 69 in Manchester

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The James Manchester, M4

By The James

Award winner 2025

4.79

(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 69 in Manchester

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Award Winner 2025

Apo at Angel Gardens, M4

By Apo

Award winner 2025

4.78

(393 reviews)

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 69 in Manchester

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Page 1 of 18

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4526 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4526

Jack L (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jul 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Brief overview

Jack L (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jul 2026

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

I love how peaceful the area feels. All the staff are super friendly. Edmund at night has particularly been very helpful and kind.

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

We had WiFi issues and it was sorted almost instantly. The reception team are always quick to answer any questions I have:

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

I wish I’d known how expensive car parking is around this area.

・・

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

HomeViews

Molly Davies (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Jul 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Best young professional living apartments!

Molly Davies (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Jul 2026

Living at Swan Street House has been a genuinely positive experience, I have lived in 3 other build to rent unit and this is far by the best. As a modern build-to-rent development, the building is finished to a high standard, with stylish apartments, well-maintained communal areas, and excellent facilities that make day-to-day living comfortable and convenient. The management team, Ruby and Holly are approachable, professional, and quick to respond to any maintenance requests, helping create a welcoming and well-run community - they’re truly awesome, thanks so much both!! The location is one of the biggest advantages. There is a great selection of local shops, supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, and bars all within easy walking distance, making it simple to enjoy everything the area has to offer. Nearby parks and open spaces provide plenty of opportunities for walking, exercising, or simply relaxing outdoors. Transport links are excellent, with frequent bus services and nearby rail connections offering easy access to the city centre and surrounding areas. Whether commuting for work or travelling for leisure, getting around is straightforward, although roads can become a little busier during peak times. The street itself feels safe, clean, and well cared for. Bin collections are reliable, communal spaces are kept tidy, and there is very little anti-social behaviour, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere. Traffic noise is generally minimal thanks to the building’s good insulation, creating a peaceful environment inside the apartments. Parking can occasionally be busy, as is common in popular urban locations, but this has never been a significant issue. Overall, Swan Street House is an excellent place to live, combining high-quality modern accommodation, a convenient location, and a friendly community. It offers everything you would expect from a premium build-to-rent development and is somewhere I would happily recommend to others.

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

Swan street house offers great amenities nearby with ancoats marina only a short walk away accessing the only open space in Manchester City centre, then town is an even shorter distance away offering all you could need. There is a fantastic restaurant range in close proximity and I can see my 4 favourite bars from my apartment window? You can’t get better than that! There are also two train station within 10-15 minute walk providing access to all major train lines.

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

Building management are efficient, fast and professional

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

Nothing, all needs are satisfied! Thanks so much to all the lovely management team right through tk maintenance and cleaners; you’re all fab.

・・

HomeViews

Anjana Anil (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jul 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Modern, Convenient and Well Maintained

Anjana Anil (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jul 2026

Overall, we have been very happy with the development. The design is modern, well thought out, and finished to a high standard, with good attention to detail throughout the building. The communal areas are clean, well maintained, and create a welcoming environment for residents. The facilities are well looked after and meet our day-to-day needs, contributing to a comfortable living experience. The building and property management have been responsive, professional, and helpful whenever issues have arisen. Communication has generally been clear, and maintenance requests have been dealt with in a timely manner. The development feels safe, well managed, and is in a convenient location with good access to local amenities and transport links. Overall, it has been a positive place to live, and we would recommend it to others looking for a modern and well-managed home.

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

Ed was really good throughout the process. He was friendly, approachable, and always willing to help with any questions we had. He kept us informed at every stage, responded promptly, and made everything feel straightforward and stress-free. His professionalism, knowledge, and support were greatly appreciated, and we would happily recommend him to anyone looking for an excellent service.

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

The building management team has generally been quick to respond whenever we have raised issues. They have been approachable, professional, and have kept us informed throughout the process. While the response time has been good, there have occasionally been delays in resolving matters due to finance or approval processes. Overall, the team has been helpful and has worked to address concerns as efficiently as possible.

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

The building is well managed, but some maintenance and finance-related processes can take longer than expected.

・・

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

HomeViews

Masum m (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jul 2026

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

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

A good affordable development to live in

Masum m (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jul 2026

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

Good grocery stores around and like 20 mins from city centre so plenty of going out options nearby. Good community. Peel park is nearby as well.

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

They respond pretty quickly and will help you fix things. All in all good experience

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

Just regarding utility bills probably. Also the uni of Manchester is like 40mins by walk so yeah keep that in mind

・・

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

HomeViews

Angela (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Vox, M15

Jul 2026

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

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

The building has great facilities

Angela (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Vox, M15

Jul 2026

The building has great facilities, particularly the rooftop, and is a friendly place to live. My only concern is the metal cladding, and I would appreciate reassurance that it meets current fire safety standards, especially in light of the Grenfell Tower tragedy. I also want to recognise Frank at reception, he is always friendly, professional, and incredibly helpful, and his excellent customer service has made a real difference to my experience.

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

It’s a well-connected area with good access to shops, restaurants, cafés, bars and local parks. Public transport is excellent, with frequent buses and nearby rail and Metrolink services. Parking can be limited in some streets, and there may be some peak-time traffic and occasional late-night noise, but bin collections are generally reliable.

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

The responses tend to be pretty good and rapid overall

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

That they’d eventually change the reception coffee machine (that used coffee beans) to a simple pod machine

・・

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

HomeViews

Page 1 of 906

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

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