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

81.5

Very Good

14.2

Average

3.2

Disappointing

0.6

Very poor

0.5

Best places to live in Manchester

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 82

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Castings, M1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.93

(76 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 66 in Manchester

View development

Rental Only

Award Winner 2024

Vox, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2024

4.92

(244 reviews)

£845-£1,305 pcm

1, 2 beds

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.

2nd

Ranked 2nd out of 66 in Manchester

View development

Rental Only

Award Winner 2024

The Trilogy, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2024

4.89

(349 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.

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 66 in Manchester

View development

Rental Only

Award Winner 2024

Poplin, M4

By Native Communities

Award winner 2024

4.85

(67 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 five 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 66 in Manchester

View development

Rental Only

The James Manchester, M4

By The James

4.83

(16 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 66 in Manchester

View development

Page 1 of 17

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

3547 total reviews

Write a review

Viewing 1-5 out of 3547

Marcus H (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jul 2025

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Great place to live

Marcus H (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jul 2025

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

Great location next to the canal and on the edge of town. Car parking in the building currently full so finding a space on the street is not always easy

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

I have not had any issues so far in my time here….

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

Lack of car parking for each building. Helpful concierge services

・・

HomeViews

X.G (Tenant)

Verified Resident

uhaus, M1

Jul 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

It’s a comfortable, secure, and convenient place

X.G (Tenant)

Verified Resident

uhaus, M1

Jul 2025

It’s a comfortable, secure, and convenient place offering a "premium-lite" experience. Design is functional but not luxurious. Facilities are very good for the price point, boosted significantly by exceptional onsite management. The main downsides are the high/service charge value perception and slow decision-making from the freeholder on upgrades. Ideal for professionals/families valuing security and low-hassle living over ultimate luxury

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

Living here offers excellent convenience.Essential shops like a supermarket, pharmacy, and cafes are within easy walking distance. Transport links are a major strength: the train station is a 5minute walk away, providing a frequent service to the city centre. Multiple bus routes also serve the area well. A well-maintained park is nearby for recreation. Daily needs and commuting are easily met without relying heavily on a car, making daily life efficient and connected. The core amenities and transport make it a highly practical and accessible location.

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

Actually most of them are good，just when the first time live in not too much sure how to throw the rubbish

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

more information about the flat and life share to me

・・

HomeViews

James M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jul 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Enjoyable Living at Residences Deansgate

James M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jul 2025

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

Spacious and modern facilities. Concierge team are always happy to help. No anti social behaviour and hardly any traffic noise.

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

Straight away and always helpful to any question i have. Josh has been very helpful in particular always happy to help.

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

That the gym wristband was £25 to purchase. Other than that everything was clear.

・・

HomeViews

Jack McLachlan (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jul 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

The design of the apartment is brilliant

Jack McLachlan (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jul 2025

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

Good aspects are the options of shops, restaurants, a coop to shop from. Having a coffee machine downstairs, good workspaces. Parking is great. In and out is accessible

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

They have been brilliant. When you require help or support. Will act efficiently and quickly to your needs. When issues in the flat, maintenance will come round and help sort a problem out. Beth at the desk is always happy, smiley, chatty and will always be willing to help no matter the reason

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

I wish I knew about the terrace earlier. Really good to go up there, work, chill, have people round and chat.

・・

HomeViews

G.X (Tenant)

Verified Resident

uhaus, M1

Jul 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

cleanning service

G.X (Tenant)

Verified Resident

uhaus, M1

Jul 2025

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

Essential shops like a supermarket, pharmacy, and cafes are within easy walking distance. Transport links are a major strength: the train station is a 5 minute walk away, providing a quick , frequent service to the city centre. Multiple bus routes also serve the area well. A well-maintained park is nearby for recreation. Daily needs and commuting are easily met without relying heavily on a car, making daily life efficient and connected. The core amenities and transport make it a highly practical and accessible location.

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

Disposing of large cardboard boxes is slightly inconvenient here. It's unclear exactly where they should be placed, as this wasn't explained during move-in.** Management should clarify the proper location or procedure for bulky recycling.

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

More clear information about the survive show to me

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 710

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

Useful articles

North West England

North West England is one England’s nine official regions. It is made up of Lancashire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside. This corner of the UK is its third most-populated region, with Manchester and Liverpool its two principal cities. 550,000 people live in Manchester and 500,000 in Liverpool, according to estimates for 2019. Boasting stunning scenery in the Lake District and Peak District, the region also offers lively urban areas with a rich industrial, sporting and cultural heritage and a strong economic outlook.

Go to article

Cheshire

Cheshire is a county in the North West of England. It has a population of over half a million people and is known for its beautiful countryside, including the Peak District National Park. Home to many universities, Cheshire's educational system rivals that of any other county in the UK. In this guide, we'll cover all you need to know about buying property in Cheshire, from location to schools and everything in between!

Go to article

Cumbria

Cumbria is a county in the north of England, and one of the most beautiful places to live. There are many factors that go into choosing where to live, but Cumbria has something for everyone! From the beautiful scenery to the great schools, there's no wonder why it has become such a popular place. Read on for more information about this wonderful region.

Go to article

Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester has a stellar reputation and is widely regarded as 'the capital of the North'. The city's turbocharged economy, rich industrial heritage, sporting fame and reputation as a nightlife hotspot ensures Manchester regularly appears on lists of the best places to live in the UK. Combined with relatively low property prices, excellent transport connections and three universities, making the city a magnet for young people, and it's easy to see the appeal of Greater Manchester. Read on to find out more about the best new build developments the city has to offer.

Go to article

Lancashire

Lancashire is a county in the northwest of England, with a population of just over one million. It has been an economically important area since ancient times and was home to many major industries including cotton mills. In more recent years, Lancashire has developed into a tourist destination thanks to its natural beauty and culture. If you're looking for a place to live in the UK, then Lancashire might be just what you need. This guide will take a look at the county and outline some of its best features

Go to article

Liverpool

As a major trading port travellers have been coming to Liverpool for centuries. Located in North West England, Liverpool is the sixth largest city in the UK. It sits within the county of Merseyside. Moreover, its status as a port city has contributed to its diverse population. Famous for The Beatles, world-class football as home to both Liverpool and Everton, it was named as European Capital of Culture in 2008. Read on to hear about some of the best places to live in Liverpool. Additionally, find out where to buy or rent in the area.

Go to article

Merseyside

Merseyside is an area in the northwest of England, bordered by Cheshire to the south and Wales to the west. Stretching across both banks of the Mersey River and centred around the bustling metropolis of Liverpool, Merseyside offers a huge range of living locations, from city-centre to semi-rural. Despite being a heavily populated and urbanised area, Merseyside does have some greenbelt areas spread throughout the county, especially in the Wirral and around Southport that offer country living right next door to the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the UK.

Go to article

Salford

If you're looking for a place to live that has plenty of opportunity for both work and play, look no further than Salford. This metropolitan borough in the North West of England is home to over 240,000 people and boasts world-class universities, top schools, and lively nightlife. Whether you're just starting out on your own or have a growing family, there's something for everyone in Salford. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at what makes Salford such an amazing place to live.

Go to article