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.

4.70
Average Location Score

Excellent

76%

Very Good

19%

Average

4%

Disappointing

1%

Very Poor

0%

Best places to live in Manchester

HomeViews Top Rated Development ranking takes into account the Star Rating and HomeViews Transparency Rating of every development in the area

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Street with tram in Manchester

Getting Around Manchester

If you haven’t visited Manchester for a few years you might be in for a surprise. The city’s skyline has changed dramatically in the last decade, with new residential development springing up around the city centre. More people are living in Manchester city centre than ever before.

“The tram station is a minute away which is a huge deal for me. Super easy to get around town because of that. We’re also in range of a lot of restaurants so deliveroo and Uber eats are awesome for us. So many choices. Overall we’re in a really great location.”  Mark-Christian, Verified Resident of The Trilogy

Spinningfields is one of the richest areas to live in Manchester. It is an area popular with footballers and soap stars. The amenities, array of restaurants and bars on the doorstep make this a highly desirable area; if you can afford the price. The River Irwell runs right through the heart of Spinningfields with developments Potato Wharf to the west and 10-12 Whitworth Street to the east. There are communal areas such as Hardman Square where local workers meet for lunch.

“The area is the best, its quiet but close to centre, close to the canal. Its close to the deansgate station. And its close to deansgate so loads of bars and restaurants there.” Anon, Verified Resident of Potato Wharf

Manchester from above

The Alternative Areas of Manchester

The reputation of Ancoats isn’t the best and was once viewed as the rough area of Manchester. A recent regeneration has allowed the dilapidated mills and deserted streets to become a much popular area. With new luxury flats like Flint Glass Wharf and The Ice Plant that are rated as some of the best places to live in Manchester, there are shops, bars, and new restaurants opening on a weekly basis and a flood of new residents moving to this area.

The Northern Quarter has a similar reputation to Ancoats with once empty streets now home to cafes, chic vintage shops or hip new bars. Local Mancunians are drawn to this area for the uniqueness and eclectic offering of property like Nuovo Apartments and Burlington House with sites between the two. Not as cheap as Ancoats it is not as expensive as other city centre areas. You are more likely to find quirky spaces, high ceilings, or conversions full of character. For many Castlefield boasts the best of both worlds. The convenience of town just a five-minute walk away but it is more peaceful, quiet and has some stunning views down by the canal. Many locals feel you get the best of both worlds living here. 

“The area is brilliant – we are so central to town – and Ancoats is really up and coming at the moment. The only downsides are the noisy road outside – but that is to be expected anywhere central!”  Naomi, Verified Resident of Nuovo Apartments

Manchester city

Outside the City Centre

For something new, visit Salford Quays. Whilst not the city centre every day the two seem to merge closer and closer. Salford Quays has become the media hub of not just Manchester but the UK with the iconic MediaCity. Many companies are relocating to the north west bringing with them new residents who are making this area of the city their home at developments like Middlewood Locks and Wilburn Basin. Both rated as great places to rent in Manchester. Salford Quays offers riverside living with shops, architecture and scenic views.

You can find out more about living in Manchester by reading reviews from residents. Click on the developments below to find out more about residents’ experiences and discover great places to rent in Manchester. If there’s a Manchester property that you can’t see on HomeViews,  you can add a new listing and leave your review here.

Featured developments in Manchester

Image of Vox, M15

Vox, M15

Allsop Letting and Management
4.89 (75 reviews) 4.89 (75 reviews)
Image of Angel Gardens, M4

Angel Gardens, M4

Moda Living
4.39 (78 reviews) 4.39 (78 reviews)
Image of The Trilogy, M15

The Trilogy, M15

Allsop Letting and Management
4.69 (117 reviews) 4.69 (117 reviews)
Clippers Quay, M50

Clippers Quay, M50

Grainger, Amstone Ventures
3.90 (88 reviews) 3.90 (88 reviews)

Reviews in Manchester

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Modern and clean apartment with fantastic view and professional management

Review Date Jan 2022

The location of this apartment is fantastic, close to shops, restaurants, city center and public transportation. The apartment is on the canal side, no traffic noise which is very good for me.

Please review your development:

The apartment and building is new, modern and clean. Staff is very nice and professional since application process til moving day with very good introduction, very impressive and professional. Gyms and parcel room are also good and they will have grand opening for new resident’s hub soon.

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

The fridge is a bit small for people who usually cook but I got information later that they can provide one more spare fridge if you request on the application process. They will not provide any other appliances like microwave, hoover, kettle etc.

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

I just moved in so has no any issues with my new apartment yet.

4
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Happy In Doodson House

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jan 2022

10/10 Service from all the team. A lovely welcome from Celement was 11/10.

Please review your development:

The design and furnished furniture made my move much easier as well as provide me with brand new things around my flat that are in tip top shape.

The colour scheme helped inspire what to buy/bring of my own.

Staff at Dandara Manchester are always clear, concise and most of all friendly.

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

Nothing really. I was happy with what I was told before moving up until the moving date.

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

Been on it as always. Their instructions when to contact in a crisis is clear and met.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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A bit disappointed tbh

Review Date Jan 2022

Many bars and restaurants in the area, Sooo very lively. Tesco is literally right next door. The train station is literally opposite the building so location wise, it is pretty good.

Please review your development:

Design of the building is spectacular. Has a gym, cinema room, study areas. So that’s quite good,
However Management and service is extremely poor. Sometimes the people at reception are downright rude and very unhelpful. Sometimes you get lovely people at reception , so it’s a hit or miss which is bizarre to me but hey.
A huge majority of the time, there is no one at reception. One time I was calling reception as someone was waiting for something to be picked up and couldn’t wait for long, the phone was ringing and I could hear the phone ringing and no one picked up the phone and she was with the phone in the back.

The other day, I went to throw my trash in the basement as was requested as the chute on our floor had a problem. I went there, dropped my trash and I wanted to leave but the door to come out didn’t open once you press the bell as we usually do and I was locked in the basement. I was going to call reception but no service in there either. Thankfully some guy, came to drop his trash and opened the door from outside for me. If not, I would have been locked in the basement for a while with no phone service to call for help either.

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

I was enticed by how amazing the building looked and the cinema room and the gym and the design, it looked fabulous and modern. They have various programmes to participate in and all of that.
But the experience and customer service and response to issues has been terrible. I just don’t get the feeling that they really care for the residents. I definitely do not think I will be renewing my contract once it is up. I don’t think I’ll be recommending them either to someone else as my experience has not been the best and I haven’t been here for that long but yeahhh.

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

Poooorlyyyy. Which is highly disappointing. When I just moved in, something wasn’t working, I called reception. The person at reception was helpful and very lovely , helped me look at it, couldn’t work it and said she’ll leave a note for it to be checked out by someone. It took agessssss for the problem to be looked at. I had to remind them 3 times!!! I was like wooow.

4
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
3
Value
3
Management
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Lovely place to live

Review Date Jan 2022

Close to all local bars and pubs, not far walk to the town centre either, really good location to live

Please review your development:

Building is clean and modern, really well designed and facilities are excellent including on site gym.

Building management team at the residents hub are really friendly and welcoming and helped us move in. Special mention to Clement for his brilliant hospitality

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

All good, really nice place to live with friendly peolle

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

Yes they have been brilliant and helped from the start

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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