Manchester is often thought of as the UK’s second city instead of Birmingham and with 2.8 million residents Greater Manchester is the second largest urban area in England. Found in the northwest of England nestled between Liverpool and Leeds this is our Manchester Area Guide. Manchester is reportedly the UK’s fastest growing city economically. Locals, known as Mancunians, 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 ‘The Economist’s ‘Global Livability Index’.
This landlocked county is mostly urban and comprises ten boroughs: Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan – and the cities of Manchester and Salford.
Manchester’s wealth was formed off the textiles industry but has now emerged as an exporter of media, music and football. With two international football teams – Manchester United and Manchester City – it is home to popular TV soap Corination Street and it has five universities.
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 cranes and construction bringing new residential developments to 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
Ancoats doesn’t have the best reputation and was once viewed as the rough area of Manchester. However with a recent injection of regeneration the once dilapidated mills and deserted streets are being transformed into one of the most popular areas of the city. With new luxury flats like Flint Glass Wharf and The Ice Plant, 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 which 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
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. Salford Quays offers riverside living with shops, architecture and scenic views
