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.

4.73
Average Location Score

Excellent

79%

Very Good

16%

Average

4%

Disappointing

1%

Very Poor

1%

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

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

Travel times to Manchester

Manchester is extremely well connected to the rest of the UK by road, rail and coach. London can be reached in two hours and 21 minutes by train, while Birmingham is only an hour and a half. For more details see our blog on Travel times to Manchester for connection times to all major UK cities.

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.

Best schools in Manchester

The city boasts some excellent schools, which we’ve covered in detail in our blog post on the 10 best schools in Manchester. Top of the list is Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, which is the 8th highest-rated school in the UK. The Altrincham Grammar School for Boys comes in second place.

Manchester universities

Manchester is home to no less than four major universities. The University of Manchester is the best-known, with 40,000 students, while Manchester Metropolitan is a similar size. The Universities of Bolton and Salford also fall within the Greater Manchester area.

For more details, see our in-depth guide to universities in Manchester.

Things to do in Manchester

Manchester’s reputation as a vibrant and characterful city continues to grow. Whether you’re into music, sport, food and drink, history, architecture or shopping, Manchester has a lot to offer. See our guide on the Top 10 things to do in Manchester for some ideas of where to start.

Reviews in Manchester

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Enjoyable place to live

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Mar 2024

It’s Good I like it here because it is Close to the city centre where everything is and my work place is near by I can either walk or get the tram
The only issue is that there is Limited pubs

Please review your development:

I’ve noticed there might build Apartments next door and hopefully it won’t block the views but other than that it is Brilliant and I would recommend and keep staying here- lived here for up to 1.5 years and had no issues and would maybe downsize at some point but will stay with vox

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

Would like to know more about Upcoming apartments to downsize as I’m in a 2 bed

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

No issues yet- been here a while and not had to download the app to report any issues

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Love it here

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Mar 2024

I enjoy it here it’s close to the city centre and the price is good for what you get in the area and events in the building

Please review your development:

The Carparking is great I really love that the heat between apartments means that you don’t need to drive your car in the winter which is a great help as if I’m in a rush I don’t need to worry about the ice on the windows- I haven’t had any big problems or issues as of yet so development wise it’s been great

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

Nothing I like the area and price- I was a tenant take over so didn’t deal with VOX directly when I moved in only for the referencing but everything is as it seemed

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

Again not had any issues to raise and would recommend here

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Amazing development to live in

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Mar 2024

Local amenities are brilliant. Sometimes noise and fireworks but nothing too bad. Transport links are great.

Please review your development:

Amazing development to live in and the facilities are second to none. The overall experience has been really good but I have to mention that Sophie Sellors has been absolutely brilliant. She’s a great asset to the team. I would recommend DS to anyone

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

Nothing that I can think. Maybe just showing how the parcel system works but that’s it

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

Building have always responded really well and are very attentive.

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Great building and pet friendly!

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Mar 2024

I really like the area and it has good transport links to the city centre and MediaCity. There is a local park to walk my dog and I feel it is a safe area

Please review your development:

The common areas are modern and aesthetically pleasing and the staff are wonderful and friendly. Whenever I have requested maintenance it is always taken care of quickly and I feel valued as a resident. The garden is great for playing with my dog and the gym is great.

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

It gets really cold in the winter and too hot in the summer.

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

Whenever I have requested maintenance it has always been dealt with quickly and the staff are really friendly

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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