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.

4.72
Average Location Score

Excellent

77%

Very Good

18%

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

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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
4.90 (87 reviews) 4.90 (87 reviews)
Image of Angel Gardens, M4

Angel Gardens, M4

Moda Living
4.52 (103 reviews) 4.52 (103 reviews)
Image of The Trilogy, M15

The Trilogy, M15

Allsop Letting and Management
4.76 (139 reviews) 4.76 (139 reviews)
Clippers Quay, M50

Clippers Quay, M50

Grainger, Amstone Ventures
3.85 (92 reviews) 3.85 (92 reviews)

Reviews in Manchester

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Lovely place to live

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jul 2022

I love living here, close to the city centre and transport links!

Please review your development:

Building and property management is very good. Maintenance especially are quick and very willing to help. Even with my stupid questions! The staff are always happy to help with deliveries etc when you aren’t in. A great concierge service which means quick and verified access to things such as cleaning services!

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

It is a very quiet building. You don’t hear fellow residents at all or any noise from the surrounding areas.

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

Yes- maintenance issues dealt with immediately and in a friendly manner!

5
Facilities
5
Design
4
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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I appreciate very much gym and pool

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jun 2022

quality of the local shops are good, but a little bit expensive. On the other hand a lot of bar and restaurants is good enough for “night life”
I was without car but in case I would buy one there is a problem where to park and agin it is not so cheap….

Please review your development:

I appreciate very much gym and pool what is excellent. Room was OK for me with size and equipment, but C1906 is situated on South West side with all windows and there could be a pretty hot during the sunny days and also with opened windows the noise level from outside is higher than I have expected ( but it is a centre of town I know…)

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

Hot temperature in the rooms during sunny days and noise from outside with opened windows

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

in short time and via email what I apprecited very much

4
Facilities
5
Design
3
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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The best living space in Manchester

Review Date Jun 2022

We haven’t come across any bad aspects as of yet it’s just the parking which is nobody’s fault. All the neighbours and staff at oxbow are brilliant and I can not fault them what so ever. Big thanks to Luke for sorting everything out on the day of arrival and Liam for doing our home induction

Please review your development:

The design and facilities are amazing and once again can’t fault. I think everyone can agree it’s a very unique design that stands out from the other residents in the local area. The building management is always at a high standard and has really impressed us as new tenants

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

There isn’t anything really we knew most things when we moved in.

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

They have responded very sharply and on point with time when we have needed something fixing/sorting

5
Facilities
5
Design
5
Location
5
Value
5
Management
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Secret Gem Of A Place To Live

Verified Resident
Verified Resident
Review Date Jun 2022

Nice area and well located, however there is not enough street parking for visitors, etc., and what little there is looks like it is going to be removed shortly which will make it very difficult to have guests/visitors over. Also there is not a local tram service nearby but it is only 20ish minute walk to central Manchester which is not too bad. Lots of places to eat and visit, with Regent Retail Park nearby with all the necessities.

Please review your development:

The staff, including maintenance team, are wonderful, friendly and approachable. Our flat is a little run down but as to be expected after 2 years of people rotating in and out living here! It will be fixed soon enough and then all will be good there. The facilities are amazing, with the gym being generally quiet, clean and well maintained. The free coffee during the day is well-welcomed :).

The central terrace area is nice, the BBQ area is a lovely touch too! Although some residents do need to keep better control of their children as I have had a few run directly at my dogs a few times and although they’re fine and well-trained, this is not recommended with animals and their parents are either nowhere to be seen or not bothered.

I do wish our flat actually had an en-suite instead of an extra shower room instead, but this is just a little niggly thing that isn’t really a deal-breaker. Other than this, the flat is wonderful, open-planned and roomy. The bedrooms are a little small, but still 3 doubles which is what we were looking for and bonus that we can have our dogs with us. 🙂

Overall, highly recommended place to live if you have a pet and are looking for a relatively quiet but well-located area.

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

That our en-suite wasn’t actually an en-suite but again, it is not a deal-breaker :). Also a common working room area would be nice but understandable as there is nowhere to put one!

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

A few, including our door not locking from the inside – all sorted now and the maintenance team were friendly and professional.

5
Facilities
4
Design
5
Location
4
Value
5
Management
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