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

83.5%

Very Good

12.6%

Average

2.8%

Disappointing

0.6%

Very poor

0.5%

Best places to live in Manchester

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 88

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Castings, M1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.97

(199 reviews)

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 69 in Manchester

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Award Winner 2025

The Trilogy, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.9

4.90

(407 reviews)

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.

2nd

Ranked 2nd out of 69 in Manchester

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Award Winner 2025

Poplin, M4

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.88

(92 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 ten 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.

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 69 in Manchester

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Award Winner 2025

Leef Manchester, M4

By Leef Property Management

Award winner 2025

4.79

(30 reviews)

Previously managed by The James until July 2026, Leef Manchester is a 19th century shoemaker's warehouse that has been carefully converted to offer luxury apartments,

4th

Ranked 4th out of 69 in Manchester

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Apo at Angel Gardens, M4

By Apo

Award winner 2025

4.78

(393 reviews)

Apo at Angel Gardens, newly managed by Apo as of 1st November 2025, sits in the heart of Manchester, within the NOMA innovation district. It features a total of 466 interior designed apartments to rent with a mix of sizes, ranging from studios to three beds. In addition, it is pet-friendly. Likewise, residents benefit from free WiFi and, a Samsung 50″ inch smart TV included in their rent. Plus, onsite amenities such as: a rooftop sports pitch, rooftop terrace, residents’ gym, sky lounge, private dining room, media room and atrium.

5th

Ranked 5th out of 69 in Manchester

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Page 1 of 18

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4572 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4572

Srish (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Vox, M15

Aug 2026

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

A beautiful place to finally call home

Srish (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Vox, M15

Aug 2026

One of my favourite things about VOX is the rooftop and the overall atmosphere of the building. The gym, residents’ lounge and rooftop spaces make it feel like more than just a place to rent — there are genuinely spaces where you can relax, work or simply switch off after a long day. The building also feels secure and well maintained. The management and reception team have also made a really positive impression on me. Everyone I’ve interacted with has been friendly, approachable and helpful, which makes a big difference when you are settling into a new home.A special thank you to Simon, who made the letting process smooth and was incredibly helpful throughout. Also, huge appreciation to Warren and Jill at reception for being so welcoming, friendly and always ready to help whenever needed.

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

Moving house in Manchester was honestly a stressful experience, so finding VOX was a huge relief. From the moment I moved in, I’ve really appreciated how modern, clean and well-designed the building is. The apartment itself feels comfortable and thoughtfully designed, and the communal spaces are a lovely bonus.The location is another major advantage. Being so close to Cornbrook tram stop makes getting around Manchester incredibly convenient, while the canal and surrounding areas are great for walking. It’s close enough to the city centre to enjoy everything Manchester has to offer without feeling like you are right in the middle of the chaos.

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

My experience with the management team has been positive. They have been approachable and responsive whenever I have needed help, and I’ve found the staff welcoming and professional.

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

I wish I had known just how much I would appreciate the communal facilities — particularly the rooftop and residents’ spaces. They are not just nice features on paper; they genuinely add to the experience of living here. Overall, I’m really happy that I chose VOX. After the stress of finding a home in Manchester, it feels good to finally have a place that I can genuinely call home.

・・

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

HomeViews

Myles S (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Aug 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Lovely flats backed up by a great team

Myles S (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Aug 2026

The flats are lovely and typically have everything you’ll need. Furnishings are of a good quality and the team always replace anything that becomes faulty very quickly. The amenities are also great and the development has all you need. Although some of the newer developments might offer some flashier facilities, Slate Yard does have everything you need and is maintained to a good standard. The highlight of this place is the management team. Over 6 and a half years all of our issues were dealt with swiftly and the team do a great job in putting on events to give it a community feel. Andrea in particular was a constant throughout our entire tenancy - she’s a credit to the team and went above and beyond in all aspects of her job. Whether you needed something fixing or just wanted a chat, it was always a pleasure to see her at the desk.

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

The location is great - only a short walk into the city centre and the immediate local area has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years. Lots of great spots to eat and drink.

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

All issues we’ve had have been dealt with swiftly. Replacement furnishings were always provided within a day or two when needed.

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

Developments that have gone up around the area have increased density - it’s not as quiet as it used to be but that’s not really any fault of Slate Yard.

・・

HomeViews

Adam H (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Aug 2026

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Great place to live

Adam H (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Aug 2026

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

Close to Aviva Studios and Spinningfields. Nice waterfront walk and views. There is nice landscaping between the buildings which is nice to relax and chill.

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

Issues with oven on move in day but this was our fault as we forgot to put the switch on. Maintenance arrived very quickly and sorted this out.

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

There’s not as much social activities as our previous building had.

・・

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

HomeViews

Sumin Sunil (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Aug 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Very pleased with the property management so far

Sumin Sunil (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Aug 2026

The building is modern, facilities are excellent and the level of cleanliness is exceptional. The property management team is quite helpful. Especially when it comes to parcel management, the support we get is incredible. I would like to give a special mention to Funmi, she has been the most supportive member of staff so far. Whenever I pop downstairs I see her at the front desk with a pleasant smile. She attentive to the needs of the residents and always helps me out within the parcels. In addition to that she is quite alert when it comes to looking out for intruders and tailgaters in the building. She is always at the front desk looking out for our safety.

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

Convenient. Proximity to the tram stop, the gym within the building and the central location of the property has led to a very positive experience for me.

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

Yes, always a prompt response. The maintenance reporting app is quite handy.

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

Limited parking spaces. But I had already been assigned a parking space when I moved in, so I didn’t have to worry about that.

・・

HomeViews

Grace (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Aug 2026

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Wonderful Slate Yard staff

Grace (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Aug 2026

The apartment is well designed and the bedrooms and bathrooms are both extremely well sized. The balconies are just the right size for two people to spent time on comfortably and make the indoor space feel significantly more open. My favourite part about The Slate Yard is the AMAZING staff. Every member of staff is extremely friendly and always say hello and ask about your day. It's always wonderful to come home and there be friendly faces every day!!

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

The Slate Yard is both in an extremely central and convenient location but the area feels quiet and private. In the location on Stanley Street just off the main road. Parking is limited but expected being so central.

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

Our maintenance queries have always been resolved.

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

That the balcony feels so much bigger than it looks from the outside.

・・

Reviewer was offered an incentive for an honest review, regardless of rating

HomeViews

Page 1 of 915

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

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