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

83.2%

Very Good

12.8%

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 87

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Castings, M1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.97

(195 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 68 in Manchester

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Award Winner 2025

The Trilogy, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.9

4.90

(392 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 68 in Manchester

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Award Winner 2025

Poplin, M4

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.87

(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 68 in Manchester

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Award Winner 2025

The James Manchester, M4

By The James

Award winner 2025

4.79

(30 reviews)

Formerly a 19th century shoemaker's warehouse, The James Manchester has been carefully converted to offer luxury apartments, providing residents with generous spaces to recharge mind and body in a prime central location known for being a creative and culture hub. Situated in the lively Manchester's Northern Quarter, renowned for its blend of office spaces, shops, and leisure offerings, the property benefits from its proximity to the bustling business district, a variety of retail shops, and convenient transportation hubs such as train, bus, and tram stations.

4th

Ranked 4th out of 68 in Manchester

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Award Winner 2025

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 68 in Manchester

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Page 1 of 18

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4426 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4426

Marie (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jun 2026

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Living at Deansgate Square

Marie (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jun 2026

Building management / reception have been great so far, they have dealt with a noise complaint from the apartment below us (Students). Beth has been great at responding to any issues we have had & also Matt from the maintenance team. Very disappointed at the lack of aircon in the apartments (unless you are in a penthouse!) Lifts & bin shutes often out of action & no water at times, but generally good property management,

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

Fantastic location & the onsite facilities such as shop, bar, pool & gym are amazing. The terrace is great in nice weather. Very disappointed in the 3 restaurants here, such a shame there isn’t a better choice. However there are some great restaurants within walking distance. It’s a shame there aren’t any hair or beauty options on site, there is a barber but for nails, waxing & ladies hairdressers there is nothing onsite or nearby. Onsite car park is great but very expensive & priced increased over 10% within 2 weeks of us moving in.

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

Yes faulty wine fridge replaced Faulty washer / dryer replaced Noise complaint reported & actioned

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

There are a lot of young students here, It gets very hot inside the apartments in summer The sense of community is amazing & beyond our expectations, The furniture is extremely uncomfortable & the sofa is almost on floor level! We expected basics in the kitchen like a pull out tap & an induction hob, but we don’t have either here.

・・

HomeViews

Ashley Ugo (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jun 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Amazing staff - (all can say get a vending machine for late night snacks)

Ashley Ugo (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jun 2026

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

Amazing can’t say nothing bad about living in deans gate all the staff are extremely friendly especially Beth who works at reception always has a smile on her face

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

Yes very good all you have to do is speak to someone like reception

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

Want furniture was included when moving in that’s all I wishh i knew

・・

HomeViews

Jia Fei (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Kampus, M1

Jun 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Comfortable and convenient place to live

Jia Fei (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Kampus, M1

Jun 2026

The development is well designed, clean and comfortable to live in. The building feels modern and the shared areas are usually well maintained. The facilities are useful and make day-to-day life easier. The flat itself is practical, bright and pleasant, with a good layout and enough space. Building management has been professional and the overall environment feels safe and organised. I have had a positive experience living here and would recommend it to people looking for a convenient and comfortable place to live.

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

The local area is very convenient and pleasant to live in. There are shops, restaurants and cafes nearby, and it is easy to get daily essentials without travelling far. Transport links are good, with bus and train options close by. The street is generally quiet and safe, with only a little traffic noise during busy times.

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

Building management has responded well to any questions or issues raised. They are usually helpful, professional and try to resolve things in a reasonable time.

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

I wish I had known how convenient the location would be for daily life. Shops, transport and local facilities are all close by, which makes living here much easier than expected.

・・

HomeViews

Nikita (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Jun 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Love Trilogy

Nikita (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Jun 2026

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

the apartment building is very close to local shops like co-op and tesco, 1 minute walk to cornbrook tram station

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

Never had any major problems small issues get dealt with promptly

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

Great place to live with friendly staff and neighbors

・・

HomeViews

Lucy P (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Jun 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Will always recommend

Lucy P (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Jun 2026

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

Perfect area! Lots of shops, restaurants and activities to do around the flat. Super easy for trains, not far from the airport and great for bus stops. Noise is not too bad and can’t complain when you are in city centre

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

Whenever we log a maintenance issue it gets resolved within maximum 48 hours

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

Maybe the windows not being able to fully open as it can get very hot in there!

・・

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

HomeViews

Page 1 of 886

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

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