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

82.7%

Very Good

13.2%

Average

3.0%

Disappointing

0.6%

Very poor

0.5%

Best places to live in Manchester

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 81

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Castings, M1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.97

(157 reviews)

£1,180-£2,165 pcm

Studios, 1, 2, 3 beds

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

View development

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Trilogy, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.89

(354 reviews)

£1,020-£1,700 pcm

1, 2, 3 beds

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

View development

Rental Only

Award Winner 2024

Poplin, M4

By Native Communities

Award winner 2024

4.86

(84 reviews)

£1,240-£2,200 pcm

1, 2, 3 beds

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

View development

Rental Only

The James Manchester, M4

By The James

4.8

4.80

(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

View development

Development image of Apo at Angel Gardens, M4

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

Apo at Angel Gardens, M4

By Apo

Award winner 2025

4.79

(393 reviews)

£1,320-£2,385 pcm

Studios, 1, 2, 3 beds

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

View development

Page 1 of 17

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4149 total reviews

Write a review

Viewing 1-5 out of 4149

SA (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Jan 2026

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

The building offers excellent on-site facilities

SA (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Jan 2026

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

Good location in the heart of the city centre, offering convenient access to a wide range of quality restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as excellent transport links, including Victoria Station and tram.

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

Building management has responded promptly and efficiently, consistently providing effective solutions to any issues raised

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

Good vibe in the building, enhanced by regular events that cater to everyone.

・・

HomeViews

Benjamin Hemmati (Tenant)

Unverified

The Castings, M1

Jan 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

The best building in Manchester City centre!

Benjamin Hemmati (Tenant)

Unverified

The Castings, M1

Jan 2026

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

Fantastic location, public transport network is very good and there is also lots of free parking nearby.

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

We’ve had very few problems; however, when we have they have been dealt with very efficiently.

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

I didn’t know how extensive the amenities would be so I was very pleasantly surprised when I arrived!

・・

HomeViews

Tom (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Castings, M1

Jan 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Love my time here

Tom (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Castings, M1

Jan 2026

The development is new, clean and very efficient which was one of the main why I chose to rent here, there is an on-site gym which is kitted out with different weights and machines which makes a variety of work outs possible. There is 24 hour concierge which gives you great peace of mind that if anything went wrong or you needed any help at any point there is always someone to help. My best example of this is my partner was working late in the meeting room and accidentally left her key in the flat while I was away, she was still able to go to reception and get someone to let her into the flat.

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

This is a fantastic area to live, there is an Aldi just over a 5 minute walk away which is great at keeping the costs down. You are only a 10 minute walk away from Manchester Piccadilly which makes things very accessible and there’s a tram stop about a minute away so we are extremely connected here. There are some lovely brewery’s just across the road which are really nice and supply some tasty beers, moreover, there are some nice pubs and wine bars in the marina which is great on a summers day.

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

Really well! We had a nightmare situation where we accidentally dropped some crockery on our job and it ended up smashing. We reported this on the app (which is really easy) and they were able to quickly replace this for us.

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

I originally thought I would have to the tram to go into town, however it’s no more than a 20 minute walk so I choose to walk everyday instead.

・・

HomeViews

D Smith (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jan 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Modern, convenient city living

D Smith (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jan 2026

The development is modern, well designed and generally well maintained. The building feels secure and thoughtfully laid out, with good communal areas and facilities that are kept clean and presentable. The apartments are finished to a good standard and feel comfortable to live in. Building management is visible and organised, and communication has been clear when updates or maintenance are required. While no building is perfect, any minor issues have been handled reasonably well, making the overall living experience positive.

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

The local area is very convenient, with a good range of shops, cafés, restaurants and gyms within walking distance. Transport links are excellent, making it easy to get around the city and commute when needed. Open spaces are nearby for walks and fresh air. The street itself is generally quiet for a city location, with occasional traffic noise at busier times. Bin collections are reliable and parking can be limited, but manageable if planned around. Overall, it is a practical and well connected place to live.

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

Building management has responded in a timely and organised way when issues have been raised. Communication is clear, and problems are acknowledged and resolved without excessive follow up.

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

It is worth planning ahead for parking and peak time noise, as this is a busy city area. Other than that, the convenience and location easily outweigh any small adjustments needed when first moving in.

・・

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

HomeViews

Harry (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Jan 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Best decision to move here!

Harry (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Jan 2026

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

Love it! Reception team are always super helpful and willing to assist with anything. Back door entrance isn’t in the greatest spot and can feel unsafe at night but not a reflection on the property itself.

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

Always acted very quickly when needed and helped with things immediately when initially moving in.

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

Nothing I can think off - team were very transparent with everything.

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 830

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

Useful articles

North West England

North West England is one England’s nine official regions. It is made up of Lancashire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside. This corner of the UK is its third most-populated region, with Manchester and Liverpool its two principal cities. 550,000 people live in Manchester and 500,000 in Liverpool, according to estimates for 2019. Boasting stunning scenery in the Lake District and Peak District, the region also offers lively urban areas with a rich industrial, sporting and cultural heritage and a strong economic outlook.

Go to article

Cheshire

Cheshire is a county in the North West of England. It has a population of over half a million people and is known for its beautiful countryside, including the Peak District National Park. Home to many universities, Cheshire's educational system rivals that of any other county in the UK. In this guide, we'll cover all you need to know about buying property in Cheshire, from location to schools and everything in between!

Go to article

Cumbria

Cumbria is a county in the north of England, and one of the most beautiful places to live. There are many factors that go into choosing where to live, but Cumbria has something for everyone! From the beautiful scenery to the great schools, there's no wonder why it has become such a popular place. Read on for more information about this wonderful region.

Go to article

Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester has a stellar reputation and is widely regarded as 'the capital of the North'. The city's turbocharged economy, rich industrial heritage, sporting fame and reputation as a nightlife hotspot ensures Manchester regularly appears on lists of the best places to live in the UK. Combined with relatively low property prices, excellent transport connections and three universities, making the city a magnet for young people, and it's easy to see the appeal of Greater Manchester. Read on to find out more about the best new build developments the city has to offer.

Go to article

Lancashire

Lancashire is a county in the northwest of England, with a population of just over one million. It has been an economically important area since ancient times and was home to many major industries including cotton mills. In more recent years, Lancashire has developed into a tourist destination thanks to its natural beauty and culture. If you're looking for a place to live in the UK, then Lancashire might be just what you need. This guide will take a look at the county and outline some of its best features

Go to article

Liverpool

As a major trading port travellers have been coming to Liverpool for centuries. Located in North West England, Liverpool is the sixth largest city in the UK. It sits within the county of Merseyside. Moreover, its status as a port city has contributed to its diverse population. Famous for The Beatles, world-class football as home to both Liverpool and Everton, it was named as European Capital of Culture in 2008. Read on to hear about some of the best places to live in Liverpool. Additionally, find out where to buy or rent in the area.

Go to article

Merseyside

Merseyside is an area in the northwest of England, bordered by Cheshire to the south and Wales to the west. Stretching across both banks of the Mersey River and centred around the bustling metropolis of Liverpool, Merseyside offers a huge range of living locations, from city-centre to semi-rural. Despite being a heavily populated and urbanised area, Merseyside does have some greenbelt areas spread throughout the county, especially in the Wirral and around Southport that offer country living right next door to the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the UK.

Go to article

Salford

If you're looking for a place to live that has plenty of opportunity for both work and play, look no further than Salford. This metropolitan borough in the North West of England is home to over 240,000 people and boasts world-class universities, top schools, and lively nightlife. Whether you're just starting out on your own or have a growing family, there's something for everyone in Salford. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at what makes Salford such an amazing place to live.

Go to article