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

83.4%

Very Good

12.7%

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

(197 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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Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Trilogy, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.9

4.90

(401 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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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 69 in Manchester

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Page 1 of 18

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4540 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4540

Anton R (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jul 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Modern Living with a True Community Feel

Anton R (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jul 2026

Living at The Slate Yard has been an amazing experience, and we genuinely couldn’t have chosen a better place to call home. The apartments are incredibly spacious, and the stunning balcony views are something we never get tired of. The building’s facilities are truly top class. The gym is fully equipped with everything you could need and has excellent air conditioning, making it a comfortable place to work out year round. The residents’ lounge is a peaceful, welcoming space that’s perfect for working remotely, and the complimentary coffee machine is a fantastic bonus. The secure parcel room makes receiving deliveries effortless, and having a private dining room available to book for special occasions is a brilliant addition. What really sets The Slate Yard apart is the staff. Everyone is incredibly friendly, professional, and always willing to help. On the rare occasion we’ve had any issues, they’ve been resolved quickly and efficiently. Most importantly, The Slate Yard genuinely feels like a community. It’s a place where you feel at home, and we’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a modern, welcoming place to live.

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

Close to shops for everyday essentials and a short walk away from Spinningfields and Deansgate for all your bars and restaurants. Train station, tram stops and bus links within walking distance making easy access for travel. Situated in a quiet area right on the edge of the centre meaning you have the best of both worlds. Car park located just over the road.

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

dealt with quickly and professionally. The team is always approachable, responsive, and proactive, ensuring that any concerns are resolved promptly with minimal disruption. It’s reassuring to know that help is always available whenever it’s needed.

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

One thing I wish I’d known before moving in is that smoking isn’t permitted on the balconies, and residents need to use the designated smoking areas away from the building. It took a little getting used to at first, but in all honesty, it’s had a positive impact and has helped me cut down and work towards quitting smoking altogether.

・・

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

HomeViews

Piers (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jul 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

First week review

Piers (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jul 2026

The facilities in the building are generally superb, and the design of the buildings and common areas are a great. The communal WiFi in the co-working space in South Tower wasn’t working the day I needed, and it is difficult for visitors to find parking given nearby construction and temporary closures for filming and other things. A special shout out to Anne-Marie and Beth on West Tower reception. It was quite a whirlwind of moving in due to my house sale and returning from holiday with food poisoning. One week later and they greet me by name when coming/going in the building, which is a really special touch that unexpectedly (from suburban living) made me feel at home.

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

There’s everything you would expect living in the centre of Manchester. Everything you could possibly need is within a few minutes walk or cycle. A good 5KM running route down the canal and a local coffee roaster were nice surprises.

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

Yes - I have raised all issues through the online portal and the maintenance staff have been fantastic. There are still some open items but most have been resolved.

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

I guess parking provision for visitors would be a good thing to know.

・・

HomeViews

Charlie C (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Castings, M1

Jul 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

WHAT A GAFF! Couldn’t recommend more…

Charlie C (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Castings, M1

Jul 2026

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

Ancoats is great - 5 mins walk from Piccadilly and lovely walk around the marina. Parking actually not too bad round the new Islington area Pubs nearby that I’d reccomend include anything on the marina and Piccadilly central

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

Helped us with several small bits at move in - haven’t needed to use too much but swift in coming back to us

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

Everyone who lives here is lovely and there’s a top vibe - have ended up on several nights out with the crew who we met here

・・

HomeViews

Rishab P (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jul 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Premium living that’s worth it

Rishab P (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jul 2026

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

Good- the staff are amazing especially Anne Marie who helped me move in. They are always smiling and willing to help you which makes living there so much better. The amenities are amazing with so many local restaurants and shops nearby with the deansgate tram stop and station nearby.

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

They have been absolutely incredible and are willing to accept any request including apartment alterations.

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

I wish i knew about all the shops nearby as that was something that was stressing me out a bit but now i know how much choice there is.

・・

HomeViews

Ritvik Madhu (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Jul 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

The bestest

Ritvik Madhu (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Jul 2026

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

The best connected network place around; proximity wise everything is closer like the tram station and there is a couple of supermarkets closer in 10 mins

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

The repairs and maintenance team do respond quick and resolve the issues soon

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

The best place to live in accordance to the commute

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 908

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

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