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

83.0%

Very Good

13.0%

Average

2.9%

Disappointing

0.6%

Very poor

0.5%

Best places to live in Manchester

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 82

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Castings, M1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.97

(168 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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Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Trilogy, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.9

4.90

(380 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

4.85

(89 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 17

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4317 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4317

Thomas brennan (Tenant)

Unverified

Swan Street House, M4

Apr 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Very excellent building staff and amenities

Thomas brennan (Tenant)

Unverified

Swan Street House, M4

Apr 2026

The development is modern, well-designed, and maintained to a high standard, creating a really comfortable place to live. The layout is practical and the overall finish of the apartments is very good, with clean and well-kept communal areas. One of the standout positives is the property management, particularly Josh, who has been extremely helpful, approachable, and quick to respond to any issues or queries. His professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond really improves the overall experience of living here. While there can occasionally be minor delays with maintenance or parking can be tight at times, these are small drawbacks in what is otherwise a very well-run and enjoyable development.

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

The area has a great range of local amenities, with plenty of shops, cafes, and bars within walking distance, making it very convenient day-to-day. There are also good open spaces nearby which are ideal for walking and socialising. Transport links are strong, with regular buses and easy access into the city centre, although peak times can get quite busy. On the downside, parking can be limited, especially in the evenings, and there can occasionally be noise from traffic or people late at night. Overall, it’s a lively and well-connected area with a good atmosphere

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

Yes they are very responsive and deal with all issues well

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

I wish I knew more about the rent and how it worked

・・

HomeViews

Alex McMahon (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Anco&co, M4

Apr 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Anco & Co Review

Alex McMahon (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Anco&co, M4

Apr 2026

The design for Anco & Co is fantastic, especially in our new flat. The downstairs area is so nice and cosy and the roof terrace gives you a great view of Ancoats and into Manchester! The staff are always so helpful and chatty. They really make an effort with the events they put on for residents which makes a big difference! Shoutout to Elly & Adam who helped us with our moves in to our properties it means a lot!

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

I have no bad words to say about the area - I absolutely love living here. I feel safe, it’s not too loud and I think it’s the coolest part of Manchester.

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

Yes always been great in sorting out any issues we’ve had quickly and efficiently.

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

I wish there was some form of provision for parking but its one we’ve managed in the end.

・・

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

HomeViews

Sara S (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Anco&co, M4

Apr 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Beautiful apartments with the best team!

Sara S (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Anco&co, M4

Apr 2026

The development is gorgeous with great facilities. All the apartments are set out beautifully and we've never had a problem that isn't fixed straight away. Although the flats have a new build vibe they are also full of character which I think a lot of newer apartments lack. We have recently moved to a different apartment within the same block as we love it here so much but were looking for a little more space. The team are absolutely incredible here and made the whole process as quick and smooth as possible- I can't praise them enough (shout out to Adam and Elly!!) Every single person that works here is approachable and helpful, and having lived in multiple complexes in Manchester, they are easily the best team!

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

I love living in the area, we have everything we need right on our doorstep and it never feels to crowded or busy.

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

Yes, although we haven't had may issues anything raised is dealt with straight away, the app also makes it super easy to raise any maintenance problems

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

The only thing would be to do more research on parking in the area as it can be a little trickier to find a permit

・・

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

HomeViews

Josh (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Poplin, M4

Apr 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Great building, Great location, Great MC!

Josh (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Poplin, M4

Apr 2026

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

Perfect location, Northern quarter and Ancoats on your doorstep and nearby to major transport links.

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

All satisfactory so far , everyone always quick to help

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

I would have liked to have known there was a WhatsApp group for everyone in the building from the start

・・

HomeViews

Roisin (Tenant)

Unverified

Swan Street House, M4

Apr 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Swan St House

Roisin (Tenant)

Unverified

Swan Street House, M4

Apr 2026

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

Perfect location right next door to northern quarter, convenient links to Manchester Victoria station and arndale centre!!

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

Always willing to help out. The desk is manned 24/7

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

The acoustics in the flags are great, don’t hear noise from adjacent flags and windows keep most of the outside noise out

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 864

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

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