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

82.8%

Very Good

13.1%

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 81

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Castings, M1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.97

(162 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

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Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Trilogy, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.89

(360 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

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Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

Poplin, M4

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.85

(88 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

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Development image of The James Manchester, M4

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The James Manchester, M4

By The James

Award winner 2025

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

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Development image of Apo at Angel Gardens, M4

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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

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Page 1 of 17

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4213 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4213

Mutaz (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Feb 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Flats are well designed to ensure style and function

Mutaz (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Feb 2026

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

Super friendly staff. Good coffee machine. Reasonable gym. Would be better if there were more dumbbells with higher weights in the gym.

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

Responsive to issues raised and deal with issues well.

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

The events hosted by the building are good fun. Good sun exposure.

・・

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

HomeViews

Matas M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Feb 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

The trilogy: comfort, trams and coffee.

Matas M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Feb 2026

So far in the past 6 months, I am glad to call the trilogy my home. The building and living unit is well designed, airy and comfortable. The fact that there is a gym within the building is really convenient and part of the reason which drew me to the Trilogy in the first place. Being able to have a coffee in the mornings before the commute is something I look forward to. I especially have to commend Funmi who is always a delight to speak to in the evenings and is always helpful.

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

There is a wealth of shops nearby for residents at our convienence with many options further afield with a short trip on the tram. In terms of other transport links nearby, buses are easy to access to head into town or commute to work. The communal areas are alway clean, tidy and the staff friendly and attentive.

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

When works had to be carried out on the plumbing which meant water was shutoff we were let know early and water was provided at reception, making it less of an inconvience at the time.

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

The events are always something fun and interesting which was not highlighted before moving in.

・・

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

HomeViews

Joseph O (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Feb 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Excellent facilities, location, and staff

Joseph O (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Feb 2026

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

Great local shops with a wide variety of supermarkets, with canal access very close to the building to run errands in the city centre. It’s a great street to live on and the local area is both safe and convenient.

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

The building management has always responded promptly to any maintenance requests and has been very helpful in resolving any queries.

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

There are events which are always very enjoyable. I’ve been to some Pilates classes, yoga, and had few drinks with other residents. These events are always well ran with and open and relaxing environment

・・

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

HomeViews

Amira (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Feb 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

I love the trilogy

Amira (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Feb 2026

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

Very convenient transport links. Close to co op and tescos Could be more parking availability without yellow lines

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

They have responded quickly and efficiently every time.

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

That there are such a good range of events every month.

・・

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

HomeViews

Jet Martin (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Feb 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

The building is great to live in, it’s quiet within the building

Jet Martin (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Feb 2026

The building is great to live in, it’s quiet within the building, we never hear noise from other apartments and residents. The concierge are all great, very helpful and friendly, there’s lots of events organised within the building and the communal spaces are fantastic. Especially the cinema and gym facilities. Issues that get reported to maintenance are dealt with in a timely manner usually and the lifts and refuse facilities are good. The only issue I would say is that we run out of hot water quite regularly. As there’s three of us and we all exercise daily, sometimes we need 2 shower a day… the system here does not facilitate that which is very frustrating.

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

It’s a great area with lots of restaurants and bars close by, there are plenty of things to do, gyms and shops on the doorstep. Have not used public transport but uber is fantastic. It’s a noisy place to live with sirens going all night and lots of outside noise.

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

Usually in a timely manner, we have had a few issues with a smelly shower that got sorted eventually. Generally it’s a good service.

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

The hot water situation. As explained above, we all exercise daily and sometimes need more than one shower a day!

・・

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

HomeViews

Page 1 of 843

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

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