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 81

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Castings, M1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.97

(164 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

(379 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

(88 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

4303 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4303

Benz D (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Apr 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Up the Swans Nest!

Benz D (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Apr 2026

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

First of all the location is superb , as central as you can get so we cannot complain at all, everything we need is a stone throw away . To add on to that the building is absolutely gorgeous, super premium look and feel. The team here are also solid super friendly and always on hand to help, Holly especially is an absolute asset to the team, a friendly face and a helpful soul. This extends out to the whole team for sure, they’re solid.

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

Absolutely super sharp to respond to any issues and the caretaker is solid,

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

Nothing really, I knew most of the bits before moving in so nothin surprised me.

・・

HomeViews

Benz D (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Apr 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Super Swan Street

Benz D (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Apr 2026

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

We live in a central location so literally everything is here and so close super super convenient . It’s great

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

For sure, they’re quite good at listening we even had a hand in shaping how the gym was and even upon completion they asked if they’re missing any equipment which we all fed back on.

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

To be honest I’d known about everything - so not really got much to add here. I’d definitely recommend going to the socials the building does, especially if you’re moving in by yourself or with a partner and are new to the city.

・・

HomeViews

Bill B (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Kampus, M1

Apr 2026

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Minshull House resident of two years

Bill B (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Kampus, M1

Apr 2026

Our flat is beautiful with very high ceilings, exposed brick and a really nice mix of authentic and modern design. Property management are very quick to respond to any service requests, usually fixed the next day at no charge for things such as lightbulbs, faulty dishwasher, hot water issues etc - which have been few and far between to be honest. One thing I would say is the heating system is incredibly hard to use, the control unit is actually unusable and the manual doesn't seem to apply to it - we've just never had the heating on as it's too tricky to use, so it gets very cold in winter. The glass shower wall also needs to be longer as it doesn't stop a lot of water going onto the floor whenever you shower, which means the floor gets very wet and has started to rot the wood/wall where it meets the shower unit. The dehumidifying unit in the ceiling either doesn't work or is very weak as it never clears hot air and means you need to dry the bathroom constantly to stop mould.

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

Excellent location round the corner from the station and minutes away from central Manchester. Does get a bit rowdy on Canal Street on weekends where you can hear noise if the windows are open but nothing that is going to keep you awake as the windows are fairly soundproof.

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

Very speedily, any service requests are usually actioned the very next day.

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

That the heating unit is impossible to use so it gets very cold!

・・

HomeViews

Guy M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Castings, M1

Apr 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Impressive living that feels super homely

Guy M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Castings, M1

Apr 2026

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

Perfect location. Easily walkable for convenience shops and a big weekly shop at aldi. Easily walkable to city centre for shopping and northern quarter for bars, but also feels far enough away to avoid all the craziness and noise of those areas. Super close to train station, ideal for travel and meeting visitors.

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

Only had to use maintenance once for a small leak under the kitchen sink, and they came to fix it about 15 minutes later

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

Parking at Baird street for visitors is ideal, and the walk to the train station is much shorter than expected - about 5 mins for a fast walker!

Manager response

Thank you for your kind review :) We’re really glad you’re enjoying the facilities and the homely feel of the building. We’re happy you’re enjoying your experience here!

Posted by

Stephen Spence, Community Manager

Apr 2026

・・

HomeViews

Laz (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Bridgewater, M43

Apr 2026

This is rated 1.00 out of 5.00.

Disappointing move in

Laz (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Bridgewater, M43

Apr 2026

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

The problem is we had a very bad leak and no one is taking responsibility. The developer - Fortis is ignoring all correspondence as is the property management company - Xenia. Due to this we have very badly damaged carpets and skirting boards.

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

Not at all. They are all ignoring any emails and not dealing with issues that are happening. We had a serious flood and did not respond to our emails. Very poor and very irresponsible.

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

I would not have purchased in this development had i known the very poor after sales service. Clearly the attitude seems to be take the money and run!

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 861

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

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