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

(155 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

(353 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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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

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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

(392 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.

4th

Ranked 4th out of 68 in Manchester

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The James Manchester, M4

By The James

4.78

(27 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.

5th

Ranked 5th out of 68 in Manchester

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Page 1 of 17

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4131 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4131

Lauren C (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Dec 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

New tenancy review

Lauren C (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Dec 2025

I moved in today and can not fault the staff. They have been more that helpful with any questions that I had. Moving in was straight forward, the concierge was helpful In providing me with a parking permit and a trolly. The security was helpful in showing me where to put cardboard and gave me some helpful tips . I got a full tour of the apartment from Rasheed to make sure I understood how to get in and out and that I was happy with everything in my new apartment. He was great at answering all my questions

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

I chose to live in this area as it is close to the city and had a nice community feel. People living in this area are friendly and there is often events. I have a small dog and the small dog park is very handy and a great pace to socialise. I will be joining the community running group and very excited to meet new friends here

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

They have been great! Everything was explained in great detail

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

I wish I would of got more information on how to move in and out with large Items

・・

HomeViews

Pete N (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The James Manchester, M4

Dec 2025

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

lovely apartment block

Pete N (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The James Manchester, M4

Dec 2025

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

Beautiful building, well kept and great layout. George and Helios are always on hand if we need anything

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

Always been prompt and efficient and never been left for long at all

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

Honestly, it's a fairly straight forward place to live. Nothing much to add

・・

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

HomeViews

Keagan (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Castings, M1

Dec 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Brilliant place to live

Keagan (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Castings, M1

Dec 2025

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

Everything on my door step, two supermarkets and a few options for corner shops which stays open late at night which is convenient. Metrolink and tram services within 5/10 mins walk, endless amounts of bars within walking distance. I couldn’t really give a bad comment about the area

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

As mentioned above very quickly and transparent with issues

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

About the booking system to book out the cinema room etc, however my flat mate who moved in before me informed me of this shortly after I moved in

・・

HomeViews

Gill M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Dec 2025

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

A great place to live in Manchester

Gill M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Dec 2025

We have lived here for just over six years; stayed much longer than planned!! The buildings are iconic, beautifully designed and very attractive to look at from the outside . In terms of transport links, it has everything on the doorstep; trains to Manchester Airport and beyond, buses and trams right outside. Interiors are modern, spacious, very comfortable apartments with lovely views of the city. Property is well managed with excellent gym and leisure facilities: pool, sauna, steam room, yoga room, spin room, games hall - the list goes on!! The roof top garden is also a great place to go during the summer months; lots of chilling outdoor space. There is also safe and secure, underground parking which is well managed.

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

Perfect for city centre living with excellent facilities, very close to all nearby transport In terms of transport links. There are a small number of restaurants, a coffee shop, a flower shop and a general store within the square and many more restaurants and bars a short walk away in the surrounding area. It has everything on the doorstep; trains to Manchester Airport and beyond, buses and trams right outside.

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

Property management team will regularly resolve any issues raised . In particular, Rasheed who recently responded to and sorted a last minute issue with our parking. He was very efficient and prompt in replying to emails - and in resolving our issue; excellent customer service.

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

Probably the only negative would be plans for prospective building work going on nearby

・・

HomeViews

Laura M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Broadside, M4

Dec 2025

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

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Broadside is well-maintained and clean

Laura M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Broadside, M4

Dec 2025

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

The location of Broadside is amazing, so close to local facilities and the area feels safe. Local parking available very frequently for free (2 hours) and then after 6pm parking is free on the roads which is really convenient. Short walk to northern quarter, shops and plenty of restaurants. No experience of anti-social behaviour.

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

Issues upon moving in but this was resolved, have not had any further problems to raise.

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

That parking is a lot easier than anticipated in the local area

・・

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

HomeViews

Page 1 of 827

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

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