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

83.5%

Very Good

12.6%

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 88

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Castings, M1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.97

(199 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

View development

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Trilogy, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.9

4.90

(407 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

View development

Rental Only

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

View development

Rental Only

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

View development

Rental Only

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

View development

Page 1 of 18

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4569 total reviews

Write a review

Viewing 1-5 out of 4569

Adam H (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Aug 2026

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

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Great place to live

Adam H (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Aug 2026

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

Close to Aviva Studios and Spinningfields. Nice waterfront walk and views. There is nice landscaping between the buildings which is nice to relax and chill.

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

Issues with oven on move in day but this was our fault as we forgot to put the switch on. Maintenance arrived very quickly and sorted this out.

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

There’s not as much social activities as our previous building had.

・・

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

HomeViews

Sumin Sunil (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Aug 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Very pleased with the property management so far

Sumin Sunil (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Aug 2026

The building is modern, facilities are excellent and the level of cleanliness is exceptional. The property management team is quite helpful. Especially when it comes to parcel management, the support we get is incredible. I would like to give a special mention to Funmi, she has been the most supportive member of staff so far. Whenever I pop downstairs I see her at the front desk with a pleasant smile. She attentive to the needs of the residents and always helps me out within the parcels. In addition to that she is quite alert when it comes to looking out for intruders and tailgaters in the building. She is always at the front desk looking out for our safety.

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

Convenient. Proximity to the tram stop, the gym within the building and the central location of the property has led to a very positive experience for me.

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

Yes, always a prompt response. The maintenance reporting app is quite handy.

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

Limited parking spaces. But I had already been assigned a parking space when I moved in, so I didn’t have to worry about that.

・・

HomeViews

Grace (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Aug 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Wonderful Slate Yard staff

Grace (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Aug 2026

The apartment is well designed and the bedrooms and bathrooms are both extremely well sized. The balconies are just the right size for two people to spent time on comfortably and make the indoor space feel significantly more open. My favourite part about The Slate Yard is the AMAZING staff. Every member of staff is extremely friendly and always say hello and ask about your day. It's always wonderful to come home and there be friendly faces every day!!

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

The Slate Yard is both in an extremely central and convenient location but the area feels quiet and private. In the location on Stanley Street just off the main road. Parking is limited but expected being so central.

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

Our maintenance queries have always been resolved.

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

That the balcony feels so much bigger than it looks from the outside.

・・

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

HomeViews

Berke I (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Aug 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Prime NQ Living at Swan Street House

Berke I (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Aug 2026

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

Swan Street House is an absolute gem right on the edge of the Northern Quarter. The location couldn't be better you’re a short stroll from amazing coffee shops, bars, and food spots, plus getting around town is dead easy

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

We’ve only recently moved in, but the building management and maintenance team have been fantastic so far. Any inquiries or minor requests we've raised were addressed and sorted out really fast.

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

How strong the sense of community is and how friendly everyone here is! The resident socials and organized events are a huge plus for meeting people. On top of that, the amenities are genuinely useful you actually end up using the gym and lounge spaces constantly, and the location makes getting around central Manchester and the Northern Quarter completely seamless.

・・

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

HomeViews

Rebecca H (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Kampus, M1

Aug 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Best place to live in Manchester City Centre

Rebecca H (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Kampus, M1

Aug 2026

Having lived at Kampus for almost a year I can honestly say it’s been the best place I’ve ever lived! The building, the staff, the amenities and the events that are put on have been AMAZING! The work spaces are fantastic for when you are working from home! You truly don’t need to leave Kampus everything you need is here including the gym, Sainsbury’s and pollen for a sourdough loaf on the weekend.

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

It is the ideal place to live in the city centre, there are restaurants and bars literally on your doorstep! Great transport links and the ability to get out the city with Piccadilly station being on your doorstep step.

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

Building management have been fantastic and dealt with issues quickly.

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

The flat gets very warm in the summer! Buy a good fan!

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 914

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

Useful articles

North West England

North West England is one England’s nine official regions. It is made up of Lancashire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside. This corner of the UK is its third most-populated region, with Manchester and Liverpool its two principal cities. 550,000 people live in Manchester and 500,000 in Liverpool, according to estimates for 2019. Boasting stunning scenery in the Lake District and Peak District, the region also offers lively urban areas with a rich industrial, sporting and cultural heritage and a strong economic outlook.

Go to article

Cheshire

Cheshire is a county in the North West of England. It has a population of over half a million people and is known for its beautiful countryside, including the Peak District National Park. Home to many universities, Cheshire's educational system rivals that of any other county in the UK. In this guide, we'll cover all you need to know about buying property in Cheshire, from location to schools and everything in between!

Go to article

Cumbria

Cumbria is a county in the north of England, and one of the most beautiful places to live. There are many factors that go into choosing where to live, but Cumbria has something for everyone! From the beautiful scenery to the great schools, there's no wonder why it has become such a popular place. Read on for more information about this wonderful region.

Go to article

Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester has a stellar reputation and is widely regarded as 'the capital of the North'. The city's turbocharged economy, rich industrial heritage, sporting fame and reputation as a nightlife hotspot ensures Manchester regularly appears on lists of the best places to live in the UK. Combined with relatively low property prices, excellent transport connections and three universities, making the city a magnet for young people, and it's easy to see the appeal of Greater Manchester. Read on to find out more about the best new build developments the city has to offer.

Go to article

Lancashire

Lancashire is a county in the northwest of England, with a population of just over one million. It has been an economically important area since ancient times and was home to many major industries including cotton mills. In more recent years, Lancashire has developed into a tourist destination thanks to its natural beauty and culture. If you're looking for a place to live in the UK, then Lancashire might be just what you need. This guide will take a look at the county and outline some of its best features

Go to article

Liverpool

As a major trading port travellers have been coming to Liverpool for centuries. Located in North West England, Liverpool is the sixth largest city in the UK. It sits within the county of Merseyside. Moreover, its status as a port city has contributed to its diverse population. Famous for The Beatles, world-class football as home to both Liverpool and Everton, it was named as European Capital of Culture in 2008. Read on to hear about some of the best places to live in Liverpool. Additionally, find out where to buy or rent in the area.

Go to article

Merseyside

Merseyside is an area in the northwest of England, bordered by Cheshire to the south and Wales to the west. Stretching across both banks of the Mersey River and centred around the bustling metropolis of Liverpool, Merseyside offers a huge range of living locations, from city-centre to semi-rural. Despite being a heavily populated and urbanised area, Merseyside does have some greenbelt areas spread throughout the county, especially in the Wirral and around Southport that offer country living right next door to the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the UK.

Go to article

Salford

If you're looking for a place to live that has plenty of opportunity for both work and play, look no further than Salford. This metropolitan borough in the North West of England is home to over 240,000 people and boasts world-class universities, top schools, and lively nightlife. Whether you're just starting out on your own or have a growing family, there's something for everyone in Salford. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at what makes Salford such an amazing place to live.

Go to article