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

82.9%

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

(367 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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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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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

4252 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4252

Tim R (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Mar 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Great place to live

Tim R (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Mar 2026

The building is well equipped with a moderately sized gym. I really like the design and layout of the lobby with the sofa and coffee machine. The co-working space is limited, and not suitable to my working style though I see people using it. The mail and parcel collection is managed brilliantly. Additionally, the bike shelter is great, though it seems some bikes have been there for some time and have not been used and are just occupying bike racks.

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

Tram link and bus stop are just at the doorstep of the build. Three different convenience stores are directly around the corner The tenants and surrounding area are quiet and I feel safe in the streets and parks around Local parking is available and affordable. Coffee shops or gyms are 10-15 min walk away

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

I have not had any issues so far. Any emails, however, have been responded to in a timely manner.

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

The community here is great and welcoming. The staff is friendly and makes the place feel homely.

・・

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

HomeViews

Ben (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Mar 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Life at the Trilogy

Ben (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

Mar 2026

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

Great coffee shop, barbers, takeaways and a local shop nearby. Great walking and running routes along the water. Close to the city centre meaning ideal convenience.

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

The management team of the building have always responded quickly to any issues that we have had. They have provided lots of help when needed and have been quick to give us advice on any building related issues.

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

I wish how knew how great it was to live here as I would’ve moved in sooner!

・・

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

HomeViews

Dom gold (Tenant)

Unverified

Swan Street House, M4

Mar 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Sean street

Dom gold (Tenant)

Unverified

Swan Street House, M4

Mar 2026

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

Always good , northern quarter on your door step loads of bars and restraints everywhere quick to get to and quick to get home.

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

Quickly, Ruby, Ted and Holly are always great! They’re always fast to responce

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

Noise, from right side of building until 2am some nights which has caused a lot of sleeping issues which on viewing we were told wouldn’t be an issue.

・・

HomeViews

Sarah B. (Tenant)

Unverified

Swan Street House, M4

Mar 2026

This is rated 1.00 out of 5.00.

Awful apartments - managed by useless staff

Sarah B. (Tenant)

Unverified

Swan Street House, M4

Mar 2026

The facilities were nice but now the building is full tenants do not care to look after the building. Rubbish everywhere and it's dirty and smells. The staff that work here are not approachable, when approached with an issue it's as if we disturb them. They do not resolve issues, yet they put the blame of the tenants even when issues are caused by swan street. The security staff do not man the door 24/7, half the time they are relaxing around the building or eating in the office. Where's the security here?

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

Behind the building there's a refugee hotel - it constantly smells bad and parcels going missing. The doors break every other week which impacts safety of tenants. It's not the best environment - charge a lot for rent yet the up keep of the building is shocking.

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

Poorly - utterly poorly. They do not communicate well. They ignore emails and they respond in a way that makes you feel you're the problem.

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

If we knew the building was built poorly and the staff that work here were so rude. We wouldn't have chosen swan street

・・

HomeViews

TD (Tenant)

Unverified

The Slate Yard, M3

Mar 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Slate Yard Review - Been here 3 years

TD (Tenant)

Unverified

The Slate Yard, M3

Mar 2026

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

Such a great location. 15mins walk to city centre, 10mins to big Sainsburry and 1 min to Sainsburry local, 5mins from bus stop and salford central. Quiet as not next to main street but safe as we have a 24/7 security patroling the area.

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

Responsive & accommodating, you never feel like you’re alone and have nobody to ask help to

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

Cant think of anything really, a happy tenant here.

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 851

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

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