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

83.6%

Very Good

12.5%

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 91

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 70 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

(409 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 70 in Manchester

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Award Winner 2024

Vox, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2024

4.9

4.90

(258 reviews)

Vox, managed by Allsop is located just off the A56 in Manchester. The Vox offers a collection of 1,2 and 3-bed apartments. Moreover, they are only a short bus away from the city centre. In addition to underbuilding parking, there is also storage for over 280 bikes. These are monitored by CCTV and stored behind fob operated doors. Other facilities include a gym, roof terrace and residents lounge.

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 70 in Manchester

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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.

4th

Ranked 4th out of 70 in Manchester

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Award Winner 2025

Leef Manchester, M4

By Leef Property Management

Award winner 2025

4.78

(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,

5th

Ranked 5th out of 70 in Manchester

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Page 1 of 19

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4615 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4615

Katie D (Tenant)

Unverified

Swan Street House, M4

Sept 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Gorgeous friendly city centre apartment

Katie D (Tenant)

Unverified

Swan Street House, M4

Sept 2026

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

Amazing location with excellent access to the northern quarter. Shops with in walking distance to pick up emergency supplies.

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

The have responded in an efficient manner so far same day- excellent service

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

Ask for a leaflet to help set up the wifi at reception, or a mini wheel trailer to help you move in. They have loads of useful stuff

・・

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

HomeViews

Rafed Kamil (Tenant)

Unverified

Apo at Angel Gardens, M4

Sept 2026

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Amazing staff

Rafed Kamil (Tenant)

Unverified

Apo at Angel Gardens, M4

Sept 2026

Great design. Its quite a new building with a cozy vibe. It’s always peaceful and quiet. Staff is always amazing. One of the sole reasons my stay was smooth and enjoyable was thanks to Gareth. He was always responsive, happy to help, and very professional and kind. I really hope he is shown the gratitude he deserves. As well as Kwam, Samson, Q, Ralph, and Tony. All of them made sure I was taken care of for the whole year I stayed at Apo. They could not have done their jobs better.

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

Not alot of reaturants nearby. Alot of police and ambulance pass by frequently. But its near city center which is amazing.

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

One of the sole reasons my stay was smooth and enjoyable was thanks to Gareth. He was always responsive, happy to help, and very professional and kind. I really hope he is shown the gratitude he deserves. As well as Kwam, Samson, Q, Ralph, and Tony. All of them made sure I was taken care of for the whole year I stayed at Apo. They could not have done their jobs better.

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

Quite a long walk from University of Manchester…..

・・

HomeViews

Joao T (Tenant)

Unverified

Vox, M15

Sept 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

I would definitely recommend Vox to anyone looking for a new property.

Joao T (Tenant)

Unverified

Vox, M15

Sept 2026

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

The area is brilliant - so close to the tram stop, a co op underneath the building which is super convenient and not a long walk in town town!

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

Yes, the building management team responded promptly when we reported an issue.

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

I didn’t realise how close the tram stop actually was which is a definite good thing!

・・

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

HomeViews

尚·戈帕尔 (Tenant)

Unverified

Kampus, M1

Sept 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Good place to live

尚·戈帕尔 (Tenant)

Unverified

Kampus, M1

Sept 2026

Kampus is a modern and comfortable development with attractive communal areas and a great city-centre location. The facilities are generally good and the building is pleasant to live in. However, I wish there were more dedicated co-working spaces, with better and brighter lighting for studying and working. More desks and quiet working areas would make a big improvement. Overall, it is a very good place to live

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

Kampus is in an excellent central location with plenty of restaurants, cafés, shops and transport links nearby. The area is very convenient, although it can sometimes be busy and noisy at night. I have recommend my cousin to stay in Kampus .( she currently just moved into Kampus).

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

They are very fast and quick in responding to problems or issue raised.

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

If I could I would have choosen unit not facing the road, it get dusty and a litte noisy during the day.

・・

HomeViews

Nicole (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Pomona Wharf, M15

Sept 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

An amazing apartment

Nicole (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Pomona Wharf, M15

Sept 2026

such an amazing apartment complex! andy and the team are always on hand to help with anything! they are also the kindest people you will find as your go to guys! they have free events for tenants every season (don’t quote me!) we just had a circus/ carnival event which was honestly so cute and creative! free freshly made hot dogs and free alcohol! there was also a cute easter event a couple months back too. they also offer free produce that they grow right here in reception :) i love the basil personally we’re coming to an end for our tenancy. the plan was 6 months… we’ve stayed for a year and 6 months here!! we’re so sad to leave but so happy we found this place

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

a regent retail complex a 10 minute walk away with a sainsburys, home bargains, tkmaxx and boots was definitely ideal

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

Asap! and i mean as soon as possible! they are always so fast!

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

How much i would love it. we would have stayed here for the total of us staying in apartments if we had found this place sooner

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 923

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

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