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

83.4%

Very Good

12.7%

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 87

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Castings, M1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.97

(196 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

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Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Trilogy, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.9

4.90

(399 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

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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.

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 69 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 69 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 69 in Manchester

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Page 1 of 18

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4510 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4510

Charlotte (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Kampus, M1

Jul 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Excellent city living experience

Charlotte (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Kampus, M1

Jul 2026

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

Located in the heart of the city, within easy walking distance to national transport hubs and the main shopping district, Kampus is a great place to live. There are several excellent food and drink outlets on your doorstep, and a local supermarket.

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

Timely and thorough response to maintenance requests.

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

Building updates, events and management are easily co-ordinated on an app.

・・

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

HomeViews

Rishi (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Jul 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Swan Street House, great home for us so far

Rishi (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Jul 2026

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

Noma is a great place to live and the building is in the perfect location. Eveything is accessible within 5 minutes.

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

Always been very responsive to any issues especially reception staff.

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

I would recommend a higher flat facing away from the city cause the views are incredible

・・

HomeViews

Tonybaloni (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Oxygen, M1

Jul 2026

This is rated 3.00 out of 5.00.

Gone Downhill

Tonybaloni (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Oxygen, M1

Jul 2026

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

Ancoats is a great area- Oxygen is next to the new night club idra that often holds full day events with very heavy bass.

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

Great discount at Diecast which sometimes makes the loud music worth it.

What is the best feature of your home:

The pool area is great when it’s in service, it’s a really relaxing area.

・・

HomeViews

Maddie (Tenant)

Verified Resident

One Silk Street, M4

Jul 2026

This is rated 2.00 out of 5.00.

A lovely development let down by management and the reopening of the pub next door

Maddie (Tenant)

Verified Resident

One Silk Street, M4

Jul 2026

Whilst the flat looks amazing and the rooms are spacious compared to other developments, the quality are appliances is really poor (oven, dishwasher). We’ve been locked out of the apartment because the digital key stopped working, despite us flagging before that the system seems temperamental. The management haven’t resolved issues that have persisted for months (even for the prior tenant) such as sewage smells in the apartment. We continue to receive ChatGPT responses that are lacking in next steps or accountability. The new pub next door has eliminated the peacefulness of the street outside and created a lot of noise. If it’s not shouting from drunk people in the evening, it’s the 7am delivery of kegs banging about. We love our home here but these things are worth noting when looking at this development.

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

My favourite neighbourhood in Manchester, I love Ancoats for the number of independent spots right on your doorstep. It’s clean and feels safe. Easy access to town and the train stations. Not so convenient for the tram.

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

Some things have been fixed very efficiently, other things have remained under investigation with very few updates or evidence of the issue being taken seriously

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

The licence details of the pub next door - we didn’t quite expect it to be open so late in a residential area

・・

HomeViews

Aidan C (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Jul 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Apartments and Staff are Great!!

Aidan C (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Jul 2026

I’ve genuinely had a really positive experience living at Swan Street Apartments in Manchester. From the moment I moved in, the building has felt safe, modern, and well looked after. The apartments are finished to a high standard, and the location is fantastic—you’re close enough to the Northern Quarter to enjoy everything it has to offer, while still having a place that feels comfortable to come home to after a busy day. One of the biggest positives has been the management team. Any queries or maintenance requests have always been dealt with efficiently, and communication has been clear throughout my time here. It’s refreshing to live somewhere where you feel like the staff genuinely care about the residents and take pride in keeping the building running smoothly. I particularly want to mention Holly, who has been absolutely brilliant. She has always been approachable, friendly, and professional, and nothing ever seems to be too much trouble. Whether it’s answering questions, helping resolve an issue, or simply taking the time to check in, Holly consistently goes above and beyond. Having someone like her as part of the management team really makes a difference and adds a personal touch that you don’t often find in apartment buildings. The communal areas are kept clean and tidy, and the overall atmosphere in the building is welcoming. Security is good, which gives real peace of mind, and it’s clear that the team works hard to maintain high standards for everyone living here. Overall, I’d happily recommend Swan Street Apartments to anyone looking for somewhere to live in Manchester. It’s a great combination of an excellent location, quality apartments, and a management team that genuinely cares about its residents. Holly deserves special recognition for her outstanding customer service and for making the experience of living here even better. Thank you to the whole team for making it such a positive place to call home.

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

There is nothing bad about living here it’s reasonable priced and the staff are great no problem is too small!!

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

If any issues are raised it’s resolved swiftly no job is too much

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

Just how nice everyone would be and how quick problems would be sorted

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 902

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

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