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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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

4531 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4531

Tom M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Vox, M15

Jul 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Modern, friendly and exciting place to live

Tom M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Vox, M15

Jul 2026

I've really enjoyed living at VOX. One of the standout features is the sense of community, helped by the monthly resident events which are a great way to meet neighbours and make the building feel more welcoming. The facilities are also excellent, particularly the gym, which is well equipped and convenient to have on site, and the roof terrace, which offers great views and is a nice space to relax or socialise. Big shout out to the staff that make the place what is it! The building itself is modern, well designed and generally well maintained. The management team are friendly and responsive, and communal areas are kept clean and tidy. The location is another major benefit, with Cornbrook tram stop just a short walk away, making it easy to travel across Manchester. While there can occasionally be some noise from the surrounding area and nearby developments, overall VOX offers a high-quality living experience with great facilities, a strong community feel and professional management.

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

The tram stop makes it really easy to get into Manchester city centre, MediaCity or Trafford, and everything feels close by. I also like that you're near the city but still have access to nice walks and running routes down the canal. The downsides are probably the traffic and the amount of ongoing construction and closest shop only being a Co-op. Overall though, I enjoy living here because it's convenient, diverse and a stones throw from Manchester city centre

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

The building management team have generally been very responsive whenever I've raised an issue. Queries are acknowledged quickly, communication is clear, and any maintenance concerns are dealt with efficiently. The team are approachable and helpful, and they keep residents informed about building updates, events and any planned works. Overall, I've found them professional and proactive, which has made living at VOX a positive experience.

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

I wish I’d known how much of a community feel there is at VOX. The resident events make it easy to meet people, and the facilities like the gym and roof terrace are things I probably underestimated before moving in. Looking back, they've added a lot to the overall living experience.

・・

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

HomeViews

Darshan K (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jul 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

A lovely place to stay!

Darshan K (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jul 2026

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

All positive aspects in general. No issues here at all. Been here for 2 years, enjoyed it in comfort. Location is accessible, and quiet.

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

Had an issue with the chairs, they replaced them immediately. Responsive to any internal maintenance issues and helpful.

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

Good place, has all the facilities and well maintained.

・・

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

HomeViews

Ruby (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Botanica, M15

Jul 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Great place to live

Ruby (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Botanica, M15

Jul 2026

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

Good transport links and local shops - 10 min walk into town easy accessible and a lot of social life

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

Quickly - shower has clogged a few times and has been fixed in 24 hours

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

Wish there was better parking facilities for guests

・・

HomeViews

Ophelia Owusu (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jul 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Lovely and would recommend

Ophelia Owusu (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jul 2026

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

I have been here for a year and I have not had any bad experience, staffs are lovely especially Edmund. Security is top notch. He is always willing to support in any ways such as helping to find parcels.

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

Been good and lovely. They are always there but there’s been some problems with the lift which has taken so long to fix

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

The bills not been included wnd more about rent and bills

・・

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

HomeViews

Luke J (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Kampus, M1

Jul 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Best place to live in MCR

Luke J (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Kampus, M1

Jul 2026

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

The building is located right in center of the city. Piccadilly is 5 mins walk away, ideal as I travel often. I overlook the gardens, it's peaceful and you never hear and noise.

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

Quickly and attentively. Its a bit development so im surprised how efficient they are.

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

The delivery room isn't in my block which is a bit of a pain to walk over to but at least it's in a safe place i suppose.

・・

HomeViews

Page 1 of 907

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

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