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

83.3%

Very Good

12.8%

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 68 in Manchester

View development

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Trilogy, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.9

4.90

(397 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 68 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 68 in Manchester

View development

Rental Only

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 68 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 68 in Manchester

View development

Page 1 of 18

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4463 total reviews

Write a review

Viewing 1-5 out of 4463

Primrose M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Jun 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

I love living here!

Primrose M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Jun 2026

I’ve love living the past year here so far! It’s such a lovely flat that I live in (3 beds) . The building has got great working spaces, communal area. The best is very big newly-finished smart-gym. The management is great! Everybody is very friendly and helpful-should out to Molly who’s been super patient with my renting process, which took longer than it should have due to my visa. She’s lovely and is always welcoming at reception downstairs!

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

Great environment! Very near to shopping center and local coffee shops. Best of all, it is right by a coach/tram station.

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

I haven’t had much problems here. But in terms of management, everyone has been very prompt with any issues in the building. Emails are being sent out at all time, making it easy for the residents to keep up to date with anything going on.

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

I honestly love it here. I love how convenient it is around here.

・・

HomeViews

Charlie M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jun 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Slateyard is an excellent option for a wide range of tenants

Charlie M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jun 2026

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

The location of Slateyard is great with a Sainsbury’s across the street and within walking distance of key areas such as the city centre or deansgate.

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

Yes. There has been two times building management have quickly helped our apartment with maintenance requests.

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

Just how great the free amenities are within the building complexes

・・

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

HomeViews

Asad (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jun 2026

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

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Excellent on site team!

Asad (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jun 2026

The on site gym is convenient but could use extra equipment such as heavier dumbbells and refreshing mats and accessories as many need replacing. The on site team is absolutely fantastic, thank you Summer for going above and beyond a few weeks ago when my front door lock stopped working. I appreciate how easy you made it to try a different key and when that didn’t work, how much effort you put in to get multiple locksmiths out and keep me updated, especially as it was a Sunday! You even ensured a smooth handover with the evening shift without any effort needed from me and I was able to sleep soundly knowing my door worked as it was resolved shortly after! I’m so glad we have someone with your dedication and initiative as part of our residents team!

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

Next to Spinningfields and an easy walk into the city centre makes it convenient. Parking is basically non existent due to minimal on site parking, no drop off availability and the NCP being incredibly expensive.

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

Yes, I recently had an issue with my front door lock and it was resolved within the day.

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

Parking was advertised as being available but I’ve been on the wait list since I moved in (3 years ago), and the NCP has only gotten more and more expensive. The fact that there’s nowhere to park for a few hours whilst you move things or have someone visiting is a real limitation.

・・

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

HomeViews

Lauren M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jun 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Design of the apartment is good

Lauren M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jun 2026

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

Very central location with a shop close by and only a very short walk into the city centre. Trains can be heard but don’t disturb.

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

Always been responded to but sometimes with some delay/chasing

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

To be very clear about the referral scheme as we have had difficulties

・・

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

HomeViews

Vaibhav Prakash (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jun 2026

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

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Great great place

Vaibhav Prakash (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Slate Yard, M3

Jun 2026

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

Great place to live, most amenities at a affordable price. I have only good things to speak about the development. The one negative aspect is sometimes the lifts undergo a lot of maintenance, and since I live in the 12 floor, it’s sometimes a hassle to move, but otherwise everything is top notch.

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

Quite good mostly available within a day time, quite warm as well

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

The utility rates are quite high, the place can provide some good recommendations

・・

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

HomeViews

Page 1 of 893

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