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

84.0%

Very Good

12.2%

Average

2.7%

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 Greystar

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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Podium, M16

By Allsop Letting and Management

4.93

(14 reviews)

Podium offers a selection of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments and townhouses in Stretford, Manchester, to suit every lifestyle. Designed for modern living, Podium combines comfort, convenience, and community. Residents can enjoy access to a calendar of monthly events and premium amenities including a fully equipped gym, co-working lounge, podium gardens, dedicated event space, and a 24/7 concierge service.

2nd

Ranked 2nd out of 70 in Manchester

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Award Winner 2025

The Trilogy, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.91

(426 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.

3rd

Ranked 3rd 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

(263 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.

4th

Ranked 4th out of 70 in Manchester

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Award Winner 2025

Poplin, M4

By Greystar

Award winner 2025

4.87

(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.

5th

Ranked 5th out of 70 in Manchester

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Page 1 of 19

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4771 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4771

Kay (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Nov 2026

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

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Lovely team, great spot, and great facilities.

Kay (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Nov 2026

Living here has been a really lovely experience overall. The team are the real highlight - shoutout Holly and Denzel. Both of them are an absolute pleasure to deal with and always go the extra mile for residents. You can tell they genuinely care, and it makes a big difference to how the building feels day to day. Everything else has been smooth from the start, and I'd happily recommend it to anyone looking to rent in this part of Manchester.

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

The location is brilliant. Everything you need is a short walk away, with plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants nearby and town right on the doorstep. The one downside is the street outside. It often smells of urine, which seems to be a mix of people walking their dogs and people heading home after a night out, so it's not the nicest welcome home.

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

Whenever I've raised anything it's been sorted quickly and with a smile. I honestly couldn't ask for a more helpful team.

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

The pavement outside can smell pretty pissy, especially after weekends ... but other than, lovely building.

・・

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

HomeViews

Jane (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Nov 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Great apartment

Jane (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Nov 2026

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

I love the location, close to everything. Difficult to park on street for deliveries but lots of car parks nearby. Can be loud with sirens but nothing bad.

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

Came quickly to fix when required.

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

There is noise from sirens quite a lot of the time, but this gets better with time

・・

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

HomeViews

Mace (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Oct 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Amazing team I love swan!

Mace (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Oct 2026

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

I love living at swan street been here almost one year and it always feels like a new home. The building is in the centre of Manchester near local shops like the arndale.

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

Yes anything I needed they helped me out straight away. And sorted the issue

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

I wish I knew the local offers swan street offers for local businesses

・・

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

HomeViews

Luke S (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Oct 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Great place

Luke S (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Oct 2026

Overall, the development is well designed and provides a comfortable place to live. The layout and appearance of the buildings are appealing, and the facilities are convenient for day-to-day living. The shared areas are important in maintaining a pleasant environment, and good upkeep makes a real difference to the overall experience. Building and property management are important aspects of the development, particularly when it comes to responding to maintenance requests, communicating with residents and keeping communal areas clean and well maintained. Overall, the development offers a good living environment, although there is always room for improvement through proactive management, timely maintenance and clear communication with residents.

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

The area has a good range of local shops, restaurants and bars, with most everyday essentials easily accessible. There are also some pleasant open spaces nearby for walking and spending time outdoors. Public transport links are generally convenient, although services can occasionally be delayed or busy during peak times. The street itself isn't relatively quiet, with traffic noise generally manageable. Parking can sometimes be limited, particularly during busier periods, but overall the area is a convenient and pleasant place to live.

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

Always adressed or at least noted. Took a whille to fix the treadmills though. Night secruity are always great

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

How to pay bills wasn't really discussed enough. More direction would be useful

・・

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

HomeViews

Anja bantick (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Oct 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

The most convenient place to live

Anja bantick (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Oct 2026

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

Swan st house is in the perfect location, as someone without a car it’s honestly perfect location, so close to transport of all kind, shops and grocerys are super conveniently place and there is so many choices for food and drink places, the street is busy but the apartment feels perfectly placed !

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

They are very quick to response and very efficient !

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

The process of paying bills and more information on the providers

・・

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

HomeViews

Page 1 of 955

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

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