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

83.8%

Very Good

12.4%

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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Podium, M16

By Allsop Letting and Management

4.93

(13 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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The Trilogy, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.91

(424 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 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.

5th

Ranked 5th out of 70 in Manchester

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Page 1 of 19

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4725 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4725

Millie B (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.

Luxurious accommodation with lots of well kept facilities. Friendly and helpful staff.

Millie B (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Oct 2026

The first day of living here felt like I finally made it, and the feeling never wore off. The vibe of the entrance really wows any guest we bring with a beautiful reception area ran by friendly staff. All the many shared spaces are beautifully presented and never are left dirty or not looked after. The management of the building is 10/10 with an easy to use app featuring all things such as booking out a shared space for private hire, to reporting a issue in your flat for 24h maintenance as well as it makes paying rent super easy. All the front desk staff are super friendly and helpful, shouting out the lovely Holly for always making such an effort and going beyond. Another shoutout to the amazing security team. They all work hard and always have a smile on their face when greeting you no matter what time of night. They keep me feeling safe knowing they’re looking out for the property all night long. My favourite place I have ever lived !

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

the convenience of all the local shops is amazing. A 5 minute walk to the arndale centre which has an aldi in means the weekly food shop isn’t a hassle. There is a back entrance to the building which is perfect for taxis and drops offs. As well as a side entrance if you want to avoid walking all the way around the buildings perimeter. having an on site indoor bin depot is super helpful, it means we don’t have to load up our bins and can dispose of all waste daily without the smell taking up the flat.

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

Having had no issues yet, I’m happy to say everything has been going smoothly. When we’ve had queries about the gym or our fob temporary stops working, the front desk staff immediately solve any issues.

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

The on street parking is free after 8pm surrounding the building.

・・

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

HomeViews

Alex 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.

Best flats in Manchester

Alex S (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Oct 2026

Modern and new block. Nice foyer area and excellent shared spaces including dining areas that can be hired out, and a cinema room. We often use these spaces to work from home or to host friends. Included in the rent is access to a fully kitted out gym of technogym products - the facilities are well kept, bright and clean; and it's definitely easier to stick to than a normal gym membership. Currently down to one treadmill but hopefully back to three soon.n All the front of house staff are great especially Holly who showed us round when we first came to view the building; also a big shout out to the night team who are always very friendly and welcoming when I've been coming and going at all hours on night shifts.

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

Very convenient local shops with multiple supermarkets in close walking distance including Aldi. Arndale centre and market street are also very close Good public transport links with victoria train station, and shudehill on the doorstep. It's in a great part of town on the border of the northern quarter and ancoats with loads of bars, restaurants and things to do. Paid private parking in the building, multiple nearby private car parks for visitors. With the windows open on the lower levels there can be a bit of traffic noise - but this is unavoidable living in the city.

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

No problems raised so far during our tenancy to report.

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

For moving in, there are trolleys available in the foyer to help with boxes - a life saver. Space to park a van up right outside the back of the building. Be warned the parking around the flat can get busy fast if keeping a moving can overnight.

・・

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

HomeViews

Jonathan (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.

Wonderful building & staff

Jonathan (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Oct 2026

The design of the building is lovely, always spotless inside and very modern. Flats are cosy and well-furnished with a lot of options for personalisation as well. Management of the building is the best, staff are all so helpful and maintenance requests on the app are always dealt with really quickly. Utilities easy to set up and inexpensive and loads of functioning lifts so never have to wait long.

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

Really lovely building with amazing staff! Have only been here a few months but even in that short time have felt really welcome! Ruby was amazing in showing us around initially and helping with setting up things to get settled into the building.

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

Very quick to respond. Had an issue with my utility billing and staff helped me sort out water meter issues within a few hours of asking.

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

How vibrant the area is! Really active and lots to do nearby + only a very short walk to the city centre

・・

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

HomeViews

Ell D (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.

Swan street place to be

Ell D (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Oct 2026

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

Good area of Manchester, which is nice and quiet with it being near a good bus station u can get anywhere

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

The building responds swiftly to any issues or complains

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

I wish I knew about the doors into my building always being left open

・・

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

HomeViews

Nellie D (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.

Swan street and Josh is amazing

Nellie D (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 in this area as it’s a great location for food,bars and great transport there is plenty of of local activities to do, ancoats is a lovely area

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

Any issues I have ever raised they have been sorted right away

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

I wish I knew how hot it gets in the summer months in a high floor apartment

・・

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

HomeViews

Page 1 of 945

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

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