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 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

(398 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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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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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

4488 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4488

Shiksha (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jun 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

The design is quite elegant

Shiksha (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jun 2026

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

It’s quit convenient, it’s close to public transport, close to the shops and relatively safe. Have had a few bad incidents with males being over friendly, the restaurant outside has a very loud high pitched whistling sound every night which gives me a migraine but otherwise quite good.

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

We had a building wide electricity cut and they got the issue fixed quite quickly. The compensation was a little short for the inconvenience caused but they managed to cover a good portion.

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

We wish we knew all these facilities existed we would’ve gotten a three year contract from the get go instead of a two year one!

・・

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

HomeViews

Chan (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jun 2026

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

A great place to live

Chan (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jun 2026

The building design is fantastic the apartments are very spacious and are finished well. They let in so much light especially a corner apartment. The entrance lobby is beautiful there is a 24hr concierge team who are helpful and take care of all your parcels. Beth in the West tower is incredibly friendly and very helpful. She will try to sort out any issues you may have or questions you need answering. Nothing is ever too much trouble for her. Helena is lovely too. The facilities are amazing there is a well equipped gym over two floors. Yoga room, spa facilities including swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi. Lots of space for working and dining rooms to hire out.

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

Recently moved into Deansgate Towers and I find it a lovely place to live. The development is well cared for and the buildings are clean and tidy. It’s super close for transport links and the city centre. There are restaurants and shops on site. The florist is amazing and super helpful. The building is quiet and has a great vibe I’ve not noticed any anti social behaviour or excessive noise.

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

I raised my issue using the section on the portal for maintenance requests. This was super easy and quick. The response was quick too and they resolved one issue just waiting for a follow up.

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

Nothing really I’m happy with everything. It’s just what I expected .

・・

HomeViews

Serena (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jun 2026

This is rated 3.00 out of 5.00.

The friendliness of the team makes a difference!

Serena (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Residences Manchester, M15

Jun 2026

In nearly three years living here, my experience has been mostly positive, and on the occasions where an issue has arisen with a member of the FOH team, it’s always been resolved quickly. The team at West/North Tower have been responsive throughout, quick to reply to emails and genuinely happy to speak in person whenever needed. Tom and Ed were particularly supportive during my recent move from a shared tenancy into my sole tenancy , which came with its own challenges, and they handled it with real care which I appreciated throughout. On the FOH side, Ann Marie deserves a special mention. She’s warm, friendly, and always makes you feel like your question actually matters, I never feel rushed or as though I’ve been turned away because she’s too busy. She is a ray of sunshine that I always look forward to seeing! Oliver has also been helping me recently with a lot of the amendments needed in my apartment and he’s been amazing the entire time, very friendly and understanding.

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

It’s the perfect location because it’s walking distance from town, just one straight road down Deansgate. There’s lots of amazing cafes, food, shops in general very close to our building. We also have amazing food such as Kitten in our building which is appreciated!

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

I had quite a lot of things that needed fixing in my new apartment and the management team have been very responsive, I’m very happy with that.

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

It does get really really hot in here during the summer! Sometimes unbearable. But that’s not the managements fault.

・・

HomeViews

Joe (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Jun 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Good place to live

Joe (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

Jun 2026

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

Very good location, northern quarter near by, absolutely recommend, ancoats is best part of Manchester

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

No issues, staff are great. Shout-out to Holly and Josh

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

Nothing really, all information is pretty clear upfront.

・・

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

HomeViews

Giorgio G (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Kampus, M1

Jun 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

A wonderful experience at Kampus

Giorgio G (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Kampus, M1

Jun 2026

Kampus is one of the most well-rounded amongst the many that have popped up around the city centre. It has plenty of green space which is well kept and green all year round. I’ve booked the dining room more times than I can count, which has helped me host Christmas parties, potlucks and surprise birthday parties, all of which (being new to the city) helped to reinforce a network of friends and settle in. Security 24/7 has also been reassuring for when I’ve come back late from nights out or travelling. Sainsbury’s just downstairs, which opened in the last year, so so so useful too.

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

Its proximity to Piccadilly station cannot be undervalued for travelling outside of Manchester or to the airport. Village street tends to be very lively and can be noisy in particular in Summer, although the sound insulation is incredibly strong that the moment I close the windows there is complete quiet. Piccadilly gardens can be sketchy particularly at night, but can easily be avoided.

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

They’ve always been quick to respond to any concerns raised. Lilly from reception is always really lovely and friendly, a pleasure to speak to whenever I head home from work.

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

(The big Aldi 10 minutes walk away is great, definitely recommend for the weekly shops!)

・・

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

HomeViews

Page 1 of 898

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

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