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

(427 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

(264 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

4785 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4785

Ahmad Baudin (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Vox, M15

Nov 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

The people at the front desk make us always feel welcome and at home

Ahmad Baudin (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Vox, M15

Nov 2026

The people at the front desk make us always feel welcome and at home, a massive shout out to Warren for always smiling and being very helpful with any queries or issues when ever he is on shift. My only negative comment would be that a massive selling point was the lowly coffee machine at reception which unfortunately was removed and replaced with a machine that does not even compare. Many people have complained however, no change or update has been made.

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

Living around here is ideal due to the location, you are near deansgate also you have the tram stations behind you incase any events are going on and you cannot drive in the area. Lastly when feeling peckish at night co op is just below you.

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

We were advised of the app RentCafe where you can raise any issues in order to get them resolved

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

I wish I had known they were going remove the nice coffee machine in the reception area as this was a massive selling point for me.

・・

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

HomeViews

Mitch M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Apple Building, M40

Nov 2026

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

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Great location and value

Mitch M (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Apple Building, M40

Nov 2026

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

The local area is great, there’s a bus stop right outside but it’s also super walkable to the city centre and it’s nearby a local park which is rare for Manchester. It’s next to some great local restaurants too that are always busy.

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

Quite responsive, we raised an issue with our freezer & a broken door and they were fixed within the same week which was great.

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

The lift can be quite slow You can decorate freely

・・

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

HomeViews

Hana H (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Apple Building, M40

Nov 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Great place to live

Hana H (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Apple Building, M40

Nov 2026

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

The buildings in a good location about 15 min walk into town, secure parking, I don't really hear any noise from Neighbours and the communal areas are cleaned every other day, it's a nice building to live in.

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

I had raised a few issues with the apartment when I moved in through the maintenance app which were dealt with within the week which was great.

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

If you have a car you'll have to pay for parking at the building

・・

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

HomeViews

John S (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Apple Building, M40

Nov 2026

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

This is rated 3.00 out of 5.00.

Nice value place but let down by management

John S (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Apple Building, M40

Nov 2026

The building itself is fine, nice design and layout! Management have taken a turn to become better as of late but false promises and not following through on what they say lets them down. Their customer service is not great and often receive no response to your queries. Said upon viewing they were refurbing the elevator and creating a club house. They wallpapered the lift which was easily removed and now looks worse. the clubhouse idea disappeared and is used for what i think is an office space for the workers. I wouldn’t actually know because whenever I email i get no response. Even after emailing to say it’s abysmal that you’ve replied to my other email regarding money but not this one. They’re fine and serviceable and the place is great value for money, but facilities and management is poor

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

The area isn’t bad at all, pretty close to some good restaurants and a short walk to shops. Parking availability is fine due to having a set car park but it’s absolutely abysmal that they’ve added a parking fee when it was advertised as a free parking space when we originally applied to live here.

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

Half. Some they respond to but others you never get a response

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

That they don’t follow through with plans they say they have. Take the facilities and design at face value and don’t expect more.

・・

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

HomeViews

Emily (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Apple Building, M40

Nov 2026

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

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Our flat is really nice and modern

Emily (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Apple Building, M40

Nov 2026

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

Great city centre location. Only a ten minute walk from Manchester City centre and parking is available on the street with a permit.

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

Generally quickly. When we first moved in it was over Christmas and it took them a while to fix a window that wouldn’t shut but since then everything has been okay.

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

Transparency about parking would have been better. It was free when we moved in but the price has increased twice now.

・・

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

HomeViews

Page 1 of 957

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

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