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

83.2%

Very Good

12.9%

Average

2.9%

Disappointing

0.6%

Very poor

0.5%

Best places to live in Manchester

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 82

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Castings, M1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.97

(195 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

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Award Winner 2025

The Trilogy, M15

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.9

4.90

(390 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

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Award Winner 2025

Poplin, M4

By Native Communities

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.

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 68 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 68 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 68 in Manchester

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Page 1 of 17

Featured developments in Manchester

Latest Reviews in Manchester

4409 total reviews

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Viewing 1-5 out of 4409

Ryan H (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

May 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

- The resident services team at The Trilogy are the most friendly, helpful, and accommodating people I have ever encountered in any place I've lived :)

Ryan H (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

May 2026

- The resident services team at The Trilogy are the most friendly, helpful, and accommodating people I have ever encountered in any place I've lived :) - Apartments are spacious and bright with gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows, large kitchens and more storage space than you could ever need for apartment living (full bed ottoman, two storage cupboards, etc). - Love the communal space with coffee machine, co-working areas and couches. - Very pet friendly - we all love the pet picture wall and the moment I get a pet they'll be going up there... - Gym with all the essentials - albeit on the smaller side; I wish there were a few more free weights. If I recall, there are plans to expand this in the future - Very little (if any) noise from other apartments, very well sound isolated, no traffic noise from the street - Resident services team run engaging events often like wine & cheese nights, board game nights, general seasonal socials, yoga in free apartments, smoothie mornings, etc... always a chance to meet new people and have a good time. - Very queer-friendly!

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

- Extremely convenient transport links - notably, The Trilogy is right next to the Cornbrook tram stop which has links to every tramline in Manchester. I'm able to wake up only an hour before my shift starts in City Centre - and it could be even later if I didn't faff about in the morning(!) - Co-op, Tesco Express and Morrisons a short walk away with everything you need - for bigger shops, Sainsburys Salford is only a 15-min walk - Excellent breakfast down the road in The Banyan Tree - open til late for drinks w/ occasional comedy & open mic night! - Cute antiques store next door - Parking on the street for visitors up to 3 hours or public parking down the road for a fiver

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

- Promptly! I've had very few issues with the apartment other than basic wear & tear and mechanical issues, but all have been resolved in good time. - Fast and useful correspondence through the Renters Right Act contract transition.

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

- How amazing the staff would be! - How amazing the staff would be!

・・

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

HomeViews

Alex Waplington (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

May 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

My experience living at The Trilogy is amazing

Alex Waplington (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

May 2026

Great development, great amenities, gym, coffee, development events, good people to socialise with also and friendly concierge. Really good transport links like Cornbrook tram stop which goes straight into town for those who work in town. For me, I work out of the city and therefore it is really great into the major Manchester station. Mail gets collected for you and you can go downstairs and get it any any point. With this there are lockers so your mail can be collected and feel safe. Maintenance is great and get on things that need to be done.

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

20 minute walk to town, canal routes for runs. Really nice coffee places and pubs nearby. little bit loud at times when the tram or trains go past and then when the bin lorries but that is literally it and it is for moments and you get used to it very quickly.

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

They respond very quickly and attentively, we have had problems and they have been sorted very quickly.

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

To make sure to know that there is a coffee machine so you can always save a whole heap of money

・・

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

HomeViews

Carson N (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

May 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

I like the apartment layout

Carson N (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

May 2026

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

I like that I’m close to the tram stop as it’s easy to get to work, lots of shops and takeaways to choose from, I like walking to the canal.

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

When my lock broke it got changed quick, issues with getting my parcels have also been seen to quickly.

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

I wish I knew there was no opening windows in my bedroom

・・

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

HomeViews

Ewan Malcolm (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

May 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Great location and team

Ewan Malcolm (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Swan Street House, M4

May 2026

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

Right next to a lot of bars and shops in Northern Quarter. Close to trams at shudehill and victoria train station

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

Holly and the team have been very helpful whenever we’ve had any issues

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

I was quite well read about the area but wish I knew more about the parking area.

・・

HomeViews

Kamlesh S (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

May 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

A good place to bring up a family!

Kamlesh S (Tenant)

Verified Resident

The Trilogy, M15

May 2026

We have lived here for three years now, and love the floor ceiling windows, which give ample of light during the day. We like to the fact that we are very secure, and there is always 24 hour concierge and a very safe parcel room. Property is always cleaned and maintained regularly. I like the gym and courtyard facilities too. The flat is a very well insulated, so it kind of gets really hot during the peak summer days.

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

We love that the property is just at the border of city Centre and we can walk to city centre in about 10 minutes. Also closer for canal walk and multiple parks. We have co op, Tesco and Morrisons like 2 minutes of walk.

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

Building management is always available to fix the problems and acknowledge after facing an issue. Ruby from the desk team has always been helpful be it communications or any other help.

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

I highly recommend viewing the property, as it makes it easier to decide, considering the proximity to the public transportation to shops and eateries.

・・

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

HomeViews

Page 1 of 882

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

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