A guide to living in North West England

North West England is one England’s nine official regions. It is made up of Lancashire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside. This corner of the UK is its third most-populated region, with Manchester and Liverpool its two principal cities. 550,000 people live in Manchester and 500,000 in Liverpool, according to estimates for 2019. Boasting stunning scenery in the Lake District and Peak District, the region also offers lively urban areas with a rich industrial, sporting and cultural heritage and a strong economic outlook.

Excellent

76.0%

Very Good

17.1%

Average

5.1%

Disappointing

0.9%

Very poor

0.9%

Best places to live in North West England

How is ranking calculated?

Viewing 1-5 out of 340

Rental Only

Award Winner 2025

The Castings, M1

By Native Communities

Award winner 2025

4.97

(159 reviews)

£1,180-£2,165 pcm

Studios, 1, 2, 3 beds

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 246 in North West England

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Award Winner 2025

Eda, M50

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.96

(142 reviews)

£1,235-£1,980 pcm

1, 2, 3 beds

Welcome to Erie Dock Apartments, or Eda for short. Where life's less complicated, from parcel signing to private dining, workplace to WiFi, it’s all sorted for you. All Eda's furnished apartments include king size beds with ottoman storage, corner sofas and TV units to name a few. With floor to ceiling windows looking out over the Quays and Manchester skyline, Eda’s apartments are bright and spacious with open plan living areas. Each apartment has a modern fully fitted kitchen with utility storage, spacious bedrooms with bespoke designed fitted wardrobes and bathrooms all finished to the high standard of Eda. It doesn’t stop there - you can even bring your pet at no extra cost! Eda sits at the top of Erie Dock in the heart of Salford Quays. With paddle boarders, kayakers and an occasional brave swimmer, this is where the city meets the open water. As you follow the dock, you’ll find The Lowry Theatre, Imperial War Museum and Media City UK. And with shops, restaurants, cafes and bars within easy walking distance (and a tram stop right outside the door), you’ll be well connected to Salford, Manchester and beyond. You can get from sofa to city in just 15 minutes.

2nd

Ranked 2nd out of 246 in North West England

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Development image of The James Liverpool, L2

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The James Liverpool, L2

By The James

Award winner 2025

4.95

(123 reviews)

£845-£975 pcm

1 beds

The James Liverpool is a vibrant community located in the heart of the city on James Street. The new development serves as a place for big thinkers and game changers to live, work, and socialise, while they pursue their big and bold goals. The James offers everything necessary for modern living under one roof, including spaces for focus, a quiet five minutes, or conversation with others. All of the fully furnished studios are private and have access to shared communal spaces situated on the first floor, and all on-site amenities. Residents also benefit from a gym, laundry facilities, high speed Internet, an outdoor terrace, and an active social calendar. Live. Work. Play. Your Way.

3rd

Ranked 3rd out of 246 in North West England

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Award Winner 2024

The Keel, L3

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2024

4.93

(231 reviews)

£720-£1,649 pcm

Studios, 2, 3 beds

The Keel, a build-to-rent development managed by Allsop, sits in Queen's Dock, Liverpool. Comprising of 240 apartments overlooking the River Mersey, residents benefit from onsite concierge and a private residents' gym. As well as this, the development is pet friendly and has access to a wide variety of transport links.

4th

Ranked 4th out of 246 in North West England

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Award Winner 2025

Milliners Yard, L3

By Allsop Letting and Management

Award winner 2025

4.93

(57 reviews)

Welcome to a new chapter in the timeless tale of Liverpool’s Fabric District. A narrative now adorned with contemporary urban living. Milliners Yard features a total of 258 thoughtfully designed apartments to rent, with a mixture of sizes, ranging from studios, one beds and two beds. Residents also benefit from 250MBPS WiFi. In addition, the neighbourhood is pet friendly. Residents will also benefit from an onsite residents’ only gym, private roof terrace, lounge and coworking space. Residents will also have access to a Millers Yard app were they can pay their rent, book community events and message the team.

5th

Ranked 5th out of 246 in North West England

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Page 1 of 68

Featured developments in North West England

Latest Reviews in North West England

10584 total reviews

Write a review

Viewing 1-5 out of 10563

Ma & Hu (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Oxbow, M5

Jan 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

The home that make the difference!

Ma & Hu (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Oxbow, M5

Jan 2026

We moved in three years ago and since day one we felt at home: the great facilities and design are superb but what it really exceed is the Team that works here! They are always available and have an extra miles positive attitude to the attention to the people and their requests: from Ben to Emma that they are great, to our facilities and security Team that always are so helpful to the "front" with super Lukas and Nina that, recently joined the Team!

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

The Area is absolutely great and well connected with the public transport and a walking distant to the city centre.

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

Yes, the responses are super quick and efficient. Can t be faster.

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

We always wished to know this building before as it's. Great

・・

HomeViews

Mueez baig (Tenant)

Unverified

Deansgate Gardens, BL1

Jan 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Best place to live in bolton

Mueez baig (Tenant)

Unverified

Deansgate Gardens, BL1

Jan 2026

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

Everything is good in terms of living in this property. Management is good and swift. Bad thing i wont say there is any thing problematic.

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

They have responded very well in timely manner……..

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

I wish i know about this place earlier before moving.

・・

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

HomeViews

Ada (Tenant)

Unverified

Botanica, M15

Jan 2026

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Good Building Management

Ada (Tenant)

Unverified

Botanica, M15

Jan 2026

I can’t say enough great things about the management team here, especially Mo and Jose. They are truly outstanding. From day one, they’ve been professional, responsive, and genuinely caring. Any maintenance request I’ve submitted has been handled quickly and thoroughly, and communication is always clear and respectful. Mo and Jose go above and beyond to make this building feel like a real home, not just an apartment. They’re friendly, approachable, and always willing to help whether it’s answering questions, resolving concerns, or just checking in to make sure everything is going well. You can really tell they take pride in the building and care about the residents who live here. Thanks to their hard work, the building is well maintained, clean, and stress-free to live in. It’s rare to find managers as reliable, kind, and attentive as Mo and Jose, and they make a huge difference in the overall living experience. I would highly recommend this building to anyone looking for a place that’s well run and managed by people who truly care.

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

The building has a lot going for it, especially its location near the Cornbrook tram stop, which makes getting around the city quick and easy. Being close to the city centre is a big advantage for both work and social life. One of the standout features is the co-working space, which is well designed and very practical for anyone who works remotely or in a hybrid role. The free coffee is a nice extra that adds to the overall experience. Services like post sorting make day-to-day life more convenient, and having an on-site gym means you don’t need a separate membership. The building is also well maintained, which creates a comfortable and well-managed living environment.

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

The building management has generally been responsive whenever I’ve raised a problem or issue. When something needed attention, whether it was a maintenance request, a question about services, or a facilities concern, they addressed it promptly and professionally. They were quick to communicate updates, kept me informed about timelines, and followed through until the matter was resolved. Their approach feels organized and customer focused, which gives confidence that issues won’t be ignored or left unresolved. If there was ever a delay, they explained the reason and provided clear expectations for when it would be sorted, which made the process much smoother overall.

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

One thing I wish I had known before moving in is how popular the shared facilities are. The co-working space and gym are great, but they can get quite busy at peak times, especially during weekday mornings and evenings, so planning around quieter hours helps a lot.

・・

HomeViews

Syeda (Tenant)

Unverified

Deansgate Gardens, BL1

Jan 2026

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

This is rated 5.00 out of 5.00.

Comfortable Living in a Well-Connected Area

Syeda (Tenant)

Unverified

Deansgate Gardens, BL1

Jan 2026

Having moved here from another country, I honestly didn't expect to find a place this good. The apartment is beautifully designed with a modern aesthetic. Entering the building gives a pleasant first impression due to its modern and welcoming design. The lift service is reliable and easy to use. Corridors are kept clean and well maintained, with regular cleaning. The building and its management are also very well-maintained.Overall, the development feels safe, comfortable, and is a pleasant place to live.

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

The building is in an area where everything is nearby, with convenience stores,restaurants,bus services, and the train station all within easy reach. Open spaces are a plus, with nearby parks offering pleasant areas for recreation. Transport links are generally convenient. Overall, the street is relatively quiet, and I haven't noticed significant problems with anti-social behaviour.

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

I have not had to raise any issues or complaints so far, as everything has been well managed and running smoothly.

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

So far, there hasn’t been anything unexpected. The building and area have matched what was shown during the viewing, and everything has been as expected.

・・

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

HomeViews

Bisoye O (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Deansgate Gardens, BL1

Jan 2026

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

This is rated 4.00 out of 5.00.

Well designed and well managed property

Bisoye O (Tenant)

Verified Resident

Deansgate Gardens, BL1

Jan 2026

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

If you’re looking for a place close to transportation and shopping malls, this is a great option. It’s near the train station, with restaurants and shopping centers close by. Living on this street is quite pleasant, as it’s mostly quiet during the day and there is generally little traffic in the area.

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

Building management has been responsive and professional. Any issues raised were addressed promptly, and communication was clear throughout the process.

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

I wish I had known how convenient the location is, especially being close to transportation, shops, and restaurants.

・・

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

HomeViews

Page 1 of 2113

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

Useful articles

Cheshire

Cheshire is a county in the North West of England. It has a population of over half a million people and is known for its beautiful countryside, including the Peak District National Park. Home to many universities, Cheshire's educational system rivals that of any other county in the UK. In this guide, we'll cover all you need to know about buying property in Cheshire, from location to schools and everything in between!

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Cumbria

Cumbria is a county in the north of England, and one of the most beautiful places to live. There are many factors that go into choosing where to live, but Cumbria has something for everyone! From the beautiful scenery to the great schools, there's no wonder why it has become such a popular place. Read on for more information about this wonderful region.

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Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester has a stellar reputation and is widely regarded as 'the capital of the North'. The city's turbocharged economy, rich industrial heritage, sporting fame and reputation as a nightlife hotspot ensures Manchester regularly appears on lists of the best places to live in the UK. Combined with relatively low property prices, excellent transport connections and three universities, making the city a magnet for young people, and it's easy to see the appeal of Greater Manchester. Read on to find out more about the best new build developments the city has to offer.

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Lancashire

Lancashire is a county in the northwest of England, with a population of just over one million. It has been an economically important area since ancient times and was home to many major industries including cotton mills. In more recent years, Lancashire has developed into a tourist destination thanks to its natural beauty and culture. If you're looking for a place to live in the UK, then Lancashire might be just what you need. This guide will take a look at the county and outline some of its best features

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Liverpool

As a major trading port travellers have been coming to Liverpool for centuries. Located in North West England, Liverpool is the sixth largest city in the UK. It sits within the county of Merseyside. Moreover, its status as a port city has contributed to its diverse population. Famous for The Beatles, world-class football as home to both Liverpool and Everton, it was named as European Capital of Culture in 2008. Read on to hear about some of the best places to live in Liverpool. Additionally, find out where to buy or rent in the area.

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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.

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Merseyside

Merseyside is an area in the northwest of England, bordered by Cheshire to the south and Wales to the west. Stretching across both banks of the Mersey River and centred around the bustling metropolis of Liverpool, Merseyside offers a huge range of living locations, from city-centre to semi-rural. Despite being a heavily populated and urbanised area, Merseyside does have some greenbelt areas spread throughout the county, especially in the Wirral and around Southport that offer country living right next door to the fifth-largest metropolitan area in the UK.

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Salford

If you're looking for a place to live that has plenty of opportunity for both work and play, look no further than Salford. This metropolitan borough in the North West of England is home to over 240,000 people and boasts world-class universities, top schools, and lively nightlife. Whether you're just starting out on your own or have a growing family, there's something for everyone in Salford. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at what makes Salford such an amazing place to live.

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