Where are the best places to live in Manchester? Let’s ask the residents! Our reviews come from tenants and owners living in Greater Manchester. They’ve rated their developments on factors like location and facilities to reveal Manchester’s 20 best places to live in 2022. Whether you’re interested in stylish flats in the city centre or luxury apartments in Manchester’s suburbs, this list of the best new developments is essential reading.
20 best places to live in Manchester
The following list is based solely on the reviews of real residents living in Manchester. Their scores across five categories generate an overall ranking, which is then averaged out over all the reviews received for that development. This way, you get a transparent, clear and concise overview of the best places to live in Manchester.
*PLEASE NOTE these rankings take into account how recently reviews have been submitted, so may not match the overall star ratings shown. More recent reviews are given a greater weighting to reflect current building performance.
Smashing straight in at the top of the pile in Manchester is Eda. This development is certianly making waves in the city, and comes with almost perfect reviews so far from verified reviewers on HomeViews. A rental only development, the apartments all come fully-furnished, with free WiFi, private dining and stunning views of Manchester’s skyline.
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.
Vox takes second place in Manchester, enjoying near perfect ratings from its residents. It sits on Trentham Street, located just off the A56, making Vox well connected as it offers a short bus ride into the city centre. The Vox offers a collection of one, two and three-bed apartments and residents benefit from 50 under-building car parking spaces and storage for over 280 bikes, which are monitored by CCTV and stored behind fob-operated doors. Other facilities include a gym, running track, studio, roof terrace and residents’ lounge.
The Castings is a brand new development firing straight into the top three for Manchester. The development from Native Communities offers studio, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments in Manchester’s newest neighbourhood, Piccadilly East. Residents benefit from top-notch amenities ranging from three roof terraces, complete with wraparound views of Manchester, to a high-spec gym and studio space with 24/7 virtual classes. Additionally, there are two social lounges, a cinema room, bookable private dining room and a working hub with meeting rooms and private booths.
In fourth place, The Trilogy is located in the heart of Castlefield with access to a variety of transport links. Deansgate is only a three-minute journey on the tram, whilst Cornbrook Metrolink Station is a three-minute walk. In addition, MediaCityUK is just a 12-minute commute. The development comprises 232 pet-friendly one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Residents have access to a wide range of facilities, including a fully equipped gym as well as a landscaped communal garden. Likewise, the building provides a 24-hour on-site concierge service.
Chapel Wharf by Dandara Living sits in the heart of Manchester, and in fifth place in our latest rankings. Comprising of a range of studios to 3-bed apartments, residents benefit from a pet friendly policy, an onsite gym as well as car/bike parking. In addition, there is a courtyard garden, a free 3,789sqft gym equipped with the latest range of cardio and functional training equipment for Technogyg and a 3,641 sqft resident facility with homeworking facilities, two ‘house kitchens’, Club and Screening rooms, two lounges plus bookable entertaining and dining spaces. As well as this, the development is just moments away from Manchester’s famous shopping, entertainment and cultural scenes.
Taking sixth is a perennial Manchester favourite, Salford’s Duet. The development is adjacent to the bustling MediaCityUK on the waterfront in Salford Quays. There are wide range of local amenities, including 15 bars/restaurants, shopping outlets, leisure facilities, a cinema, a theatre, and a nursery. The development comprises 270 pet-friendly one, two and three-bedroom apartments to rent. In addition, the building also provides a 24-hour concierge service. Finally, it offers extensive communal spaces, including a fully equipped private gym.
Seventh is The Green Rooms, managed by AmroLiving and located near Media City in Manchester. It offers a range of one to three-bedroom apartments for rent. Additionally, the development benefits from being pet friendly, waterside views, a residents’ gym and bike storage. The Green Rooms is also just just a few minutes walk from a wide variety of transport links and amenities.
Eighth-placed Polin is another recent entry on our list. The development from Native 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 five 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.
Taking ninth is Angel Gardens, by Moda Living, which 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 offers no deposit and is pet-friendly. Likewise, residents benefit from 250MBPS WiFi, 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. Pay your rent, book community events or chat to your neighbours with the MyModa app. A free health check when you move in, wellbeing workshops and classes with hero, Moda’s health and wellbeing partner.
Another new entry to our rankings for Greater Manchester, Duo at Upperbanks is just a few short steps away from the Rochdale Riverside retail and leisure complex in the heart of Rochdale town centre. This BTR development is made up of 242 studio, one and two bed apartments, with Juliet or full balconies. It is close to the Metrolink network and Rochdale train station, which operates six trains an hour into Manchester.
Built on the site of a former cotton mill, Coral Mill is a rental-only development by Simple Life in Newhey. Also, its close to Rochdale’s many shops and leisure facilities, with the town centre perfect for socialising. In addition, Manchester is just 10 miles away. Read reviews and details of Simple Life at Coral Mill, OL16
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, […] Read reviews and details of The James Manchester, M4
In 13th place in Manchester is Crown Street, which forms part of the new neighbourhood on Great Jackson Street in Manchester. The apartments are contemporary and spacious and residents can enjoy exceptional amenities such as the 20m swimming pool, which is located high above the city on the 44th floor.
In ninth, and situated in Deansgate Square, West Tower Residences is a Build to Rent development over two towers (North and West) featuring a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments. Residents have access to a wide range of shared amenities, including 20-metre indoor swimming pool, sauna, gym, yoga and dance studio, spinning room and amazing private dining facilities (including hire of a private chef). The development is only a three-minute walk from both Castlefield and Deansgate stations.
10th place goes to Kampus. Located in the Manchester Piccadilly district, Kampus is Manchester’s garden neighbourhood. In the centre of the city. By the canal, near the station – it’s literally minutes from everything. With secret streets, gardens and terraces, and independent food and drink, it’s a great location no matter what you’re into.
With 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, across 5 beautiful, individual buildings – available to rent from 2021 – an on-site team on hand whenever you need them 24/7. In addition, Kampus is pet friendly (with dog walking), has super-fast broadband included. Likewise, there is a gym, yoga terrace, cinema and a lounge in which to work (or play).
New Vic is a modern Build-to-Rent development located in Manchester’s M4 district, adjacent to Victoria Station and near the lively Northern Quarter. It offers a variety of luxury 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments designed with both Victorian inspiration and modern amenities in mind. The development features extensive communal spaces, including co-working areas, a gym, a […] Read reviews and details of New Vic, M4
The East Hollinsfield development by Taylor Wimpey is located at Hollin Lane, Middleton, M24 6DH.The development offers various features, including Venetian blinds in the lounge, kitchen, and all 3 bedrooms, a variety of kitchen options with integrated appliances, upgraded composite sinks, and spotlights. The WC, bathroom, and en-suite all include chrome trim finishes, with the […] Read reviews and details of East Hollinsfield, M24
Located only a 5-minute stroll from Castlefield district of Manchester City Centre, Wilburn Basin features a variety of apartments across four district blocks. Residents have access to a wide range of facilities and amenities, including a gym, cinema, residents’ lounge and meeting rooms as well as a 24 hour concierge service. Read reviews and details of Wilburn Basin, M5
In 16th place, Millfield is a new development of two, three and four-bedroom homes which is ideally situated for local schools, shops and supermarkets. The development is a short commute from Manchester City Centre.
Botanica offers modern rental apartments and townhouses set around landscaped gardens. Located minutes away from Manchester, yet Botanica is surrounded by green open space, including an open-air event venue, landscaped gardens and relaxed social spaces for residents that included BBQs and outdoor kitchens. There is also a resident’s gym, lounge and workspace as well as […] Read reviews and details of Botanica, M15
What’s happening with Manchester’s property market?
The city’s property market has been booming in recent years, prompting billions of pounds to pour into property developments across Manchester. Even so, housebuilders and developers are still struggling to keep up with demand and average prices continue to rise. This brings the average price of a property in Manchester up to £268,730 for the past year, while the average monthly rent for a three-bedroom property in the city stands at £1,300 in March 2025.
Manchester is one of the UK’s most visited cities, after London and Edinburgh. It also has the busiest airport outside London. It’s celebrated for its architecture, sports clubs and venues, cultural heritage and scientific achievements. As a result, the city is often described as the UK’s second city, despite its status as the fifth largest.
Manchester has even acquired the status of UNESCO City of Literature. This is thanks to its connections with authors such as Elizabeth Gaskell, Friedrich Engels and, more recently, Carol Ann Duffy.
What’s it like Living in Manchester?
The three universities in Manchester attract thousands of students every year. This is a significant source of demand for student flats in Manchester. A large number of new developments offer affordable studio flats to rent and buy, to cater for the constant flow of student tenants.
Manchester nightlife is also a major factor in making it a great place to live for students and long-term residents alike. The city’s ‘Madchester’ clubbing scene spawned a number of influential bands and artists throughout the 1980s. Oasis and BritPop then kept the city in the headlines during the 90s.
Manchester City or United?
Sports fans living in Manchester are genuinely spoilt for choice. Premier League giants and fierce rivals Manchester United and Manchester City both boast world-class players and stadiums. The city’s National Cycling Centre is the home of British Cycling, as well as Team Sky, while Old Trafford Cricket Ground hosted The Ashes back in 2023.
As for regular costs of living, Manchester is blessed with the generally lower costs that the north of England enjoys compared to the south.
Is Manchester cheaper than London?
Happily (if you’re planning to move here) Manchester is a significantly cheaper place to live than London. While some living costs are roughly similar, there are a few categories where the northern city really shines.
For example, groceries in Manchester are about 3% cheaper than London, while eating out is 14% cheaper. The really big saver is rent. Average rental costs in Manchester are a whopping 48% lower than in London. As a major monthly cost for students, young professionals and families, this is a huge savings factor to consider.
It has culture, history and big venue entertainment opportunities galore
The property market is buoyant but competitive. Whatever kind of home you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.
What do you think of our ranking of the best place to live in Manchester? If you’re interested in finding out more about Manchester new builds, and discovering more of what the city has to offer, check out our area guide by clicking the link below.
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 Read more about Greater Manchester
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