The best places to live in Manchester
A vibrant city brimming with opportunities, Manchester has an area or suburb to meet the needs of every type of new arrival. From laid-back family neighbourhoods to buzzing business centres, everyone is catered to. A major bonus is the city's extensive public transport system, which makes commuting a breeze from most places.
Here are some of the most popular neighbourhoods in Manchester.
Neighbourhoods for professionals in Manchester
Deansgate
Deansgate is a vibrant area in the city centre. The area is home to a large number of young professional executives who value living close to their workplace and having easy access to Manchester’s bars, clubs and shopping facilities. Thanks to its prime location, Deansgate is easy to get to and to travel onwards from using tram, bus and rail links.
Levenshulme
Levenshulme is an up-and-coming area located southeast of Manchester city centre. Home to a vibrant, diverse community, this area welcomes newcomers, so it's a great place to start making local friends. There's also a range of excellent eateries serving up dishes from around the globe. Good rail links and access to bus services make this an ideal area for commuting.
Chorlton
Chorlton is becoming increasingly popular with a young, artsy crowd who enjoy frequenting the area’s unique bars, independent bars, and quirky cafés. Living there means being at the heart of the action, though there are some lovely green spaces if you need a breath of fresh air. There's easy access to transport links here, too, making it a breeze to commute to work.
Salford Quays
The number of quayside developments and loft-style apartments in Manchester has grown markedly in recent years. While waterside luxury living complexes are what attract wealthy residents to the area, those looking for a little more space will still find historic terraces in Salford Quays.
The area is well served by trams and buses, and getting into the city centre from here is relatively straightforward. Salford has a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and restaurants in the area.
Castlefield
Castlefield is a relaxed area located on the basin of the Bridgewater Canal, making it the perfect spot for those keen on waterside living on the city’s edge. There's a wide choice of accommodation here, including conversions, older developments and modern buildings.
This part of Manchester is particularly historic, and you can still see the ruins of the Roman fort. Castlefield has its fair share of bars and restaurants, so you won’t have to wander far for an evening out.
Family-friendly neighbourhoods in Manchester
Altrincham
Altrincham, home to a number of good state schools, is popular among families. Properties tend to be large Victorian family homes. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community in Altrincham, where several local festivals and events take place. The commute into town from Altrincham is fast thanks to good transport links.
Burnage
Burnage is a popular area for those looking for a family home with a reasonable commute into the city centre. Properties in the area are generally semi-detached with gardens, which is ideal for families with children. There are also several schools here. Burnage has its own train station and good road links, which makes getting around easy.
Didsbury
Located along the north bank of the River Mersey, Didsbury is a trendy area popular with families and younger couples. A variety of accommodation is available in Didsbury, from modern apartment living to large Victorian family homes.
The many bars and restaurants make this an excellent area for those who enjoy a night on the town. At the same time, there are plenty of green spaces, and Didsbury’s proximity to numerous good schools makes it well worth considering for expat families. Didsbury is well connected by rail and bus.
Wilmslow
Wilmslow is known for its upmarket lifestyle, and is home to some of Manchester’s wealthiest residents. Properties here are large and often come with gardens, which is excellent for those relocating with children. Another draw for families is the many good schools in Wilmslow. The area is also full of unique boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, so there's plenty to enjoy and explore.