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Are you thinking of moving to Manchester and wondering what are the best places to live in Manchester? We are here to help!
Manchester is a beautiful city with loads of amazing neighbourhoods that are great places to live.
From Ancoats and the Northern Quarter to residential neighbourhoods and recently renovated districts, you can find below all the best neighbourhoods to live in Manchester.
So, are you ready to get started? Let’s go!
Ancoats
Ancoats is one of the safest places to live in Manchester and it also happens to be one of the trendiest.
Located next to the popular nightlife spot of the lively Northern Quarter, Ancoats has become a popular location amongst young people.
Surrounded by modern bars and pubs, Ancoats itself was once an industrial powerhouse.
Therefore, you will find many buildings here that are former factories or mills.
This has got to be one of the best parts of the city for enjoying independently-owned restaurants and alfresco dining.
Dine at the Michelin-starred Mana, or head down to Rudy’s, The Counter House, or Nam – there truly is an eclectic range of eateries around.
For things to do in the area, head down to New Islington Marina for a stroll or go see what shows are on at the Hope Mill Theatre.
If you are partial to Asian cuisines then you should definitely check out Wing Yip, an Asian supermarket but with these vibes, it feels more like the Emporium of Wonders inside.
Finally, it’s also a good place for remote workers and freelancers since Ancoats is home to some of the best coworking spaces in Manchester.
Ancoats offers the perfect balance between city life and something a little more peaceful.
Also, Ancoats is within walking distance to Manchester Victoria, the Metrolink and Piccadilly.
Altrincham
The large market town of Altrincham in Trafford, Greater Manchester, is another of the best areas to live in Manchester.
This part of Manchester has rapidly become a place for first-time home buyers and families. Many have even said it’s one of the best places to live in the Northwest!
Whereas you see mainly apartments in the city centre, Altrincham offers many Victorian family homes. There are also a number of great government schools in the area.
One of the top things to do in the area is visit Altrincham Market.
The market dates back to the 13th century and you can find a whole array of things inside from furniture to local crafts.
If you’ve got friends visiting be sure to head to Dunham Massey Hall and Gardens for a day out.
For shopping head to The Stamford Quarter, one of the most popular shopping spots in the area because of its diversity.
There are a number of gyms in the area including PureGym and The Gym Group and with plenty of green spaces around Altrincham it’s the perfect place for active people and families.
New Islington
New Islington is just behind Ancoats but still close enough to the main city centre area to provide a city vibe and a neighbourly feel.
The area fell into disrepair but over the past two decades, it certainly went through an uplifting regeneration.
New modern housing, something in older buildings has made this a trendy spot for young professionals and families.
For all the best fresh baked goods and that morning pick me up, head to Pollen Bakery.
New Islington and Ancoats are so close to each other that many of the amenities are shared between the two areas.
With New Islington Marina hosting canal boats this place really does feel different to many parts of the city.
Take a stroll along the canal or head to Cotton Field Park for some fresh air.
Residents of New Islington love the relaxed vibe and it’s only 10 minutes’ walk from Stevenson Square and Piccadilly Station.
Castlefield
One of the best places to live in Manchester is Castlefield.
Located at the beginning of the Bridgewater Canal, Castlefield provides a tranquil location with the hustle and bustle of the city just moments away.
From the ruins of a Roman fort (Mamucium) to the Bridgewater Canal, Castlefield is one of the oldest parts of the city.
When first moving to Castlefield you will want to make sure you visit the Science and Industry Museum as well as the Roman Fort, both of which are located around Liverpool Road.
Then there’s the Castlefield Bowl, an amphitheatre-style venue that hosts live music.
During summer you can spend your time soaking in the sun along the Bridgewater Canal, which is also the starting point for many excellent canal walks.
The food and drink venues are top-notch and a little different than you find in other parts of the city. Head to The Wharf, a canal-side pub, or how about taking a walk to Cask, Lock 91, or Dukes 92.
There are plenty of small shops but if you are searching for clothes then heading to the Arndale is a good idea (it’s just a 15-minute walk).
Castlefield is that Manchester location that provides the best of both worlds, from quaint cobbled streets to lively bars and restaurants.
Chorlton
Chorlton-cum-Hardy is a southwestern suburb of Manchester that is connected via the Metrolink (pink and blue) to the city centre.
In fact, it takes less than 15 minutes to connect to the city centre from Chorlton.
This is another of the nice areas to live in Manchester as it’s a great compromise between city living and suburban peace and quiet.
Whilst some find themselves heading into the city frequently, others will find plenty to do in Chorlton.
There are plenty of green spaces including Chorlton Park and Chorlton Water Park. There are also several good gyms in the area including Little Box Gym and Longfords Health & Fitness Club.
For those looking for a sociable time head to Beech Road and get chatting with the locals at the pubs and bars.
Man Bites Frog is one of the most popular restaurants in the area, it even has its own beer garden.
A number of artisan coffee shops and boutique clothing shops have also cropped up in Chorlton, after welcomed cries from locals.
Vegetarians and vegans will also love the locally sourced, fruit and veg co-op, Unicorn Grocery.
Northern Quarter
Northern Quarter isn’t instantly synonymous with being one of the best parts of Manchester to live having obtained a party vibe reputation.
After all, many will think it’s good to be close to the bars and pubs but you don’t necessarily want to hear the music blaring until 3 am!
That being said, there is a reason why the Northern Quarter has made this list of the best places to live in Manchester.
Northern Quarter is for the youthful, the partygoers, the lovers of street art, and those on the search for trendy dining spots. It’s also ideally located near the city centre and all the public transport links.
There’s so much to see and do in the Northern Quarter that it is actually a great place to live.
From live music at Matt & Phreds Jazz Club to the long-established Band On The Wall, music lovers will be in their element in the Northern Quarter.
Art lovers will fall in love with the 130-year-old Fred Aldous, one of the best art and crafts shops around.
For food and drinks, there are a plethora of places to visit.
From Mackie Mayor, a fast-food hall in an 1858 Grade II listed building to some of the best vegan pizza in the city at Purezza, you’ll be adding a new food favourite to your list every week.
Prestwich
Prestwich is in the northern part of Greater Manchester in the Borough of Bury.
Though it’s a little outside of the city centre, the MetroLink tram stop allows you to be in the city in just 15 to 20 minutes.
You will find that Prestwich is a place for families as there are some excellent primary and secondary schools.
The popularity of Prestwich is on the rise as a myriad of new bars and restaurants begin to open.
Head to places like Cask, Keg, and Osma where you will surely have a good night.
There are events held at Chips @ No.8 which has been named as “one of the nation’s best chippies”.
Heaton Park is right on the doorstep, providing a golf course, plenty of history, and 600 acres of space.
At Heaton Park, there is also Zip World Manchester, which owns Treetops Adventure, a high ropes course that’s fun for the whole family.
You can also go pedal boating at the lake in Heaton Park, which is one of the best free activities in Manchester as well as dog-friendly!
To add a more local community vibe to your Prestwich experience head to Village Greens, which is a local co-op offering organic and ethically sourced food.
Didsbury
Didsbury is another of the nice parts of Manchester.
In fact, it’s one of the most sought-after parts of the city.
It is only around four miles from the city centre and Manchester Airport, so super convenient all around.
Didsbury is actually split into three areas.
There’s East Didsbury which is known for its good schools, West Didsbury, and Didsbury Village for the popular restaurants, hotels, and shops.
Didsbury does have a reputation as being one of the posher areas of Manchester, but it’s fun and not at all pretentious.
There are more than a few treelined avenues in Didsbury as well as parks and green spaces.
Head to Wilmslow Road for the best shops, bars, and restaurants.
Some of the area’s best restaurants include Albert’s, No.4 Dine & Wine, Piccolino and Thyme Out.
You will find many things to do in West Didsbury, including the Maker’s Market, Cocoa Cabana, and Moth, an independent interiors shop.
There’s also Parrs Wood Entertainment Centre where you will find a cinema, tenpin bowling, a casino, Five Guys, Wagamama, Nando’s, and Nuffield Health.
With plenty to do in Didsbury itself and easy access to the centre of Manchester, it’s a highly sought-after place to live.
Salford
Salford is another of the nice places to live in Manchester, especially if you are in or interested in the media industry.
Though a little outside of the centre, there are excellent transportation links to central Manchester.
Owing to MediaCityUK and the associated investments, Salford has received a facelift in recent years. There are now more shops, restaurants, and bars than ever before.
Though it has certainly been through urbanization, Salford hasn’t done away with its green spaces, in fact, 60% of the city is green space!
Salford has three green flag parks, five nature reserves, and 20 public parks. From Worsley Woods to Blackleach Country Park there’s always a nature spot to enjoy.
From the modern Salford Quays to the 15th-century Ordsall Hall, Salford is all about diversity.
Other popular activities in Salford include The Lowry, MediaCity, IWM North, and the Salford Museum & Art Gallery.
For shopping you can’t get better than the Trafford Centre which is just 20 minutes’ drive from Salford.
As for restaurants, be sure to check out Porta for tapas, Lupo Caffe Italiano for pasta, and The River Restaurant at The Lowry for fine dining.
Sale
Sale is around six miles outside of the city centre, close to Altrincham.
If you want to live in Greater Manchester and commute to the city then it is an excellent location due to its convenient transport links.
There’s definitely more of a community feel to Sale and with plenty of good schools many families are attracted to the area.
One of the best ways to see Sale and pump into residents is by heading for a walk or bike ride along the Bridgewater Canal.
Starting in central Manchester and ending at the coast via the River Mersey this canal offers miles and miles of beautiful waterside walks.
Other outdoor activities include Walkden Gardens which are close to the Sale tram stop. For those looking for culture and the arts head to Waterside.
Waterside is home to a theatre, art gallery, studios, and workspaces.
If you need a fitness route then check out Snap Fitness, Results Inc Gym, and CrossFit Sale to choose your favourite gym.
In recent years the Sale food scene has boomed, so there are more than a few excellent dinner options no matter the occasion.
Chez Nous Bistro, The Fat Loaf, Mano a Bocca, and Osechi Japanese are some of the best-rated restaurants in the area.
NOMA
NOMA sounds more like a fancy restaurant than an area of Manchester.
NOMA is a 20-acre redevelopment scheme located right next to Manchester Victoria, up to St Michael’s Flags & Angel Meadow Park, and next to the National Football Museum.
NOMA is a “commercially-driven and responsibly-designed neighbourhood” that is creating new homes, offices, shops, restaurants, bars, and hotels all in one place.
The main ethos is that people lead the development of the area, which results in a place people actually want to live in.
Though the scheme is well under way it won’t be completed until 2029.
The housing options are greener and incorporate environmental responsibility in their designs. NOMA also has four acres of outdoor space for residents to enjoy.
With three tram stops within five minutes’ walk of NOMA and extensive cycle routes there’s no better location to be to navigate the rest of the city.
Of course, with such a location you are just minutes away from some excellent entertainment and eating spots.
The Printworks is an excellent entertainment venue and it’s just a five-minute walk away. Inside you can watch movies, play beer pong, eat burgers, and much more.
Green Quarter
Another of the best places to live in Manchester is Green Quarter. Green Quarter is certainly one of Manchester’s smaller neighbourhoods but it’s still packed with charm.
You will find Green Quarter next to NOMA and around seven minutes’ walk to Manchester Victoria.
The Green Quarter is a purpose-built development that is suitable for professionals who need to travel. Located close to the main ring road and the rail networks, it is ideal for commuters.
People are attracted to the area because of the modern accommodation that is both affordable for owner-occupiers and tenants.
Green Quarter is often overlooked on many people’s lists of the best areas to live in Manchester, but things are changing.
Cheetham Hill is another place just a couple of minutes’ walk away that has some excellent eateries. The street food venue GRUB is towards the top of Red Bank just moments from Green Quarter.
One of the best places for coffee in Green Quarter is Pop Up Bikes.
For all American baseball fun head to Base Bar. It’s a popular activity bar and it’s only two minutes’ walk from the main Green Quarter area.
The Sparrows is an excellent restaurant for all things pasta and there’s a real zen atmosphere to the place.
With a Crossfit gym in Green Quarter as well there really is everything you need.
If you can’t find something then the main Manchester shops are just less than 10 minutes walk away.
Spinningfields
Spinningfields is another of the best parts of Manchester to live in. It sits in between Deansgate and the River Irwell and next to Castlefield.
The Manchester Arndale is less than a 10-minute walk away and so is the Manchester Art Gallery.
Spinningfields is one of Manchester’s biggest commercial centres, where working professionals live and choose to blow off some steam.
Some people even call it the “Canary Wharf of the North”. From law courts to multinational companies, you will find more than a few people donning suits on Spinningfields streets.
Where you find big businesses, you just know you are going to find top entertainment.
Spinningfields has some of the best restaurants and bars in the area.
For drinks and Latino dancing head to Revolución De Cuba, a classic Manchester nightclub.
When summer is in session The Lawn Club is a sophisticated joint for outdoor cocktails. If you consider yourself a cocktail connoisseur then you really cannot go wrong with The Alchemist.
Their theatrical style and practiced bartenders set them apart from the crowd.
For sophisticated dining options try Peter Street Kitchen which serves Japanese and Mexican fare inside the fancy Edwardian hotel.
It would be rude to talk about food in Spinningfields and not talk about Sunset by Australasia.
This pretty and pink restaurant offers the recently trendy bento boxes filled with all your favourite Asian dishes.
Now that you know everything about the best places to live in Manchester, the only thing left to do is to pick your favourite and enjoy the Manchester life.
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