Living in Manchester

Known as the Capital of the North, Manchester blends culture, commerce and community across its diverse neighbourhoods. Find out what the city and wider metropolitan area have to offer in this Manchester area guide.

Where is Manchester?

Manchester is in the northwest of England, around 160 miles from London. It sits between the Cheshire Plain to the south and the Pennines to the north and east, giving the city a unique geographical setting that blends urban life with easy access to surrounding countryside.

Greater Manchester is a highly urbanised area covering approximately 493 square miles and comprising ten boroughs, including Salford, Stockport, and Trafford. With a population of around 2.8 million, it’s the UK’s second most populous urban area.

At the heart of the wider metropolitan region is the city of Manchester itself, home to over 600,000 people.

Is Manchester a nice place to live?

Manchester is regularly recognised as one of the UK’s most liveable cities. It has previously topped The Economist’s rankings for the most liveable UK city and has featured in global lists from TimeOut, National Geographic, and the New York Times as a must-visit destination.

The city offers an appealing mix of urban energy and cultural depth. From the creative buzz of Ancoats and the nightlife of the Northern Quarter to the green spaces of Didsbury, Manchester’s neighbourhoods each bring something different to the table.

With access to world-class music venues, theatres, museums, sporting institutions and nearby countryside, Manchester combines city living with access to nature and culture. Whether you’re drawn by career opportunities, education, or community, it’s a city that continues to attract people from all walks of life.

What is Manchester famous for?

Manchester is known for its pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution, particularly in textile production – earning it the nickname “Cottonopolis” in the 19^th century. The city’s canal network, now used for leisure, was once vital for transporting goods and materials that fuelled its industrial growth.

It’s also a city of innovation. Manchester was the birthplace of the first programmable computer, the world’s first professional football league, and is the place where the atom was first split – earning its reputation as a city of firsts.

Culturally, Manchester has made a global impact through music. Bands like The Smiths, Oasis, Joy Division, and The Stone Roses all hail from the city, and its live music scene continues to thrive in venues ranging from intimate pubs to large arenas.

Sport is another major part of Manchester’s identity. It’s home to two of the world’s most recognised football clubs, the iconic Old Trafford stadium, one of the UK’s largest swimming complexes, and attracts events spanning cycling, rugby, squash and more across its world-class purpose-built venues.

Things to do in Manchester

Whether you’re into food, fashion or festivals, Manchester has something to keep you entertained all year round.

Eateries are in abundance. The streets of the Northern Quarter, Spinningfields and Deansgate are lined with independent restaurants, quirky cafés and stylish bars, with the city home to a diverse and highly acclaimed culinary scene.

Culture lovers are spoilt for choice too. The Whitworth and Manchester Art Gallery showcase everything from classic works to contemporary installations, while HOME is the go-to spot for indie cinema and exhibitions.

For live music, Manchester’s reputation speaks for itself. Catch emerging artists at Band on the Wall or Gorilla, or see global superstars at the AO Arena. And if theatre’s more your thing, the Royal Exchange and Palace Theatre host everything from Shakespeare to West End hits.

Shopping ranges from high street staples in the Arndale Centre to designer boutiques in King Street and vintage treasures in Afflecks. And when you need a breather, green spaces like Heaton Park, Fletcher Moss and the canal-side paths of Castlefield offer a peaceful escape from the urban buzz.

Beyond the city, Greater Manchester’s boroughs each bring their own flavour. Explore the cobbled streets of Ramsbottom, hike the hills around Saddleworth, or enjoy a pint in a traditional pub in Stockport’s historic market square. With excellent transport links, it’s easy to hop between neighbourhoods and discover the metropolitan area’s hidden gems.

What is the transport like in Manchester?

Getting around Manchester is straightforward. Much of it can be explored on foot, but when you need to venture further afield, its public transport network steps up with efficiency and ease.

Manchester’s Bee Network – named after the city’s iconic worker bee symbol – is an integrated transport network for Greater Manchester, comprising bus, tram, cycling and walking routes, making it easier than ever to switch between modes of travel.

The Metrolink tram system is one of the city’s standout features, connecting key areas across Greater Manchester – from Altrincham and Bury to Manchester Airport. The city’s bus network is likewise extensive, with regular services running across all ten boroughs.

For longer journeys, Manchester’s train stations – including Manchester Piccadilly, Victoria and Oxford Road – offer fast connections to cities like Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and London.

If you’re heading abroad, Manchester Airport is one of the UK’s busiest, with direct flights to over 200 destinations worldwide. Cycling is also well catered for, thanks to new bike lanes and hire schemes popping up across the city.

Schools in Manchester

Manchester’s education system is a major draw for families. With well over a hundred primary and secondary schools across the city – many of which rank among the country’s best – there’s no shortage of choice.

For those pursuing higher education, Greater Manchester is one of the UK’s biggest university hubs.

The University of Manchester is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and known globally for its research output. Manchester Metropolitan University offers a wide range of vocational and academic courses, while the University of Salford is renowned for its media and technology programmes. The University of Bolton can also be found just outside the city.

Together, these institutions attract tens of thousands of students each year, contributing to Manchester’s youthful energy and diverse population.

Is Manchester safe?

Like any major city, Manchester has areas that feel safer than others.

If you’re thinking of moving, it’s a good idea to check local crime statistics by postcode and speak to residents already living there to get a feel for the area.

What are the average property prices in Manchester?

Manchester’s property market remains a more affordable alternative when compared to London.

House prices in Manchester have an overall average of £271,146 over the last year. Flats were the most commonly sold property type, with an average price of £205,379, while semi-detached homes sold for around £320,028. Terraced properties fetched an average of £255,736.

It’s worth mentioning that recent prices have remained stable, showing little change compared to the previous year and a modest 1% increase on the 2022 peak of £268,251.

FAQs

• What are some of the pros of living in Manchester?
  Manchester offers a vibrant music and sports scene, great access to the Peak District, strong transport links to other cities, and plenty of events and activities year-round.
• What are the cons of living in Manchester?
  The cons can vary depending on who you talk to. However, some people feel Manchester is expensive for a regional city, while others believe it is facing growing pains with busy trams and streets.
• Is Manchester good for families?
  With well-regarded schools, varied activities and numerous green spaces, Manchester can be a great fit for families. Several quieter, residential neighbourhoods like Didsbury are especially popular.
• Is Manchester good for students?
  With four universities, a vibrant social scene and affordable living, Manchester is often considered to be one of the UK’s top student cities.
• What’s the nightlife like in Manchester?
  Lively and diverse – from indie bars and clubs to cocktail lounges and live music venues, there’s something for everyone.

View more area guides