Best place to live in Manchester: Top 10 areas in 2025

Factors to Consider When Choosing Where to Live

When looking for the best area to live in Manchester there are a few factors you should keep in mind. These factors can not only make your search easy but also help you avoid living in the worst areas in Manchester. Take a look at them below:

1. Cost of Living: The cost of living in Manchester can get really expensive. Especially when you factor in things like accommodation, groceries, utilities, transportation, and entertainment costs. So, make sure you consider all this while finding a place.
2. Transport and Commute: Another important factor is transport and commute. If you are a student, then look for student accommodation near Manchester University as it can reduce the commute time and even the travel cost associated with it.
3. Amenities and Lifestyle: Also, make sure to assess how close the supermarkets, shops, restaurants, healthcare, and recreational facilities like parks are. In addition to this, also consider if you want to live in the lively city centre or a quieter, more suburban environment.
4. Safety and Community: Last but not least is how safe the area is and what kind of community it has. When finding the best place to live in Manchester, look at the crime statistics of different areas. In addition to this, also consider if you prefer a bustling urban area or a more close-knit community.

Also Read: Cheap Areas To Live In Manchester

These are just a few of the many factors that you can consider when finding the best area in Manchester to live. Just note that everything boils down to your needs and preferences. In the section below, we have listed the top 10 areas in Manchester that you can consider, especially if you are a student.

10 Best Places to Live in Manchester 2025

There are some amazing areas in Manchester that you can consider, each with its unique appeal. However, here are the 10 best place to live in Manchester that are highly popular:

1. Chorlton
2. Didsbury
3. Ancoats
4. Salford Quays
5. Altrincham
6. Castlefield
7. Northern Quarter
8. Deansgate
9. Sale
10. Spinningfields

Now let’s take a look at these places in more detail. Do note that this top 10 area list is a mix of places that are perfect for families and those seeking a strong community. As well as young students and professionals who enjoy a vibrant, urban lifestyle.

1. Chorlton

The first on our list is Chorlton, which is perfect for families and those who a looking for more community-based areas as compared to an urban lifestyle. It is known as the ‘liberal heart of Manchester’ and also offers a mix of independent cafes, shops, and plenty of green spaces.

This quality of Chorlton makes it attractive to a wide range of demographics, be it working professionals or students who just prefer a quiet time. However, as great Chorlton is, it is also pretty expensive. So if money is not an issue, then you should consider living here.

Average Rent Price in Chorlton: £1,226 per month.

2. Didsbury

Didsbury is one of the best place in great Manchester to live, mainly because of how safe it is. If you are looking for a place which provides a balance of both urban convenience and suburban charm, then Didsbury is for you.

What’s more? It also has great transport links and is well connected to the Manchester city area via both bus and tram. Moreover, here you can also enjoy a vibrant social life because of the wide array of bars, restaurants, cafes, and a lively atmosphere.

Average Rent Price in Didsbury: £949 to £2,500 per month, depending on the size and location of the property.

3. Ancoats

Even though Ancoats is a great place to live in Manchester for almost everyone, it is more popular among young professionals and those who want a vibrant and convenient area to live. What makes this worth your consideration is that Ancoats is conveniently located close to Manchester city centre, which gives easy access to amenities, nightlife, and cultural attractions.

Moreover, Ancoats has also been named as the best place to live in Manchester by The Sunday Times for historic mills and modern developments. Do note that due to its popularity, its prices and rental costs have increased, which can make it quite expensive for some.

Average Rent Price in Ancoats: £1,100 to £1,250 per month.

4. Salford Quays

The next on our list is Salford Quays, which is known for its contemporary apartments, top student accommodation Manchester and waterside views. It is a hub of activity where you can enjoy things like the Lowry Theatre, Imperial War Museum North, and MediaCityUK.

In addition to this, you can also easily find various amenities here like shops, restaurants, and bars. And because of this, you won’t have to travel deeper into Manchester for entertainment. Lastly, it can be a great option for international students, as it is both affordable and has a vibrant atmosphere.

Average Rent Price in Salford Quays: £950 to £1,500 per month, depending on the property.

5. Altrincham

Another best area in Manchester to live in is Altrincham because of its excellent amenities, transport links, and a vibrant social scene. However, it might not be a great place for students due to its high cost of living and the rental prices being higher than compared in other areas of Manchester.

But if price is not an issue, then Altricham is worth the consideration because of its strong sense of community, vibrant market, and good transport links to Manchester city centre and beyond.

Average Rent Price in Altrincham: £1,180 per month.

6. Castlefield

If you are looking for a place in Manchester where you can enjoy both the historical charm of the city and modern living, then Castlefield is perfect for you. What makes this place truly unique as compared to others on this list is its canals, Roman fort ruins, and Victorian mills alongside trendy bars and restaurants.

It is especially great for students because of how well it is connected to the city centre and universities. Castlefield also offers a vibrant atmosphere and plenty of attractions, however, it can be a little more expensive than other student areas in Manchester.

Average Rent Price in Castlefield: £1,714 per month

7. Northern Quarter

Northern Quarter is another one of the best place in Manchester to live for students due to its vibrant atmosphere, independent shops, diverse food and drink scene, and unique architectural style. In addition to this Northern Quarter is also highly convenient, as it is located in the centre. This makes it easy to access other parts of the city, including the main shopping areas. Moreover, it also has a strong sense of community.

Average Rent Price in Northern Quarter: £1,313 per month.

8. Deansgate

Deansgate is a great place for students and young professionals who prefer to live in the city centre. This is mainly because it offers a vibrant atmosphere, easy access to amenities, and a beautiful mix of historic and modern development.

Some of the other pros of Deansgate include things like a prime city centre location and excellent transport links. Which makes it perfect for anyone who wants to be in the heart of Manchester’s action.

Average Rent Price in Deansgate: £1,326 per month

9. Sale

What makes Sale the best area to live in Manchester is how family-friendly it is. But not just that, it also has convenient transport links to the city centre and a strong sense of community. Sale also has plenty of green spaces and parks like Worthington Park and Sale Water Park which are perfect for recreation and relaxation.

In addition to town centre amenities like new shops, restaurants, and independent businesses, Sale is also known for having a low crime rate and providing a safe and healthy environment.

Average Rent Price in Sale: £1,205 per month.

10. Spinningfields

The last on our list of the best place to live in great Manchester, particularly for young professionals and students is Spinningfields. This is mainly because Spinningfields offers a mix of upscale living, bustling nightlife, and proximity to major businesses.

Here, you can also enjoy a variety of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including the Manchester Opera House. However, do keep in mind that since it is a central, upscale area, it can be a little expensive than other parts of Manchester.

Average Rent Price in Spinningfields: £1,728 per month.

Also Read: Universities In Manchester

While these are the 10 best place to live in Manchester, there are also a few places that you should avoid especially if you are an international student.

Places to avoid in Manchester

Now that we have listed the best place in great Manchester to live, let’s take a look at some of the worst areas in Manchester that you should avoid. Most of these areas below are known for higher rates and social issues which can make it difficult to live in:

1. Moss Side: This area in Manchester is historically known for gang violence and a high crime rates that include things like theft and drug-related offences. In addition to this, there have also been issues with public order offences.
2. Bolton:  The next is Bolton, which has been named as one of the most dangerous places to live in the UK. What makes this the worst place to live is that it has a high crime rate of 127.3 crimes per 1,000 people.
3. Longsight: Another bad place to live in Manchester is Longsight which has a higher crime rate compared to other residential areas. There have also been drug-related issues, property-related crimes.
4. Oldham: With a crime rate of 1261 per 1000 residents, Oldham is considered as UK’s one of the most troubled areas to live in. There have been multiple instances of theft and violent crime and it is not recommended to live, especially if you are new to the city.
5. Blackley: Even though there have been various implementations by local authorities, Blackley continues to face various issues like anti-social behaviour and violent crime. In addition to this, Blackley is also associated with illegal activities like gang wars and drug-related crimes.

Also Read: Part Time Jobs In Manchester

Conclusion

Finding the best place to live in Manchester can get a little overwhelming, especially if you are new to the city. But with our best place to live in great Manchester list above, you can make your search easy. And if you need any more help, then you can check out GraddingHomes.com. Whether you're a student seeking a lively, central area like Deansgate or Northern Quarter, or someone who prefers the charm and quiet of Chorlton or Didsbury. At GraddingHomes.com you will get a wide selection of Student Accommodation in UK that best suits your needs and budget.

FAQs

1. What is the Safest Area to Live in Manchester?

Didsbury (East and West) is considered one of the safest areas to live in Manchester. This is mainly because Didsbury has a low crime rate and a strong sense of community. There are also other places like Chorlton, Altrincham, and parts of Salford, which are considered the safest in Manchester.

2. Where do Students Mostly Live in Manchester?

In Manchester, most students live in southern areas like Fallowfield. It is a popular student hub because it is located closer to the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. But there are also other popular areas in Withington, Rusholme, and Oxford Road which are famous for having a high student population.

3. What is the Most Affordable Neighborhood in Manchester?

The most affordable neighbourhood in Manchester is Gorton which is located in the southeast of the city centre. Gorton has some of the most affordable rental prices as compared to other areas which makes it perfect for both students and those on a budget. There are also other budget-friendly areas like Longsight, Harpurhey, and Levenshulme.

4. Is Manchester a Good City For International Students?

Yes, Manchester is a great city for international students and is highly popular in Europe as a study abroad destination. This is mainly because it is home to some of the world’s most renowned institutions like the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University, and also offers excellent support services for international students.

5. Which Part of Manchester has the Best Nightlife?

The Northern Quarter is known as the heart of Manchester’s nightlife. It has some of the best eclectic bars, live music venues, and a unique atmosphere, and it’s a favourite among students and young professionals. There are also other popular nightlife areas like Deansgate Locks, Oxford Road, and Spinningfields, each offering a different vibe.