Determining where to live in Manchester is largely dependent on who you are as a person. It is dependent on your circumstances, whether you’re a young professional chasing the energy of city life, a family craving suburban serene spaces and top-notch schools, or a culture lover looking to be right in the middle of history.
Manchester isn’t just one place; it’s a patchwork of districts, each with its own personality, rhythm, and charm. Let’s explore some of the best spots to put down roots in the city of Manchester.
5 Best Places To Stay In Manchester
1. Ancoats
2. Spinningfields
3. Castlefields
4. Northern Quarter
5. Altrincham
Best Places To Stay In Manchester
1. Ancoats Urban Village
Located in the northern part of Manchester, Ancoats is known as the industrial heart of Manchester city. The city was, in the past, a thriving, bustling industrial district known for its factories and cotton mills until its gradual decline during World War 2.
Over the years, Ancoats has undergone an impressive transformation to become one of the UK’s coolest neighbourhoods to live in. The combination of Grade II historical houses, cobbled streets, beautiful Victorian red-brick mills, and modern developments creates a unique blend of historic charm and modern living.
Its accessibility to the city center, Northern Quarter, and Canals also serves as a major draw for many career people. But perhaps the best part of Ancoats is its deep communal loyalty. The area is known for its small businesses and artisan shops, from local cafes to small speakeasy restaurants that survive and thrive in the area.
The community even runs regular events such as the Maker’s Market and Manchester Young Professionals to encourage networking and communal living amongst its residents. Ancoats balances business, familial living, and communal living flawlessly, making it one of the best spots to live in Manchester.
Location: Greater Manchester, North West England, United Kingdom
Average Housing Price: £220,000 – £350,000
2. Spinning Field
Spinningfield is a modern community built around cultural and historical landmarks like the John Ryland Library and the People’s History Museum. It is home to some of the most popular restaurants, bars, and shops in Manchester, like the renowned Chinese restaurant “Tattu” and iconic flagship stores at the Avenue.
The area is also well-known as Manchester’s financial and commercial district, home to some of the largest organizations in Manchester, like PwC and Natwest. Once a maze of Manchester’s cotton factories and workshops, the area began to experience reconstruction after World War II. Spinningfields is now an upscale cosmopolitan district that somehow manages to be cultural and stylish despite its glass front.
Spinningfields is known for its sleek modern living, combining corporate work space by day, with upscale rooftop bars, river dining, cafes, and shops by night. The city is also very well known for hosting some of Manchester’s most iconic events, like the Manchester Ice Rink, and is mainly inhabited by wealthy career professionals.
Location: Spinningfields, Greater Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Average Price: £250,000 – £271,000
3. Castlefield
Castlefield is the perfect area to consider living in if you are a history and culture buff. It is a serene conservation area_made so by the government_ that grew out from the old Roman Mancunium and early industrial revolution canals. Located in the heart of Manchester, it is the ideal spot to get away from the rush of city life with its tranquil historical settings and scenic views.
The houses at Castlefields consist primarily of reconstructed warehouse Apartments and modern developments. Many of these houses offer an amazing view of the canal, historical architecture, and city skyline. The area is also pretty close to the Museum of Science and Industry and just a short walk away from other city centers like Spinningfields and the Great Northern.
Castlefield is not just a residential area, though; the area offers a lot of entertainment and a relaxation hub for its residents and tourists. You can take a stroll across the canal, enjoy live music and concerts at the Castlefield Bowl, experience live theatre at HOME, or visit any of the numerous pubs and restaurants dotting the riverline.
Location: Castlefield, Greater Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Average Price: £232,000 – £310,000
4. Northern Quarter
Once a hive of warehouses, textiles factories, and the home of the working class, the Northern Quarter has grown to become a cool cultural hub. The formerly abandoned red-brick warehouses and mills are now converted buildings with trendy apartments, cute boutiques, and upscale restaurants.
Once a haven for creatives and small businesses, the area is particularly known for its creativity and bohemian vibes. The area is now home to acclaimed attractions like the Center for Chinese Contemporary Art, Manchester Craft and Design Center, and the Greater Manchester Police Museum.
Northern Quarter is also popular for its street art that pops up all over; on the walls of shops, in front of a park, or even on a pole, massive, large paintings or cute pictures that give the area character. You would just as likely end up listening to live music up an alleyway from a band.
NQ is known for its fierce loyalty to its small businesses; vintage stores, old music records, and small restaurants and pubs are prevalent in the area rather than chain stores. The people most attracted to the Northern Quarter are students, young professionals, artists, and people who love to live amidst creativity.
Location: Northern Quarter, Greater Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Average Price Range: £180,000 – £258,000
5. Best Places To Stay In Manchester: Altrincham
Altrincham has always been a part of the original market town in Manchester until its industrialization in the 18th century. However, before its modern reinvention as one of the best places to live in Manchester, Altrincham was a typical example of a quiet dying town. Now, it is a small market town known for its heritage and communal spirit.
At the center of its community is the Altrincham Market House, a Grade II-listed Victorian house that is a remarkable food center. Market goers can drop in for a quick meal, no reservation or formal sitting arrangement, just piles of good food from craft beer to gooey pastries or pizza. It makes for a great place to catch up with friends. Just adjacent to the market house is the Covered Market, a row of different artisan stalls selling all the best food and vintage items.
Built for families, the area is rife with parks, play areas, and stately Georgian and Victorian homes. The area is known as a good school district. The district also has a thriving business scene; it is common to find trendy new shops and cafes within old buildings. Italian trattorias, British coffeehouses, upscale restaurants, and small stalls that sell only the best.
The area is set a few miles from any major landmark or city area, making it ideal for families who prefer safety and security. Altrincham is really the ideal suburban area.
Location: Altrincham, Trafford, Greater Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Average House Price: £230,000 – £760,000
Conclusion
There is no denying that there is a wide range of places to choose from when it comes to living in Manchester. From old historical and landmark areas like Castlefield to modern developments like Spinningfields or creative suburbs like the Northern Quarter. Many of the areas carry fragments from the past while being built to last for the present. Housing can be a bit expensive in these areas, though, so looking through your budget and wants helps clarify the best places to choose.
