Manchester is one of the most vibrant places to live in the country. In 2021, it was named the most liveable city in the UK by the Economist’s Global Liveability Index, and it’s easy to see why. The transport is great, the city is packed with culture and history, and it’s home to some of the best sporting teams in the country. But what’s it like living in Manchester?
This is what you need to know about Manchester and what it’s like to live there.
A guide to living in Manchester
WHERE TO LIVE IN MANCHESTER
There are plenty of great spots to base yourself in and around Manchester and the wider Greater Manchester area.
So, where to live in Manchester for young professionals? Popular spots like Didsbury, Withington and Chorlton are great options just outside the city centre whilst a little further out Sale, Carrington and Leigh are all up and coming choices. To the north of the city, Prestwich is always popular whilst the city centre locations of Ancoats, Castlefield and the Northern Quarter are awash with young professionals.
For families, you may decide to live further out of the city across Greater Manchester. You’ll still be able to experience the best of the city centre due to the great transport links on offer, but with a slower pace of life and the countryside on your doorstep too. At Wain Homes, our developments in Greater Manchester are in locations including Denton, Hyde, Leigh, Carrington and Lowton.
Wherever you decide to live in Manchester, you’ll find friendly locals, a great atmosphere and lots of things to see and do.
WHAT TO DO IN MANCHESTER
Manchester city centre is packed with attractions, and its small size makes it easy to walk around too. If you like the theatre, you’ll be spoilt for choice with the Palace Theatre, the Royal Exchange and the Manchester Opera House.
Days out can be spent at the Manchester Museum to see the dinosaurs and the Museum of Science and Industry to discover the city’s industrial past and learn about science and space. Manchester is also home to the National Football Museum and of course two of the Premier League’s top clubs, Manchester City and Manchester United.
The city is famed for its music scene from the Madchester era to the present day. Famous bands have included the Happy Mondays, the Stone Roses and Oasis, plus many more. Today, you can see the biggest names in the world of pop playing at the Manchester Arena and the Manchester Apollo, as well as more independent artists at smaller venues including the Manchester Academy, Band on the Wall and Gorilla.
And if you simply want to enjoy some green open space you can’t beat Heaton Park and the new National Trust Castlefield Viaduct Sky Park. Further out of the city, Greater Manchester is blessed with some fantastic places to stretch your legs, from Dunham Massey and Tatton Park to the Peak District and Lyme Park.
Shopping is also covered by the Arndale Centre, Market Street, King’s Street and the Northern Quarter in the city centre, promising a mix of high-street, high-end and independent shops. The Trafford Centre close by will also have all your shopping, dining and entertainment needs covered under one roof.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK IN MANCHESTER
Manchester’s restaurant scene is a thriving melting pot of different cultures and cuisines. It’s home to two Michelin star restaurants - Mana in Ancoats and Where the Light Gets In in Stockport – and is famed for the Curry Mile in Rusholme and the second biggest Chinatown in the UK and third largest in Europe.
Other top restaurants in the city include Refuge, Dishoom (Indian), Hawksmoor, Yuzu (Japanese), Rudy’s Pizza, and Phetpailin (Thai). And when it comes to a little tipple, you’ll find some quirky and interesting bars all over the city, from the Northern Quarter and Ancoats to Oxford Road, Spinningfields and Deansgate. Some of our favourites include Sam’s Chop House, Dusk Til Pawn, The Whiskey Jar and The Ivy. But when it comes to drinking in Manchester, the city really is your oyster.
GETTING AROUND MANCHESTER
The smaller size of Manchester makes travelling around it a breeze. You can walk between attractions in the city centre, whilst the Metrolink tram connects the city with the wider Greater Manchester area. There are also are four railway stations across the city – Manchester Piccadilly, Victoria, Oxford Road and Manchester Deansgate – with trains running throughout the surrounding area, further afield in the North West and across the country. The M60 runs around the city and connects it to the wider UK motorway network.
Manchester Airport is located just south of the city and is in the top five biggest airports in the UK. It’s easy to reach via the M56, whilst direct services also run from Manchester Piccadilly. At Wain Homes, we have a range of new build developments in Greater Manchester that can make your dreams of living in the region a reality. If you’re looking to buy a new home or have any questions about the home buying process, get in touch with our team today. We’ll promptly answer your questions and queries.