The Ultimate Byers Manual For Living In Manchester

There are many reasons to live in one of the UK’s most loved and influential cities, including:

 

Economy and job opportunities

Manchester is a city that’s thriving economically, one that’s grown and changed significantly over the last few decades. Greater Manchester, situated in the North West is the largest city economy outside of London, with a wealth of job opportunities in a huge range of industries including Creative and Media, Advanced Manufacturing, Fashion, Financial Services, and more.

 

Culture and entertainment

Manchester has long been one of the UK’s most important centres of culture, and that’s as true today as it ever was. A home in Manchester puts fantastic museums, galleries and music venues in easy reach, including the Manchester Art Gallery, the Whitworth Art Gallery, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Museum, the Apollo, Albert Hall and the Manchester Arena.

Manchester also offers first class shopping and amenities. And of course, some of the best sports action in the UK, including the world-famous Manchester United and Manchester City football clubs.

 

Diverse cuisine

You’ll find pretty much every cuisine under the sun in Manchester, offered at a range of price points, from Michelin Star restaurants – like mana in Ancoats and Where the Lights Gets In in Stockport – to delicious street food. 

Manchester’s Chinatown offers excellent Chinese and South East Asian restaurants and Rusholme’s ‘Curry Mile’ is packed with Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi restaurants. Whilst a variety of spots in Manchester offer unique eateries, bars, and cafes, including the Northern Quarter, Ancoats and Altrincham.

 

Education

Manchester is blessed with an abundance of schools, with hundreds of top-rated primary and secondary schools, both state and private. The city also offers internationally renowned higher education opportunities at the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University.

 

Excellent transport links

Manchester’s comprehensive public transport network – including buses, the Metrolink tram and trains – makes it a breeze to get around the city, really adding to the sense of ease of living here. 

Manchester also boasts excellent connections throughout the UK. There are four main train stations – Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria, Manchester Oxford Road and Manchester Deansgate – in the city centre. Plus, Manchester Airport offers both domestic and international flights.

 

Green spaces

Despite being a bustling city, Manchester boasts an impressive variety of outdoor spaces. Living in Manchester means you can enjoy some of the UK’s most impressive parks, including Heaton Park, Fletcher Moss Park & Parsonage Gardens, and Alexandra Park. 

You’ll also have access to fantastic surrounding countryside with excellent hiking, cycling and sights on offer in the Peak District National Park, the Forest of Bowland and the Lancashire coast.

Greater Manchester is divided into ten boroughs: Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan. Each region offers a variety of housing, including affordable and more luxurious options. Some of the most popular of these include:

 

Didsbury

A favourite among families and professionals alike, Didsbury is a characterful suburban centre that’s only a few miles south of central Manchester. It’s famous for its vibrant village atmosphere and range of independent shops, cafes and restaurants, plus some excellent schools and green spaces.

 

Chorlton-cum-Hardy

Located three miles southwest of Manchester’s city centre, Chorlton is known for its bohemian vibe and strong sense of community. It’s an ideal location for those seeking a more laid-back lifestyle without sacrificing proximity to the city. The area is filled with independent shops, markets and cosy cafes. Chorlton Water Park and Longford Park offer access to some fantastic green spaces and outdoor activities.

 

Ancoats

Ancoats is a central Manchester location that’s undergone significant regeneration in recent years, transforming from an industrial district to one of Manchester's trendiest neighbourhoods. Particularly popular with young professionals and creatives, Ancoats boasts a mix of modern apartments and converted industrial buildings. It’s also known for its eclectic food and drink scene.

 

Northern Quarter

Right next door to Ancoats, the Northern Quarter has long been the cultural heart of Manchester. The area is packed with vintage shops, record stores and indie bars, plus some excellent restaurants. It’s a magnet for artists, musicians and young professionals alike, with housing options ranging from quirky loft apartments to modern developments.

 

Salford Quays

Salford Quays is one of the areas of Manchester that’s seen the most investment and development over the last two decades – thanks primarily to the BBC relocating there in 2011 and the creation of MediaCityUK. Salford Quays offers modern, waterfront living, with a mix of contemporary apartments and townhouses. You’ll also find excellent amenities, shopping, dining and cultural attractions like The Lowry and the Imperial War Museum North.

 

Castlefield

Historically an industrial area with ship canals, the Castlefield of today offers a unique blend of urban and natural environments, including its remaining canals, Roman ruins and converted warehouses. The area provides a tranquil yet central living experience. Its proximity to the city centre means residents have easy access to the city’s main shopping, entertainment and commercial districts. 

 

Prestwich

Three miles north of Manchester centre, Prestwich is an up-and-coming town that’s fast becoming an in-demand area to live, especially for professionals and young families. Prestwich is a bustling northern town with a thriving local economy, with excellent transport links into the heart of Manchester. There are green spaces on its doorstep too including Heaton Park – Manchester’s biggest park.

 

Altrincham

Situated eight miles to the south of the city centre, and on the very edge of Greater Manchester, Altrincham is a popular suburb with a bustling market town atmosphere and top-rated schools. 

Altrincham Market and the adjacent Market House have become renowned foodie destinations, attracting visitors from across the region. Excellent transport links, including the Metrolink tram, make commuting to the city centre quick and easy. 

If you decide to live a little further out of the city centre, across Greater Manchester, you can still experience the best of the city due to the great transport links on offer. You’ll get a quieter pace of life with the countryside on your doorstep too. 

At Wain Homes, our developments in Greater Manchester are in locations including Denton, Hyde, Leigh, Carrington and Lowton.

Manchester is a city that truly has it all – from its rich culture and history to great schools and green spaces. A home in Manchester enables you to make the most of this world-famous city, whilst enjoying an excellent standard of living.

Take a look at our new build homes in and around Manchester to find out if we’ve got the ideal new home for you.