Best places to live in Manchester city centre

Ancoats

Found in the heart of the action, Ancoats is as exciting during the day as it is at night. After the collapse of the Industrial Revolution, this part of the city was left behind and rapidly decayed. Over the past five years, the council invested in a renovation project to give the area a new lease of life. The working mills have been turned into state-of-the-art apartments with excellent canalside views, and various restaurants have also opened. You’ll be pleased to know that flats here are more affordable than in other parts of the city.

Northern Quarter

Everything you need is right on your doorstep if you choose to live in this vibrant part of the city. With a host of bars, independent cafes and a constant flow of new quirky boutiques, it’s no surprise that the Northern Quarter is among Manchester’s best places to live. Despite flat prices being above the city’s average, it still attracts an eclectic mix of residents with different lifestyles and budgets.

Castlefield

Castlefield boasts a character and charm unlike any other part of the city. With its red-brick buildings and canals winding through the cobbled streets, the area is a firm favourite among first-time buyers and investors. It is within walking distance of the city centre and offers superb transport links to nearby places like Stockport and Oldham. With the new HS2 to link Manchester to the capital, more business will flood the city, with flat values only set to increase.

Deansgate

Despite flat prices being above Manchester’s average, Deansgate is a brilliant place for your move if you’d like to live in the heart of the action. It connects Castlefield in the west with NOMA and the Green Quarter to the north. It is also home to some of the most cutting-edge architecture, including the Beetham Tower and No. One Deansgate, which strongly determines property prices.

Southern Gateway

This part of Manchester offers both new build developments and conversions of some commercial buildings from the city’s cotton trading days. Thanks to its proximity to the university campus, this area is particularly popular among students and young professionals.

Manchester is a versatile city with plenty on offer. If you’d like to move here but prefer the pull of the suburb to the bustle of the city, don’t miss our Hillside Central and Hillside Heights developments in Hattersley, a short drive from the city centre.

For more information on living in Manchester or other areas of the North West, check out our North West property guide.