Local area guide

Living in Manchester

Manchester is the ultimate urban playground: a city that pulses with culture, history and endless possibilities.

Your guide to moving to Manchester

Why Manchester is a good place to live

Manchester is a great place to live for people from all walks of life, with its magnetic charm and a lifestyle that's as diverse as it is dynamic.

This is a city with a unique spirit: resilient, creative, inclusive and fiercely proud. Living in Manchester inspires energy and innovation through a diverse tapestry of cultures and the warmth of the local people.

The city centre is alive with a kaleidoscope of shops, restaurants, cultural venues and buzzing nightlife. For families, Manchester boasts a wealth of educational options while its commitment to safety fosters a sense of belonging.

The city's strategic location makes for easy access to other parts of the North West, although we're not sure you'll feel the need to leave.

What is Manchester famous for?

Part of what makes Manchester an exciting place to live is its achievements across a range of domains: from its architecture to its industrial heritage.

Manchester is particularly famous for its music scene. The 'Madchester' movement emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, giving birth to iconic bands like The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays and Oasis. This cultural revolution resonated far beyond the city's boundaries.

Things to do in Manchester

Explore Manchester's rich industrial history at the Science and Industry Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into Manchester's role in the Industrial Revolution.

Football is a way of life in Manchester, so soak up the atmosphere and history with a stadium tour or a match at Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium.

While away the afternoon on the lively streets of the Northern Quarter, a hub of creativity and culture where you'll find eclectic shops, street art and trendy cafes.

Manchester's world-renowned food and drink scene offers diverse flavours and exciting experiences, from Michelin-starred restaurants to gastro pubs and cocktail bars.

Average asking prices in Manchester today

We update our average asking prices daily with data from millions of properties for sale.

Terraced

Avg. asking price

£232,500

592 properties for sale

Detached

Avg. asking price

£400,000

603 properties for sale

Semi-detached

Avg. asking price

£300,000

1042 properties for sale

Flats

Avg. asking price

£240,000

1915 properties for sale

Properties currently for sale in Manchester

Whether you're after a family home or a beautiful apartment, we've got you covered.

See all properties for sale in Manchester

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Local pubs in Manchester

In partnership with
useyourlocal
  • Town Hall Tavern

    Manchester, Lancashire, M2

    Venue serving real ales and classic pub grub, hosting occasional live music and pub theatre.

  • Piccolino Caffé Grande

    Manchester, M2

    Upscale chain restaurant with a contemporary interior & a menu of classic Italian specialties.

  • Salt Dog Slim's

    Manchester, M2

    Steins, brines & good times. Emporium of world beers, bespoke cocktails and American style chilli dogs.

  • Bank

    Manchester, Lancashire, M2

    This pub is in one of the most culturally and historically important buildings in Manchester. The Portico Library still survives upstairs. A traditional pub of unique character, revered for its eclectic range of real ales and its quality pub food.

  • Waterhouse

    Manchester, Lancashire, M2

    Traditional pub in red brick building, with pavement tables, serving real ales and all-day pub grub.

Transport in Manchester

Trains

Manchester has a well-connected rail network with frequent services from its major stations: Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria and Manchester Oxford Road. Liverpool is approximately 30 minutes away, Leeds takes about an hour and Birmingham can be reached in around 1.5 hours.

Trams

The Metrolink tram system is a great way to get around Greater Manchester, with key stops at St Peter's Square, Piccadilly Gardens and Deansgate-Castlefield.

Buses

Manchester has an extensive bus network operated by different companies. Frequent services connect to nearby towns and cities including Bolton, Stockport and Wigan.

Park and Ride

Park and Ride services from Ashton Moss and Sale Water Park offer a convenient way to access the city centre without the hassle of parking. They're located on the city's outskirts and connected to the tram network.

Car

Manchester is well-connected by road with the M60 orbital motorway encircling the city and the M56, M62 and M67 heading outwards. Traffic means travel times can vary but Liverpool is approximately 45 minutes away, Sheffield is about an hour's drive and Leeds takes around 1.5 hours.

Airports

Manchester Airport is located just outside the city, with travel times ranging from 20 to 30 minutes by train or car from the centre. It serves as a major international gateway with worldwide flights to major European cities, the USA and Asia.

Transport connections in Manchester

Manchester Oxford Road
National Rail
0.5 miles / 0.8 km
Manchester Victoria
National Rail
0.5 miles / 0.8 km
Salford Central
National Rail
0.5 miles / 0.8 km
Deansgate
National Rail
0.6 miles / 1.0 km
Manchester Piccadilly
National Rail
0.6 miles / 1.0 km
Ardwick
National Rail
1.3 miles / 2.1 km

Schools in Manchester

Manchester offers a wide array of primary and secondary schools, including academies, grammar schools and faith-based institutions, providing parents with great choice. Notable schools in the area include Manchester Grammar School, a prestigious boys' school renowned for academic excellence, and Loreto College, a highly regarded sixth-form college.

The University of Manchester is consistently ranked among the top institutions globally and is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation. Manchester Metropolitan University, with its innovative courses and vibrant campus life, also attracts students from around the world.

Schools in Manchester

Abbey College Manchester
Ages: 14 - 23 years old
Chetham's School of Music
Ages: 8 - 19 years old
King of Kings
Ages: 3 - 18 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2019)
Co-Op Academy New Islington
Ages: 4 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (2015)
St Philip's Church of England Primary School
Ages: 4 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2023)
The Cathedral School of St Peter and St John RC Primary
Ages: 3 - 11 years old
Ofsted Rating: Good (2022)