Areas and suburbs in Manchester

The best places to live in Manchester

The population of Manchester is still quite young and, as such, there's no specific area in which new arrivals tend to reside. That said, there are plenty of suitable neighbourhoods in Manchester and the surrounding suburbs to meet the needs of every type of new arrival. Thanks to Manchester's extensive public transport system, commuting into the city centre is possible from most neighbourhoods.

Here are some of the most popular neighbourhoods in Manchester.

Neighbourhoods for professional folk in Manchester

Deansgate

Deansgate is a vibrant area in the city centre. The area is home to a large number of young professional executives who value living close to their workplace and having easy access to the Manchester’s bars, clubs and shopping facilities. Accommodation in Deansgate generally comes in the form of modern, luxury apartments. Thanks to its prime location, getting around is easy with tram, bus and rail links available.

Levenshulme

Levenshulme is an up-and-coming area that lies southeast of Manchester city centre. Thanks to good rail links and access to bus services, this is an ideal area from which to commute. Stockport Road runs through the heart of Levenshulme and here one can clearly see the influence of Manchester’s Indian and Pakistani communities, with a number of shops, cafés and restaurants adding local spice to the area.

Chorlton

Those who opt to live in Chorlton will have plenty of choice when it comes to modern housing and city-style apartments. This suburb boasts its very own ‘town centre' where one can find supermarkets, a local leisure centre, a library and a park. Chorlton is becoming increasingly popular with a fashionable crowd who enjoy frequenting the area's unique bars and quirky cafés.

Salford Quays

The number of quayside developments and loft-style apartments in Manchester has grown markedly in recent years. While waterside luxury-living complexes are what attract wealthy residents to the area, those looking for a little more space will still find historic terraces in Salford Quays. The area is well served by trams and buses, and expats will find it quite straightforward to get into the city centre. Salford has a lively nightlife scene, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area as well.

Castlefield

This is a relaxed area located on the basin of the Bridgewater Canal, making it the perfect spot for those keen on waterside living on the edge of the city. Expats will find a wide choice of accommodation here, including conversions, older developments and modern buildings. This part of Manchester is particularly historic and residents can still see the ruins of the Roman fort. Castlefield has its fair share of bars and restaurants, so residents won’t have to wander far for an evening out.

Family-friendly neighbourhoods in Manchester

Burnage

Burnage is a popular area for those looking for a family home with a reasonable commute into the city centre. Properties in the area are generally semi-detached with gardens, which is ideal for families with children. There are also several schools in the area. Burnage has its own train station and good road links, which make getting around easy.

Didsbury

Located south of the city centre, Didsbury is a trendy area popular with both younger couples and families. A variety of accommodation is available in Didsbury, from modern apartment living to large Victorian family homes. The many bars and restaurants make this is great area for those who enjoy a night on the town. At the same time, there are plenty of green spaces and Didsbury's proximity to a number of good schools makes it an option well worth considering for expat families. Didsbury is well connected by rail and bus transport, which makes getting around exceedingly easy.

Wilmslow

Wilmslow is known for its upmarket lifestyle and is home to some of Manchester’s richest residents. Properties here are large and often come with gardens, which is great for those relocating with children. Another draw for families is the many good schools in Wilmslow. The area is full of unique boutiques, cafés and restaurants. One of the major hooks of Wilmslow is that it maintains a community feel, which makes it popular with young couples and families.  

Altrincham

Another popular area with families is Altrincham, home to a number of good state schools. Properties tend to be large Victorian family homes. Residents enjoy a great sense of community in Altrincham with a number of local festivals and events taking place. The commute into town from Altrincham is fast thanks to good transport links.