Areas and suburbs in Manchester

The best places to live in Manchester

A vibrant city brimming with opportunities, Manchester has an area or suburb to meet the needs of every type of new arrival. From laid-back family neighbourhoods to buzzing business centres, everyone is catered to. A major bonus is the city's extensive public transport system, which makes commuting a breeze from most places.

Here are some of the most popular neighbourhoods in Manchester.

Neighbourhoods for professional folks 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 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 accessible by tram, bus and rail links.

Levenshulme

Levenshulme is an up-and-coming area located 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 several shops, cafés and restaurants adding local spice to the area.

Chorlton

Those who choose to live in Chorlton will have plenty of choices regarding 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 getting into the city centre relatively straightforward. 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 city’s edge. 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 here. 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 families and younger couples. A variety of accommodation is available in Didsbury, from modern apartment living to large Victorian family homes. 

The many bars and restaurants make this an excellent 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 numerous 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 wealthiest residents. Properties here are large and often come with gardens, which is excellent 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, where several local festivals and events occur. The commute into town from Altrincham is fast thanks to good transport links.