Moving to Manchester

Manchester is a city of contrasts. Situated in the northwest of England and in the centre of a beautiful green belt region, the city itself is a thriving urban centre of industry and innovation. Offering a brilliant quality of life, Manchester is a hive of activity, and is the ideal place to make a new start in a big city.

Living in Manchester as an expat

Home to world-renowned educational institutions and multinational businesses, Manchester offers a wealth of opportunities, whether you’re from near or far. If you’re on the hunt for work, you might find jobs in the city’s dominant industries, including financial services, creative and digital industries, and legal and business services.

Much of the city’s charisma is centred around its rich musical and sporting history. You will soon learn that locals are passionate about sports and music, with the city hosting festivals and sporting events throughout the year. Add to this the city’s vibrant culinary scene and its pulsing nightlife, and it becomes clear why the lifestyle in Manchester is such a major drawcard.

From a housing perspective, the range of available properties will meet most of your requirements, and while some parts of Manchester should be avoided, most of the city is welcoming and safe. You might choose to live in the city centre or the popular suburbs of South Manchester, each of which has a distinct character.

Even without your own vehicle, you will have easy access to the city centre and surrounds no matter where you live, as the city’s excellent public transport system offers plenty of options for getting around. You will also be covered under the UK’s respected NHS healthcare system, and several reputable hospitals are located in the city.

Cost of living in Manchester

While Manchester cannot be called ‘cheap’ on a global scale, it is far less expensive than London and numerous other large UK cities. Property is considerably cheaper in Manchester than in London, as is public transport. That said, your cost of living is largely dependent on your lifestyle. Eating out and entertainment can be costly, but Manchester does offer many fun attractions for free.

Expat families and children

There are also plenty of good local schools for you to choose from, depending on your children’s ages and whether you want them to receive a private or public education. While there aren’t any schools teaching a foreign curriculum in Manchester, a few schools offer the globally respected International Baccalaureate.

Expat families in Manchester report a good quality of life. If you have wanderlust, you’ll enjoy the city’s proximity to Europe, just a short hop away by flight. Still, even if you rarely leave Manchester, you’ll never run out of family-friendly things to do in this exciting city, from exploring its many cultural and historical attractions to attending the city’s ever-changing mix of entertainment and sporting events.

Climate in Manchester

Manchester has a temperate maritime climate. Summers are warm and winters are cool, with temperatures hovering around 42°F (6°C) in the colder months and 68°F (20°C) in the warmer summer months. Rain is common throughout the year in Manchester, while snowfall is likely on the surrounding hills.

With many job opportunities, good healthcare, public transport and schooling options, Manchester has much to offer any newcomer. The lifestyle on offer in the city is versatile, and you’ll find endless entertainment options to suit your interests.