Manchester is one of the UK’s most exciting cities, offering a diverse range of neighbourhoods to suit every lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for vibrant city living, waterside views, or suburban charm, there’s a perfect place for you. Here’s our local guide to the best neighbourhoods to rent in Manchester to help you find your next home.
Ancoats - The Trendiest Place to Live
Once an industrial hub, Ancoats has transformed into one of Manchester’s most desirable neighbourhoods. Packed with independent coffee shops, award-winning restaurants, and stylish apartments, it offers an unbeatable blend of culture and convenience. With its strong sense of community and direct access to the city centre, neighbouring the quirky Northern Quarter and tranquil New Islington, it’s a top choice for young professionals and creatives.
The rental options in Ancoats are as diverse as the neighbourhood itself. From converted old mills featuring stunning exposed brick and original beams to sleek, modern new-build apartments designed for convenience and contemporary living, there’s something to suit every taste. Ancoats is also home to modern houses and iconic Victorian terraced homes, perfect for those looking for a blend of historic character and urban living.
Northern Group played a pivotal role in Ancoats' transformation. With a deep respect for Ancoats' history, we have been at the forefront of developing home & commercial units, that breathed new life into the area. Our developments in Ancoats include Flint Glass Wharf, One Silk Street, Jactin House & Ice Plant that feature trendy apartments many of the community call home as well as being home to some of Manchester’s favourite independent businesses, including Companio Bakery, Elnecot, Counter House, Antonnaci’s, Seven Brothers and Northern Lights. These developments have helped to establish Ancoats as one of Manchester’s most sought-after neighbourhoods, attracting young professionals, creatives, and families alike. Neighbouring our developments are a huge range of other commercial offerings from Michelin Star restaurant Mana, to thriving small businesses such as Flat Baker.
Northern Quarter - The Creative Heart of Manchester
If you love street art, live music, and quirky bars, the Northern Quarter is the place for you. This area is known for its independent boutiques, vintage shops, and buzzing nightlife. Renting here means living at the heart of Manchester’s creative scene and is conveniently in walking distance for almost anywhere in Manchester City Centre, as well as having transport links such as Tram and Bus stops and Picadilly and Victoria station close by, you can easily explore lots of areas of Manchester.
Accommodation in the Northern Quarter is as unique as the neighbourhood itself. You’ll find quirky loft apartments with exposed brickwork and original features, stylish studios perfect for young professionals, and converted warehouses that blend industrial charm with modern facilities. There are also contemporary apartment blocks that offer sleek, modern living while still being immersed in the area's artistic energy.
The Quarters, a modern development with 100 stunning, spacious apartments, is block-managed by Northern Group and features four communal roof terraces in the heart of Northern Quarter. With ground-floor retail including Companio Bakery, Federation Gym, and Sainsbury’s Local as well as being a stones throw from so many local favourites such as brunch spots Ezra and Gil, Federal and Foundation Coffee House and live music bars Affleck and Brown, Castle Hotel, and The Freemount, it offers convenient city-centre living with a vibrant community feel.
New Islington - Waterside Living in the City
Located next to Ancoats, New Islington combines city convenience with peaceful waterside living. It’s an amazing area to experience the vibrant city a stone’s throw away, but also have green spaces and a marina on the doorstep to enjoy a quieter living area. With trendy cafes and bars along the canals, it’s the perfect blend of vibrancy and serenity.
Similarly to Ancoats, the accommodation options include modern waterside apartments and converted old mills but is slightly further from the Northern Quarter and areas of the City Centre, however, is slightly closer to Picadilly train station. New Islington also has its own tram stop, so is a great location if you need public transport often, and to get from one area of the city to another.
Castlefield - Historic Charm Meets Modern Living
Another location in Manchester that offers Canalside living is, Castlefield. Next to Deansgate, Castlefield offers a slightly more chilled and scenic living, along The Bridgewater Canal. And with Castlefield Urban Heritage Park and Castlefield Viaduct in the area there’s beautiful places to discover on your doorstep. Within walking distance along Bridgewater canal, there’s also Hulme Park for longer walks, cycling and outdoor activities! With its scenic canals, converted warehouses, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s perfect for renters looking for a quieter, scenic location within walking distance of Deansgate, the city centre and green areas.
Deansgate - The Heart of Manchester City Centre
If you want to be at the centre of it all, Deansgate is the place to be. Known for its vibrant nightlife and excellent transport links, it’s an ideal location for professionals who work in the city. With access to top restaurants, bars, and shopping destinations, Deansgate offers an exciting, urban lifestyle. Nearby is St Ann’s Square, which boasts more shops and cafes, and you’ll come across The Royal Exchange Theatre – one of Manchester’s most iconic buildings. There’s also the National Football Museum and The Opera House which are great experiences. Deansgate really has things to do for a range of different people.
Green space nearby include St. Johns Garden, a welcoming, safe and well-maintained park, that many residents use for picnics and sunbathing in the summer months or are nice to include in a city run or walk route.
Homes in Deansgate are mostly modern flats and apartments, a lot of them within stunning old heritage buildings with some options of luxury high-rise developments that feature gyms, concierge services, communal areas, and balconies with views over the city, adding luxury and convenience! The area’s prices are some of the most expensive in the city, and the population tends to be young professionals.
Spinningfields - Manchester’s Financial and Entertainment Hub
Located next to Deansgate, Spinningfields is Manchester’s premier financial district, home to more than 165 businesses. Spinningfields boasts some of Manchester’s finest dining and entertainment options, including 20 Stories, The Ivy, and Australasia, alongside stylish bars and boutique retail stores. This modern and thriving area is great for professionals looking for stylish, modern apartments in a lively yet sophisticated environment. There’s also green spaces like Hardman Square and Spinningfields Square perfect for socialising or some down-time in the spring and summer months.
The accommodation in Spinningfields includes apartments in buildings with concierge services, state-of-the-art amenities, and stunning cityscape views. This modern and thriving area is great for professionals looking for stylish, modern apartments, studios and penthouses in a lively yet sophisticated environment in the heart of Manchester.
Oxford Road – The centre of Manchester’s academic and cultural scene
Living on Oxford Road means being at the heart of Manchester’s academic and cultural scene. Home to university campuses, entertainment venues, and a range of dining options. It’s ideal for students and young professionals who want to be close to work, lectures, libraries, and transport links. Oxford Road Train Station, tram stops, Manchester Central Coach Station, and multiple bus routes make getting around the city incredibly easy.
The Oxford Road Corridor is one of the most important economic areas in Greater Manchester, generating £3 billion in Gross Value Added annually and providing more than 70,000 jobs. It also contains one of the largest higher-education campuses in the UK, with nearly 75,000 students studying at Manchester Metropolitan University, The Royal Northern College of Music and prestigious Russell Group University, The University of Manchester.
Green Spaces in the area include All Saints Park as part of the University’s campus, Brunswick Park which features a number of places to eat and drink, as well as Symphony Park, the city’s largest new park with shops, restaurants, bars and cafes, providing a community feel.
Accommodation options in the area range from student accommodation to luxury high-rise developments, as well as affordable shared houses and stylish studio flats, making it a convenient and exciting place to live.
Miles Platting - Affordable and Up-and-Coming
For those seeking affordability close to the city centre, Miles Platting is a fantastic option. With ongoing regeneration projects and new residential developments, this area is attracting more renters looking for great value while staying within easy reach of Ancoats and New Islington. With Philips Park, Co-Op Live, Etihad Campus, Sport centres including the Tennis & Football Centre and The National Squash Centre, there’s lots of activities to enjoy in the area, perfect for families.
Accommodation options are mainly houses suitable for families or couples and friends renting together that are looking for a more homely feel and more space. Northern Group are one of the only licensed agents in the area, so if you’re looking to live here then keep an eye out for our residential offerings in Miles Platting and Platting Village!
Stockport - A Growing Hotspot for Renters
Named one of the best up and coming areas in 2022, Stockport has gone from strength to strength due to the development of the area and its community spirit. With a new interchange featuring a rooftop park, neighbourhoods Stockport 8 and Weir Mill located by the historical and iconic viaduct coming soon, as well as being home to an array of independents and brimming events calendar including Foodie Friday, the south Manchester town is quickly becoming a very sought-after rental location.
With more people choosing to move here for its affordability and access to both Manchester and the Peak District, as well as its own rural areas, it’s a great option for couples looking to escape the city but still have lots going on or families looking for value for money and lots of things to do.
Salford - Riverside Living
Just across the River Irwell from Manchester city centre lies Salford, an area that has seen significant regeneration over the last couple of decades but has still managed to maintain its history. Salford Quays and Media City are major modern attractions for people living and visiting Manchester and the side closer to the city centre features the popular road, Chapel Street that combines historic buildings converted into stylish homes, cafes and restaurants. As well as Salford Cathedral, The University of Salford, The Working Class Movement Library and Salford’s first 5 star hotel, The Lowry Hotel. Green space includes one of the largest nearby to Manchester city centre, Peel Park, which spans 65 acres, with activities, events and relaxation for the local community and visitors.
Salford offers a wide range of homes including traditional and modern houses as well are stylish apartments. There are many modern high-rise developments with stunning views over the city, particularly in Media City and Salford Quays. Generally, Salford homes are slightly cheaper than homes compared to Manchester city centre and allows you to get a little more for your money! A great option for young professionals wanting to live nearby to the city, and for those working in Media City or on Salford Quays – an area that provides many jobs for those in the Media or Entertainment industry.
Trafford - Family-Friendly and Well-Connected
The home of Manchester United Football Club, Emirates Old Trafford and The Trafford Centre, the largest shopping centre in the UK, the area is internationally recognised. However, residents know it for much more than this. Trafford boasts history and heritage with the historic Manchester Ship Canal, Imperial War Museum, and over 200 listed buildings, including the beautiful 18th-century Dunham Massey, and is home to many outstanding nature reserves. Highlighting the natural beauty and countryside near Trafford, Sale Water Park includes an incredible 52-acre lake which is also the site of the Broad Ees Dole wildlife refuge.
Trafford has an array of entertainment, as well as neighbouring Urmston, Altrincham and Sales, popular areas with many things to do and experience. With top-rated schools, green spaces, and fantastic transport links, Trafford is a perfect spot for families and professionals and has a range of different homes available.
Picadilly Basin & Picadilly East – Conveniently located
Piccadilly Basin is a lovely area that offer canal side living in the heart of Manchester. Along Rochdale Canal, it anchors the southern margin of the Northern Quarter and links through to Ancoats, ideally located just a few minutes’ walk to Manchester’s Piccadilly Train Station. With a community feel, it is a stunning residential area that is pleasant even just to include on your walk routes around the city and leads to Castlefield if you continue to walk along the Rochdale Canal.
Neighbouring Piccadilly Basin is the newly developed Picadilly East. The once unloved area just behind Piccadilly Station, has developed rapidly over the past couple of years, catching national attention as the next up-and-coming neighbourhood for people to put down roots due to a huge restoration of The Crusader, a 200-year-old mill. Over 200 loft-style apartments were created into stylish homes featuring exposed brick with a communal garden adding to the community vibe. Northern Group are proud to be managing multiple properties in the development.
Chorlton - Quirky Suburban Community
Just south of the city, Chorlton is known for its community vibe and amazing independent cafes and restaurants. It’s popular with families, young professionals, and creatives who like to be nearby larger green spaces such as Chorlton Water Park and Longford Park while still having easy access to the city centre through Manchester’s Tram system, The Bee Network.
Didsbury – Vibrant Village Vibes
Split into East Didsbury and West Didsbury, this area is renowned for its Victorian houses, trendy brunch spots, and great pubs. It’s a favourite for young professionals and families looking for a balance between city access and a suburban feel with plenty of parks to enjoy walks, jogs and picnics in the warmer months.
Which Manchester Neighbourhood is Right for You?
Whether you want to be in the heart of the action or prefer a quieter, community-driven area, Manchester has a rental neighbourhood to suit every lifestyle. At Northern Group, we offer a range of high-quality rental properties across the city, from trendy apartments in Ancoats to family homes in Miles Platting and beyond.
Looking for your next home? Explore our available properties or get in touch with our expert team today:
📞 0161 974 3232
📧 enquiries@northerngroup.co.uk
🌍 www. northerngroup.co.uk/search/residential/
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