Relocating to a new city can be both exhilarating and daunting. Manchester, with its vibrant culture, rich history, and thriving job market, stands as a beacon of opportunity for those seeking a fresh start. This blog gives you an insight into what it's like in Manchester and includes the diverse range of happenings, opportunities and lifestyles it offers for everyone.
Before making the leap, it's crucial to research Manchester's neighbourhoods and evaluate which area will suit you the best. There are so many diverse options within Manchester ranging from trendy City Centre locations such as Ancoats and Northern Quarter, to family-friendly suburbs like Didsbury, Chorlton and Altrincham. You can even opt for waterside living within the city in Castlefield, New Islington, and Salford Quays. Not forgetting to mention Stockport, which was recently named one of the best places to live in the UK by The Times and is only a 7-minute train journey to the city centre!
Once you've identified your preferred neighbourhood, the next step is finding suitable accommodation. Whether you're looking to rent a flat, buy a house, or join a house share, Manchester's Real Estate market offers plenty of options. Websites like ours; Northern Group, Rightmove, Zoopla, and SpareRoom are ideal for finding your perfect home in Manchester. The average house price in Manchester is currently £245,000, and for first-time buyers is £225,000. The average rent per month in Manchester for any property to rent is currently £1,150.
Wherever you decide to live within Manchester, it is guaranteed to be easily accessible with the extensive public transportation network, including the largest tram system in the UK, The Manchester Metrolink, making it quick, easy, and economically friendly to get around. Purchasing a Metrolink pass, and/or a bike is a great idea when moving to Manchester to enable you to explore, commute and easily access key destinations without the expense of a car.
Manchester’s diverse population welcomes newcomers with open arms and there is a range of things you can do to emerge yourself within the community. There are many local clubs, sports teams, volunteer organisations and places to go that enable you to meet like-minded people and make new meaningful connections within the very social atmosphere of Manchester.
The city is brimming with a wide range of events all year round, catering to diverse tastes and interests. The renowned Manchester music scene maintains its iconic reputation year on year by hosting some of the biggest artists in the world and supporting local and up and coming talent. With the recent opening of the UK's largest arena, Co-Op Live, there will be even more concerts and events than ever. The Co-Op Live just adds to the long list of impressive live music venues including The Albert Hall, The Ritz, O2 Apollo, Castlefield Bowl, Manchester Academy, plus many more! Not to mention, the music festivals that take place throughout the summer, including Parklife, Hide & Seek, & Green Island Festival.
If museums, exhibitions, and theatre are your thing, Manchester hosts many of these! A few exhibitions of recent include the world renowned, Van Gogh: The immersive experience, The Art of Banksy Exhibition and Yayoi Kusama: You, Me and the Balloons. Beloved theatre productions that have been showcased in Manchester include Sister Act, Wizard of Oz, Moulin Rouge, The Book of Morman to name a few! The collection of museums in Manchester is also impressive, with the likes of The Imperial War Museum, People’s History Museum & The National Football Museum to name just a few that make a great day out.
Sports, in particular football, are huge in Manchester and it is home to two of the biggest football clubs in the world, Manchester United & Manchester City, which draws fans from around the globe to witness the teams play in some of the biggest matches in football history. Beyond football, Manchester offers a range of activities to get involved in across the city, with numerous Gyms, Yoga & Pilates Studios, Running Clubs and Sports Centres there is something to suit every interest and skill level. Padel, a rapidly growing sport worldwide, has also found its place in Manchester's vibrant sports scene. Manchester boasts several venues where enthusiasts can enjoy playing Padel, whether they're seasoned players or newcomers to the sport looking to try something new. These venues offer state of the art facilities, including indoor and outdoor courts, coaching programs, and social events. The North's Largest Padel Facility is set to open in Trafford, offering a premier destination for players of all levels to enjoy this dynamic and exhilarating sport.
In addition, the restaurants and bars in Manchester are highly regarded with not only residents of the city, but all over the UK and beyond. According to the Manchester Evening News, ‘Manchester is in the midst of a restaurant boom - with more places to eat than ever before.’ Manchester’s independent restaurant scene is outstanding and is a testament to the city's dynamic cultural and creative charm. From quirky cafes tucked away in narrow streets such as Takk Coffee, to vibrant food halls including Mackie Mayor and the wine-lead rooftops like Climat, independent eateries flourish in every corner of Manchester, offering unique experiences with personality.
In particular, Ancoats is a hub for independent businesses and was recently named one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in the world by Time Out. The once-industrial landscape is now a thriving culinary and creative hub located in the city centre next to the Northern Quarter and only a 15-minute walk to Manchester Piccadilly and Victoria train stations. Derelict mills have been converted into stylish apartments and creative studios, while dingy back streets have been transformed with artisan shops, craft beer bars and exceptional intimate dining destinations. If you’re looking for prime location city centre living with a neighbourhood vibe, this is the place for you.
On the outskirts of the bustling city centre, there is easy access to a range of city-escapes, thanks to Manchester being surrounded by beautiful countryside, including the famously stunning Peak District. There are scenic hikes, quaint villages, lakes, rivers and waterfalls to explore whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Manchester’s surrounding countryside can provide it all. Even within the City Centre, there are a range of outdoor spaces to experience and utilise, such as Philips Park, Peel Park, Castlefield Viaduct, Mayfield Park and New Islington Marina. Not to mention, the numerous large parks in Stockport, Chorlton, Didsbury, Reddish, Hale and many more. Manchester’s impressive nearby green spaces are a huge advantage to living here as it enables the balance of a vibrant city life with times of tranquillity, rejuvenation, and exploring nature, supporting a healthier mind and body.
To add to Manchester's appeal, its business landscape is thriving and is a prime environment for entrepreneurial endeavours and career growth. The city's dynamic economy has become a magnet for start-ups and established firms due to a supportive business ecosystem and the ever-improving reputation of Manchester within business. With a steady influx of new businesses setting up shop in Manchester, opportunities abound for job seekers across all industries. Whether in finance, technology, creative sectors, or beyond, the city offers a diverse range of career pathways and prospects for ambitious professionals.
Networking events, workshops, panel talks etc are widely embraced in Manchester within all industries, offering great opportunities for professionals to showcase their expertise, learn from others, and stay up to date with industry trends. These events not only provide a forum for professional growth but also contribute to the city's vibrant business community, driving innovation, collaboration, and economic growth.
Co-working spaces have become very popular in Manchester and provide numerous benefits to work life in Manchester for individuals and businesses that utilise them. Full of creatives, entrepreneurs, freelancers, start-ups and established companies, co-working spaces can be an inspiring environment to work, network and enjoy. We firmly believe that the right working environment is where businesses and individuals flourish.
Find out about our sister companies coworking spaces and events: https://colonyco.work/events/
Relocating to Manchester is an opportunity to embark on a new chapter and embrace life in a thriving and exciting city with huge amounts to offer, promising an unparalleled quality of life for those who choose to call it home. Whether you're drawn to its iconic music scene, diverse neighbourhoods, or thriving business industry, Manchester has something for everyone, so come and experience the magic of Manchester!
If you need any help with relocating to Manchester and assistance finding your dream home in Manchester City Centre’s most prime locations, please get in touch with our friendly team and we will be happy to help you on your journey to Manchester living.
Phone: 0161 974 3232
Email: enquiries@northerngroup.co.uk
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