When we think of UK cities, our thoughts often turn to London but, in this article, we’re going to share 10 reasons why Manchester is a great place to move to in 2022.
When it comes to great cities, we’re spoiled for choice in the UK, from the buzzing streets of London to the quaint cobbles of York. However, there’s no place quite like Manchester. It’s unique character and culture tends to attract a lot of immigrants, second to London.
While there are many great places to choose from, UK immigration lawyers may be seeing that Manchester is fast becoming a favourite destination for immigrants. Following the news that the city has been shortlisted to host the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, we’re going to share an additional 10 reasons Manchester is a great place to visit and move to.
1. Epic Music Scene
Manchester is, of course, renowned for its music scene, but there’s more to this city than Madchester and the Oasis boys. Manchester is home to a number of fantastic music venues including The Albert Hall, The 02 Ritz and Northern Quarter – a trendy, bohemian neighborhood crammed full of fantastic independent music halls and venues.
Manchester has always taken great pride in its musical heritage and music loving immigrants will never be stuck for something to do in this city.
2. Affordable Accommodation
Manchester offers a wide variety of houses and flats to rent or buy at considerably more affordable prices than London. While property in Central Manchester can be fairly pricey, once you move further afield to Manchester boroughs such as Tameside, Trafford or Oldham, family homes can be rented from around £750 per month.
3. Excellent Transport Links
Manchester enjoys great transport links including connections to other parts of the country. As well as a number of train stations and a tram line, Manchester also has a free bus service to help cut costs while making your way around the city.
4. Plenty of Bars and Restaurants
Manchester is home to some of the country’s best independent restaurants and bars, including toastie heaven, Northern Soul. Unlike many other cities, Manchester prides itself on staying away from the usual chain restaurants which can make a high street seem a little soulless.
Manchester also has 416 pubs in and around the city centre, as well as many other types of licensed premises for those who enjoy a tipple or two.
5. Excellent University Options
As well as highly rated schools, Manchester boasts a number of colleges and universities, including Manchester Metropolitan University and The University of Manchester. For immigrants coming to the UK to study, there’s plenty to choose from, including a wide range of student accommodation to help stretch budgets that little bit further.
6. Varied Employment Options
For those arriving in the UK, there are plenty of employment opportunities in Manchester. As well as plentiful work in shops, bars and restaurants, there are a number of large businesses in Manchester which offer employment including Adidas, BA Cityflyer and the BBC.
Should Manchester be successful in its bid to host next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, this will no doubt generate even more job opportunities for locals and immigrants alike.
7. Rich Northern Culture
Manchester is a culture vulture’s paradise with a large number of museums, art galleries and exhibitions. This includes the world famous The Lowry, a theatre and gallery with stunning views over Salford Quays. Manchester also boasts some stunning architecture making even just a simple walk in the city an experience.
8. Home to Sport
Manchester is host to a couple of world-famous football teams and lovers of the sport can enjoy the legendary Derby Day. Occasions when rival football teams, Manchester United and Manchester City, play against one another, bring the whole communities together.These events are so popular that even those who aren’t football fans tend to get involved.
If football’s not your thing, Manchester has plenty more to offer sports fans including rugby, water polo and cycling and is, in fact, home to the British Cycling Team.
9. Plenty of Vintage Shopping and Shopping Centers
As well as the bustling Market Street and the legendary Affleck’s Palace store, Manchester is home to a number of large shopping centers for those who enjoy a little retail therapy.
These include the Manchester Arndale Centre and the Cheetham Hill Shopping Centre, both of which combine popular high street brands with independent boutiques and stores.
10. The Gay Village
Manchester is an incredibly welcoming city regardless of colour, religion and sexuality and, as testament to this, people travel from across the globe to visit Manchester’s Gay Village – a canal side neighborhood filled with bars, clubs and restaurants frequented by the LGBTQ community.
Based around Manchester’s Canal Street, this inclusive area has some great canal side spots for a quiet lunch during the day and some wild bars and clubs during the night.
Is it time to make the move up North?
Moving to a new country can bring with it a number of challenges such as finding a job, finding somewhere affordable to live and making new friends. As great as London is, it is incredibly expensive and not known for being neighborly.
Manchester on the other hand has an awful lot going for it. As well as plentiful employment and reasonably affordable accommodation, this unique city boasts a vibrant hospitality scene as well as its famous music scene.
In addition to all of this, people in Manchester tend to be incredibly welcoming, making it easy for new arrivals to make friends and build a network as they settle into their new northern home.
