Manchester is one of the country’s most extensive areas, catering to people of all ages and backgrounds, from young professionals and students to retired pensioners. You name it; the city tailors to it! Manchester is a cultural haven with all kinds of events, a host of entertainment activities, and world-class international cuisine to spoil you. These reasons and more make it a fantastic place to live, study and work.
TK Property Group is a property investment company based in nearby Wigan that helps source the best luxury properties for investors. Manchester is a speciality area of theirs with a diverse collection of residential developments underway as the city looks to evolve further. TK Property Group has provided us with this article looking at the best places to live in Manchester.
Why Choose Manchester?
Manchester is regarded as the unofficial capital of the north and is the central point of the Northern Powerhouse scheme. This is a diverse city that welcomes millions of international visitors from around the world each year, particularly students flocking to one of the many universities based here. Manchester has outstanding connectivity that cannot be rivalled. There are several motorways, an abundance of train stations, and Manchester Airport, all connecting the city to the United Kingdom and the world.
Manchester has an array of superb venues offering live entertainment, from dance shows and theatrical productions to opera and so forth. This is a city that thrives on a rich musical heritage. With an electric nightlife, there are multiple clubs, bars and pubs covering everyone’s tastes. As for things to do, every fun activity you could want is here, from watching the latest films to water sports, go-karting, crazy golf, and much more!
Where do we even begin with shopping? First of all, there’s Manchester Arndale, a large city-centre shopping centre home to all the biggest brands. Then you have the massive Trafford Centre which attracts people from all over the country. Last but certainly not least, there are loads of high streets bustling with big-name chains and independent shops and markets.
Of course, one of the essentials to consider when relocating is the price point. The north is still considerably cheaper than down south, both to buy a house and the cost of living. According to Rightmove, in the last year, the average price to buy a home in Manchester stands at around £248,487. In comparison, the average price in London is £787,069! Shopping for everyday items is much more affordable in Manchester, so it caters to people of all budgets. Some areas will be more expensive, which is why we’ve brought this guide to you.
Manchester’s Best Areas for Living
It’s clear that Manchester is one of the best places to live in the UK, but where in the region should you make your home? We know it can be difficult reaching a decision with so many different factors to consider. To help you out, we’ve put together a summary of some of the best places to live in Manchester, from the lively city centre to the gorgeous quiet village of Didsbury.
City Centre
It makes sense that we start with the city centre, one of the most popular choices to live! As with any city centre, Manchester city centre is the life and character of the region. You can find many of Manchester’s top destinations here, including shopping centres, restaurants and entertainment venues. The city centre easily connects with the region thanks to a large selection of transport options. The average price of a house in the city centre is £274,032, cheaper than other areas in Manchester and many comparable city centres. Ancoats Gardens is one of Manchester’s latest luxury developments. Situated on the outskirts of the city centre, Ancoats Gardens is an ideal property for tenants seeking quiet accommodation with the option of venturing into the centre with ease.
Salford
Salford is a thriving waterfront-themed area to the east of Manchester city centre. It has undergone massive regeneration within the last decade, which isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Some of the world’s biggest brands have moved their base of operations to here, including media businesses, presenting an exciting proposition for young professionals. Salford has excellent options for dining, shopping and having fun, but at the same time, it offers plenty of stunning green spaces where you can relax. The average property price is £218,404, making this the cheapest area we will mention in this guide. Salford is one of the best rising areas in Manchester, and prices are expected to grow significantly over the next few years.
Didsbury
With Didsbury, we begin to venture into Manchester’s more affluent and expensive parts. This is a vibrant town with a premium price tag, hence why it has become popular with famous millionaires such as footballers. The sought-after area of Didsbury is known for its trendy scene, gorgeous parks and posh vibe. It is close to local motorways and boasts excellent education options for your kids. The average price to buy a house in Didsbury is currently £347,386.
Sale
Sale is a historic town just 5 miles to the south-west of Manchester city centre. There are many well-performing primary and secondary schools, so Sale is an excellent place for families. A community spirit is at the very heart of Sale, with a volunteer-run festival and a brilliant arts centre. There are excellent transport links, so it’s easy to commute to other areas for work. The average house price is £344,356, making Sale more expensive than other areas of Manchester. However, as Sale is often voted one of the top 5 places to live in England, it’s a prime location for enjoying a luxury lifestyle. You can expect everything from modern terraced houses and flats to Victorian homes.
Altrincham
The market town of Altrincham is one of the most expensive places to live in Manchester with an average house price of £498,406, but it’s certainly worth it! What was once a failing high street is now a thriving upmarket town where the richest of society choose to live. You can expect trendy restaurants and bars and good connections to the city centre and Manchester Airport. Some of the best schools in the region can be found here, including Altrincham Grammar School.
Prestwich
Prestwich is one of the furthest areas in Manchester, but that doesn’t mean you should discount it as a place to live. This family-friendly town has a large park with an animal centre, pitch and putt, and adventure playground. The local tram takes you to Manchester city centre in just 20 minutes. The average house price is £277,052, making it a far more affordable option than Altrincham, Sale or Didsbury.
