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If you're thinking about purchasing or renting a house or apartment in Manchester then you'll probably be spending your time browsing articles and guides all over the internet to help you to imagine your life in Manchester and to see what others think of the city. People in Manchester are passionate about the city, and it's certainly a diverse destination with all types of people living comfortably side by side. This guide should help to dispel a few myths, and should give you a slightly better idea about what life is like in Manchester:
Where is Manchester?
Whilst you probably know that Manchester is in North West England, are you aware of the difference between Manchester and Greater Manchester? Manchester is a borough within the county of Greater Manchester which also includes Bury, Rochdale, Bolton, Stockport, Oldham, Tameside, Wigan, Trafford and Salford.
The borough of Manchester includes the city centre and surrounding areas such as Levenshulme, Wythenshawe, Harpurhey, Cheetham, Didsbury and Northenden. If you're booking property viewings with estate agents Bolton, Wigan, Rochdale and other boroughs surrounding Manchester might be even more suitable places to live, so don't forget to look further afield. With train and Metrolink networks, most parts of Greater Manchester have easy access to the city centre.
Are there plenty of shops?
There are! If you love shopping then you'll really enjoy living in Manchester. As well as your typical chain stores you'll find shops selling everything from American candy to vintage records. The Manchester Arndale shopping centre is very popular, and just around the corner you'll find Afflecks - a multi-storey building with independent retailers selling retro toys and games, alternative clothing, gadgets, gifts, body accessories and jewellery, anime goods, retro sweets and pagan and vintage items. You can even get body piercings and tattoos done on site.
If you're looking for a more mainstream shopping experience then why not drive to the Trafford Centre? There you'll find all of your favourite shops as well as the busiest cinema in the UK and the largest food court in Europe, plus a few family attractions to keep the kids happy.
Are there lots of things to do?
Attractions in Manchester include the Museum of Science and Industry, the Imperial War Museum, the Palace Theatre, the Manchester (Phones 4 U) Arena, the National Football Museum and the Manchester Opera House. That's just a small list - Manchester has many more things to do with plenty for all ages. The Printworks is a great city centre entertainment, drinking and dining destination with bars, pubs and a large cinema whilst a drive to Trafford will give you a chance to visit the Sea Life Centre, the Legoland Discovery Centre and the Chill Factore indoor ski slope.
What are Manchester property prices like?
Manchester's a big place, and so house prices and the types of property on offer will vary from place to place. In Chorlton there are some large properties with four of five bedrooms selling at prices around the £550k mark whilst in Moston and the surrounding area there are houses in need of complete renovation or plenty of TLC available for just £25k to £50k. Prices for apartments near Salford Quays and MediaCityUK start at around £85,000 whilst a nice one-bedroom apartment in the arty Northern Quarter could set you back at least £110k. Apartments in Sportcity overlooking the Etihad Campus start at around £70,000, though anyone looking to splash out might be able to purchase a luxury apartment for around £160,000 with a 24-hour concierge service.
Do you live in Manchester and have recommendations for places to live? Are you wondering where will be best for you, whether you choose to buy or rent property in the city or settle down in Bolton or Rochdale? Comment and share your thoughts.
