Manchester is a vibrant and exciting city with something for everyone. The city has it all, whether you’re looking for a thriving arts and culture scene, world-class sporting events, or simply a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
That said, there are a few things you need to know before moving to the big city. That way, you’ll build realistic expectations and prepare yourself for the big change in your life.
So, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to living in Manchester. Below, we’ll get into more detail as to what you can expect in terms of quality of life, things you can do in the city, and some of the costs you might expect when you actually move in. The worst thing you can do is move to a different city with zero preparation, so make sure you read this article until the end.
Living in Manchester – What It’s Like
Manchester is one of England’s oldest cities with a rich and vibrant history that you can definitely see even in the present day. You won’t run out of places and activities to do, which is part of what makes Manchester special. Whether you’re a sports fan, an art enthusiast, or a budding young professional, Manchester has it all, and a lot of it.
The beauty of Manchester is that you get the best of both worlds. If you’re looking to stay with the trends and experience hip and modern amenities, the Northern Quarter has what you need. But if you want the convenience of living close to the city but want more space and clean air to yourself, Trafford and Salford Quays could be the perfect location for your needs.
With an active airport, tons of shopping and entertainment centres, and a constant stream of job opportunities, it’s easy to see why more and more people (especially young ones) are making the move to this city.
Things to Do in Manchester
The “Rainy City” is everything you’d expect from a modern UK city, with tons of job opportunities, shopping centres, entertainment options, schools, you name it. One thing you can assure yourself when you move to Manchester is that you won’t run out of things to do. This is one of the UK cities where you’ll never get bored, no matter what your interests are.
To start, Manchester is home to some of Europe’s most popular sports teams (Manchester United and Manchester City). So, if you’re a football, rugby, cricket, or even cycling fan, you’ll find world-class athletes showcasing their talents right in the heart of Manchester.
But that isn’t all that Manchester has to offer.
Another crucial quality of Manchester is that it’s a very diverse city. Here, you’ll find people from a variety of cultures and walks of life. That’s why it’s so fun to immerse yourself in the Manchester community, as you’ll always learn something new when you meet new people.
As a melting pot, Manchester also has many arts and entertainment options. If you’re into art and entertainment as a whole, you should definitely head to the Lowry, Manchester Opera House, or O2 Apollo to watch a concert or theatre show (there’s one almost every single week). Alternatively, you can check out the local pubs and bars for homegrown musicians showcasing their talent and original art.
If you’re in Manchester and are looking for a vibrant nightlife, you’re definitely at the right place. With a thriving young population, Manchester has lots of bars, pubs, clubs, and many more nightlife options to keep you entertained. Whether you’re looking to party away the weekend in clubs or just have a chilled night out with your buddies at a classy bar, Manchester is a great city for you.
Even if Manchester has so many things to offer, especially in terms of entertainment, there’s a lot to consider before moving to the city. Remember – this is a major UK city, so the cost of living can be a bit high compared to other parts of the country.
That’s why it’s crucial to research the technicalities, costs, and logistics of moving to Manchester before you start looking at the property market (whether your plans are to rent or buy). But don’t worry – we’ll get into all of that and more in the next section!
Moving to Manchester – What You Need to Know
When moving to a different city, there are many things that you should consider. This is especially true if you’re moving to a major hub like Manchester, which is known as the London of the North. As a hustling and vibrant city, the cost of living can be quite high, especially if you aren’t used to big city prices.
While this shouldn’t discourage you from moving to Manchester, it’s best to understand these costs before moving. That way, you can financially prepare yourself to comfortably move to the city without running into that many problems along the way.
The Cost of Living in Manchester
To start, you can expect the cost of living in Manchester to be higher than most areas in the UK. This is because there’s a ton of demand for living here, and as a result, the overall cost of living is higher (rent, utilities, food, and so on).,
That said, Manchester is far from the UK’s most expensive city. Cities like London are notorious for their ridiculous cost of living. This is about what is expected from the country’s capital. But if you’re looking for a big city living that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, Manchester is a great option for you.
Studies show that the Manchester cost of living is about 30% lower than that of London. So, while you’ll be spending more in Manchester than you would if you were living in one of the local towns like Wirral, it still isn’t as expensive as other major cities in the country.
That said, you still get all the benefits of living in the big city, such as a living arts and culture scene, shopping centres, job opportunities, and a vibrant culture that could be the change you need in your life.
Average Property Prices in Manchester
The average property price for the whole city of Manchester (including Greater Manchester) is £302,396. When compared to London’s £716,000 – Manchester suddenly becomes a whole lot more appealing.
That said, not all prices in Manchester are equal and if you were to buy, the cost of your property will vary depending on its location, size, and type of property. If you’re one of the many first time buyers looking to secure a property in the Northern Quarter, expect to pay upwards of a few hundred thousand pounds. For that money, you can buy a pretty decent house in Wigan or any other Greater Manchester town or village.
When it comes to rental prices, the Manchester average is £1,079. One person studios can be around £700 while more high-end apartments in new developments can be in the area of £1,200 – £1,800. It’s worth noting that these price ranges are also for properties in the best areas to live in Manchester. The great thing about this city is that prices are varied, and there’s a high chance that no matter what your budget is, you’ll find something that works for you.
Average Bills Prices in Manchester
For a 915-square-foot apartment in Manchester, the average cost of utilities is around £145 per month. In London, a similar property would cost around £174 per month for utilities. This gives you a bit more breathing room when it comes to finances, which is why Manchester can be a very attractive option.
One big expense when living in the UK is the council tax. In Manchester, depending on where you live, expect to pay an average of £150 to £200 per month.
Tens of thousands of people from all over the UK and abroad move and make Manchester their home each year. It’s a vibrant city that’s full of life. So, rest assured you won’t get bored, regardless of the activities that you’re into.
If you’re looking to rent, there’s a ton of possibilities for you. And if you’re looking to buy, you won’t struggle with finding a property you’ll like. If you have the financial means to invest in a property such as a flat in Manchester, we’d definitely recommend you to take this step as the property market has fantastic potential. And if you ever decide to sell, you can sell your flat fast without an issue.
If you’re looking to move to Manchester and sell your current property to fund your move, we can help. First time buyers can sell their house to us, and we’ll buy it in cash, giving you everything you need to move to the big city.
So, if you want to sell your house fast and start a new life in Manchester, contact us today!
![Manchester Property Price Forecast [February Update 2023]](https://www.webuyanyhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Manchester_Process_03-e1671144248308.jpg)
