Manchester: the UK’s Most Metro City

Manchester is the UK’s third largest city, and following the decline in heavy industry in the 1980s, it transformed into a trendy, bustling metropolis with an a popular nightclub scene. If you’re moving to Manchester, you’ll be faced with whether to settle in the north, south or center, depending on where you work and what your living requirements are.

Popular city areas are the Deansgate Locks near the Deansgate and Oxford Road stations, which is also home to a large number of upmarket bars and restaurants. Castle field is a greener spot, bordered by the Bridgewater and Rochdale Canals, and popular among those who enjoy its large outdoor areas.

In the south is the home of the red devils in Old Trafford, and the suburban borough of Bowden, while heading further south are Rusholme and Withington, which are popular among students of the University of Manchester. Upmarket Trafford, in which larger homes and luxury apartments can be found, is in suburbs such as Stretford, Altrincham and Hale Barns.

As Manchester has increased in size, so the outlying areas have grown into popular suburban hamlets, conveniently located on the arterial routes of the city. Trendy cafes and boutique stores have sprung up to serve modern apartment buildings that stand alongside more traditional houses. In the south, Chorlton and Didsbury are a good choice, while a few miles north of the center, Whitefield and Prestwich have a buzzing collection of restaurants and bars.