- Plan your move early – Set a moving date if you can, create a moving checklist, and book your removals to Greater Manchester in advance. Start looking for schools and plan ahead for pets if you need to at this point.
- Declutter & pack smart – Sort through belongings, donate what you don’t need. Doing this early means you'll streamline packing and your overall move cost will be cheaper - fewer items means less space needed in the moving van and easier unpacking. Pack efficiently in sturdy boxes. Our guide to choosing the right boxes has all the information you need. Remember to label boxes clearly and leave your most important items for last.
- Arrange Utilities & Address Changes – Set up internet, gas, and electricity at your new home and update your address with banks, GP, and subscriptions. Cancel your old council tax and TV Licence accounts and register your new address.
- Secure Reliable Transport – Choose a trusted house removal service by asking for recommendations from friends and family or doing your own research online. Always remember to read reviews to avoid scams. Using a highly rated service like ours can take a lot of the stress of searching off your shoulders.
Your Complete Guide to Moving to Manchester
Considering a move to Manchester? This guide offers valuable tips on choosing the right area to live, exploring job opportunities, and packing efficiently to make your transition seamless.
Written by Liz
Updated 1 day ago
Updated 1 day ago
Manchester stands out as one of the UK’s most exciting and budget-friendly cities to live in. With its lively blend of culture, opportunities, and a strong sense of community, it’s no wonder the city continues to grow year on year. Whether you’re attracted by job prospects, its world-class universities, or just the fun, vibrant lifestyle, Manchester just might be the perfect place for you to call home.
In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about moving to Manchester. We'll discuss how to decide where to live in Manchester, understand job opportunities, and provide tips for simplifying your moving preparation, finding the right removal company to help.
Why is Manchester Such a Good Place to Live?
Manchester is one of the UK’s most exciting and affordable cities, offering culture, opportunities, and great community. With a growing job market, top universities, and vibrant lifestyle, many even are moving from London to Manchester for lower costs without sacrificing careers or social life.
According to the 2021 census, Manchester's population increased by nearly 10% from 2011 and is continuing to grow. So, whether you’re looking for a new start as a young professional or moving with your family, relocating to Manchester offers a combination of opportunities, affordability, and culture that’s hard to beat.
One of the city's major advantages is its low cost of living which is significantly below that of many other large cities in the UK. Since it ranks in the top 15 most affordable cities in the UK it's no wonder people are considering making the move to Manchester from London and other more expensive cities.
What really makes Manchester special is the variety of experiences it offers. It has a lively arts community, an iconic music scene, and a vibrant nightlife with fantastics bars and restaurants to rival any other major city. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy premier football matches, while nature lovers have easy access to the stunning Peak and Lake Districts.
What are the best places to live in Manchester?
Manchester has a variety of great areas to live in, each offering something unique. The Northern Quarter is perfect for those who love a vibrant, artistic vibe with trendy bars, plenty of co-working spaces, independent shops, and street art. If you prefer a quieter, leafy environment, Chorlton offers a laid-back atmosphere with cafes, green spaces, and a strong sense of community. Didsbury, known for its beautiful homes and excellent schools, is ideal for families. For a more city-centre feel, Ancoats has benefited from recent development and blends modern apartments with Manchester’s rich industrial history.
Fallowfield and Withington are popular with Manchester’s many students and young professionals thanks to affordable rents, proximity to the University of Manchester and a busy social scene.
A Brief Guide to the Manchester Property Market
Finding affordable property in Manchester is easier than you might think, with plenty of options to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Whether you prefer a trendy city-centre apartment or a family-friendly home in the suburbs, there’s something for everyone. Plus, rent and house prices are below the UK average—and far more affordable than in London.
Manchester's housing market has seen steady growth, with the average house price currently around £245,000, and average rents are around £1300/month, but house prices vary by property type and area.
Average House Prices in Manchester by Type
| Property Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Detached | £450,000 |
| Semi-detached | £305,052 |
| Terraced | £249,415 |
| Flats | £211,614 |
(Source Office for National Statistics)
Average House Prices in Popular Manchester Areas
| Area | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Didsbury | £340,000 |
| Northern Quarter | £230,000 |
| Salford Quays | £258,000 |
| Chorlton | £265,000 |
| Sale | £280,000 |
| Heaton Moor | £320,000 |
| Ancoats | £245,000 |
| Castlefield | £275,000 |
(Source Upstix)
Websites like Rightmove are excellent for browsing rental listings and comparing prcies before settling on an local agency to help with your search. Once you've found your place, it's time to sign your lease agreement and make sure you're clear on terms like the duration, deposit, and any maintenance responsibilities.
Job Opportunities in Manchester
Manchester ranks as one of the best cities for new graduates, offering a strong job market and a higher purchasing power compared to salary.
Manchester’s media and tech scene is growing, with MediaCityUK at Salford Quays home to big names like the BBC and ITV, plus a growing number of tech start-ups. There are plenty of opportunities in software development, production, and digital marketing. Enterprise City , in the business district, is another hotspot for both start-ups and established companies. If you’re thinking of starting a business, Manchester has many co-working spaces and support to help turn ideas into reality.
Thanks to Manchester's growing population, the city's construction and property markets are expanding as well, creating jobs in engineering, urban planning, development and real estate.
What You Need to Know Before Moving
Public Transport in Manchester
Getting around Manchester is easy with its well-connected public transport system of buses, trams, and trains. The Bee Network is Manchester’s new integrated transport system which connects buses, trams, walking, and cycling into a seamless network across Greater Manchester. Launched in 2023, it aims to bring locally controlled, affordable, and more reliable public transport, similar to London’s TFL system.
Greater Manchester’s train options include Northern Rail for regional routes, as well as National Rail services from to cities like London. Local trains also run between Greater Manchester train stations like Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria, and Deansgate, connecting neighbourhoods and nearby towns.
Parking and Permits
If you're moving to a permit zone, you'll need to apply for a resident parking permit to avoid any fines. Manchester’s Clean Air Plan does not currently include a Clean Air Zone charge, but it’s best to check with the council to make sure you meet emission standards in case this changes in the future.
Education and Schools
Moving to Manchester with school-age children, whether Manchester Schools Admissions page to apply for a school place. Research schools early and plan a visit, if possible, to make sure the school is right for your needs. When filling in the form online, you can apply for up to 6 schools, but be sure to check school catchment areas and eligibility criteria. Make sure you do this early, as soon as you know you are moving, so that you have a higher chance of getting the school you want.
Practical Steps for Planning Your Move to Manchester
Ready to start planning your Manchester move? It might feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into simple steps makes all the difference.
If you need more detailed help for your Manchester removal, our tips and guides have a wealth of information to help you figure out what to do.
Find the Best Company for Your Manchester Move
As a 5-star rated removal company, we handle house moves anywhere across the UK with care, offering a cost-effective and hassle-free solution—even for long-distance relocations. Whether you're heading to the vibrant Northern Quarter, the leafy streets of Didsbury, or any area of Manchester, our experienced team ensures a smooth move with great communication from our UK-based customer service team. No matter where your journey begins, Find My Man and Van ensures an easy, affordable, and hassle-free move. Get your free quote and book online today!