Manchester is a Centre for Arts and Culture

With museums and galleries that are second to none, Manchester has a wealth of history on display. From the recently refurbished Whitworth Art Gallery on Oxford Road, and the Imperial War Museum North, to the Museum of Science and Industry and the People's History Museum (plus more), Manchester has history covered.

Theatre and the arts have been allowed thrive here in the beating heart of Manchester. Along with the amazing HOME arts centre, the city is also about to get a brand-new £110m arts space at Old Granada Studios, that is planned for opening in 2019. This will be the venue for the biennial Manchester International Festival, with a diverse programme of theatre, dance, music and much more planned.

Did we mention Football

With two of the best football clubs in the world, in Manchester United and Manchester City, it can be a difficult decision which to support. Even if you are not a fan of the footie, Manchester has been left with some superb sporting facilities since hosting the Commonwealth Games. This is the home of world-class facilities such as the Manchester Aquatics Centre, Regional Athletics Arena, National Squash Centre and Manchester Velodrome. Something sporty for everyone? We think so!

Don't forget the cricket! Manchester is also home to one of England?s most notable test venues at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground.

Great schools and Universities

Manchester University has a world-class reputation and holds more than 80,000 students. In fact, this is home to one of the largest university populations in Europe. The university has produced no less than 25 Nobel Prize winners over time among its staff and students. The third-highest after Oxford and Cambridge. The city is also home to two other very well respected educational establishments with the Manchester Metropolitan University and Salford University.

Lower Cost of Living

Family life can seem much more rich and of a higher quality living in Manchester rather than down south in London. Wages stretch further in Manchester, and this can be blessing for families with tight budgets.

For those in the housing market, average house prices in Manchester are four times lower than that in London. Yet the average salary in London is only about a third higher than Manchester. You do the maths!

Retail or Countryside Therapy

Shopping. You either love it or loath it. For those who love it, Manchester is a shopper's paradise. There are plenty of designer shops to be found around the New Cathedral Street area, but if vintage boutiques are more your thing, then head to the Northern Quarter where you can find a whole treasure trove of boutiques, record stores, and shops with plenty of personality. Don't forget that Manchester is also home to one of the largest shopping centres in Europe with the Trafford Centre.

If you fancy an escape to the country, then you will be pleased to hear that Manchester has the vast beauty of the Peak District on the doorstep. The Lake District is not to far away either, so it is easy to escape for a long weekend without having to travel far. But if you fancy staying closer to home, there are lots of scenic parks and gardens to stroll through or enjoy a picnic. Look out for Heaton Park with its sprawling 600-acre estate land.