Moving to Manchester

[alfie333]

Hi everyone

I am considering moving from Hampshire to Manchester, among other reasons because of the huge difference in the cost of housing and cost of living generally (my income won't change and may actually increase slightly).

If anyone lives in or near Manchester any advice on:
- Do you enjoy the city or not (and why)
- Any areas you would particularly recommend or avoid

Thanks in advance!

[Manchester]

As my username suggests, I know a fair bit about Manchester.

I think it's the best place to live in the UK.   There's loads to do, good infrastructure, a booming economy, and the people are very friendly compared to London.

A lot depends on your budget and lifestyle.  'Manchester' is huge so there are so many different areas to suit different types of lifestyles.  If you let me know I'll give you some places to look at.

[Albatross]

As my username suggests, I know a fair bit about Manchester.

I'm planning on moving to the UK and have also heard good things about Manchester, but also (it seems to be fairly frequent now) I see news about violent crime. Is it just the papers? Do you feel like you can walk around safely without really thinking about crime, or do you always have one eye over your shoulder? Sorry if it's a bit of a silly question as I appreciate there are 'good' and 'bad' areas, but if you could give a general feel sort of answer that would be much appreciated.

FYI my friend lives in Manchester and says walking around he doesn't feel anything out of the ordinary, but he also doesn't feel like he could just let his guard down. TIA.

[former player]

Violence that is bad enough to make the papers very often revolves around drugs and drug gangs.  Don't do drugs or get involved in a drugs gang and you will be very unlucky to be personally affected.

My preference for a big city that is cheaper to live in than the south would be Birmingham, but Manchester is a valid option.

[MisterA]

Manchester? it rains a lot, or that's what they say anyway.

I really like Manchester, it's a nice city. There's good night life, the architecture is interesting and well laid out, public transport is good, it's 'central' and well connected (motorways, trains and airport). We also visit Liverpool and Leeds, but I prefer Manchester. And the mayor (Andy Burnham) is very proactive.

I'd live there.

[MisterA]

And decent football.

"Manchester named most liveable city in UK for ninth consecutive year"
https://mancunion.com/2019/09/13/manchester-named-most-liveable-city-in-uk-for-ninth-consecutive-year/

"The city has held this title every year since The Economist first released it’s ‘Global Liveability Index’ back in 2011. Out of the group of 140 cities, Manchester ranked 38th in the world, whilst London placed at just 48th globally."

[Manchester]

As my username suggests, I know a fair bit about Manchester.

I'm planning on moving to the UK and have also heard good things about Manchester, but also (it seems to be fairly frequent now) I see news about violent crime. Is it just the papers? Do you feel like you can walk around safely without really thinking about crime, or do you always have one eye over your shoulder? Sorry if it's a bit of a silly question as I appreciate there are 'good' and 'bad' areas, but if you could give a general feel sort of answer that would be much appreciated.

FYI my friend lives in Manchester and says walking around he doesn't feel anything out of the ordinary, but he also doesn't feel like he could just let his guard down. TIA.

I'd say it's similar to pretty much every other city in the UK.  I feel very safe here - but I wouldn't go walking alone in the middle of Moss Side at 2am.  I'm always aware of my surroundings, especially at night when people have been drinking.  But I would be if I visited any other place (not just a major city).

I might be biased, but I'm sure it's common knowledge in the UK that Northerners (particularly Mancunians) are quite welcoming and warm.  That's my experience.  If you're looking for a good time here, you'll have one.  If you're looking for trouble, you'll find it.

[Manchester]

And decent football.

"Manchester named most liveable city in UK for ninth consecutive year"
https://mancunion.com/2019/09/13/manchester-named-most-liveable-city-in-uk-for-ninth-consecutive-year/

"The city has held this title every year since The Economist first released it’s ‘Global Liveability Index’ back in 2011. Out of the group of 140 cities, Manchester ranked 38th in the world, whilst London placed at just 48th globally."

There's only one decent football team in Manchester and they play in Blue! ;)

[Manchester]

Violence that is bad enough to make the papers very often revolves around drugs and drug gangs.  Don't do drugs or get involved in a drugs gang and you will be very unlucky to be personally affected.

My preference for a big city that is cheaper to live in than the south would be Birmingham, but Manchester is a valid option.

This is bang-on.  It's a safe place (as long as you aren't selling heroin on Piccadilly gardens at 2 am).

[MisterA]

There's only one decent football team in Manchester and they play in Blue! ;)

No problems with a side hustle for you, you're a great comedian.

[alfie333]

As my username suggests, I know a fair bit about Manchester.

I think it's the best place to live in the UK.   There's loads to do, good infrastructure, a booming economy, and the people are very friendly compared to London.

A lot depends on your budget and lifestyle.  'Manchester' is huge so there are so many different areas to suit different types of lifestyles.  If you let me know I'll give you some places to look at.

Thanks! Budget for housing about £300K (but happy to spend less if it makes sense).  Lifestyle-wise, like the outdoors, martial arts, not really into nightlife. I'd be working in the city centre and also travel to London fairly regularly so somewhere vaguely near a train line would be handy.

[TacheTastic]

As someone who relocates every now and then on barely more than a whim, be aware that it takes time and effort to build a new social circle. It is also much easier if you are prepared to spend a little money on it. I moved to my new area in January, and to help me meet new people I have joined a craft group and I also go to a group surfing lesson. I don't need surf or craft lessons, but making friends is about time with people. One of my brilliant friends from York made a very insightful comment that the really good friends come not always because you just click, but from spending loads of time together. You need a fair few nights in the pub after your activity to make enough of a bond to then move onto other activities or low-cost stuff like coffees at home. 

Otherwise, move up north. It's ace. :)

[MisterA]

I have joined a craft group and I also go to a group surfing lesson.

A disadvantage? Not many surfing opportunities in Manchester ;-)

[TacheTastic]

I have joined a craft group and I also go to a group surfing lesson.

A disadvantage? Not many surfing opportunities in Manchester ;-)

Admittedly this would be a disadvantage of Manchester, but only if you want to surf. This is why I do not live in the centre of the country. :)