Moving To Manchester
If you're one of many Manchester house movers thinking of moving to a different area of Manchester, this in-depth guide has you covered.
Known as ‘the powerhouse of the north of England’, Manchester is one of the largest UK cities and offers huge opportunities in a diverse job sector, as well as an incredibly rich culture with a multitude of activities for you to try.
Between 2013 and 2014, 68,000 people moved from London to Manchester, due to the high cost of living and the poorer quality of life. Rising house prices would indicate this trend might continue, so this week, we have created a guide for anyone thinking of living in Manchester, outlining everything from the job sector, popular places to visit, to the cost of living and what to expect from the weather.
Facts and Figures
- Average house price (rent): £1,160 per month
- Average flat price (rent): £630 per month
- Average cost of meal: £10
- Average cost of pint: £3
- Average wages: £524.90 per week
Where to Live in Manchester
Although rents in Manchester may be slightly higher than in other cities, if you are moving to Manchester from London, you could end up paying half of your London rent for a larger flat or house in a better location.
Vibrant and Social
If you're looking for a busy, vibrant style of life, there are a few areas to look into. Castlefield is a bustling area with waterfront bars and a thriving social scene. Fallowfield is a thriving area and is hugely popular among students and young professionals.
Quieter Options
If you are looking to commute, Sale and Prestwich are good options. These areas are barely 5 a minute's commute from the city centre but are quieter with open and accessible green spaces. This is not something you would find just outside most city centres! With well-stocked amenities and a large choice of shops, these are a great option for families and those looking to settle down.
First Time Buyers
If you're buying your first home then you should consider areas like Salford and Moston and other areas of Greater Manchester which are very affordable.
Cost of Living in Manchester
We look at the average cost of renting and buying a house in these popular Manchester areas.
| Area | Rent Per Month (3 Bedrooms)* | Price to Buy** |
|---|---|---|
| Castlefield | £1,189 | £215,879 |
| Fallowfield | £995 | £196,968 |
| Sale | £959 | £310,136 |
| Prestwich | £786 | £229,399 |
| Salford | £1,064 | £164,074 |
| Moston | £680 | £123,659 |
Transport in and Around Manchester
Manchester’s transport system features regular bus and tram services throughout the city. For a monthly ticket, it costs £46 for local transport.
If you have just moved to Manchester, it is likely you will be visiting the city centre at some point, so you will probably have to use the trams. You need to know the difference between pedestrian-only and shared-pedestrian tram pavements.
Manchester also has the Metrolink, a light rail system operating through Greater Manchester from the north in Bury to the south in Altrincham. The Metrolink’s ticket purchasing system is incredibly user friendly. It auto-completes the name of your station, is available in several languages, and can be paid for using your card or cash.
The only issue is that you cannot buy a ticket on the tram – it has to be bought on the platform.
The city’s location is also favourable as it gives you fast and easy access to London and every other major UK city.
Things to See and Do in Manchester
When you move to Manchester, you will find that it offers a range of activities for you to enjoy at an affordable price. In general, for meals out, it usually costs £10 per person. A beer usually costs £3 per pint, and a glass of wine would cost £3.50.
If you have just arrived in Manchester, there are certain places you should definitely visit to immerse yourself in the culture.
The Northern Quarter
This trendy area is especially popular amongst students. It’s famous for its independent retailers, beer houses, bars, clubs and coffee shops. If you’re looking for cheap food, this is the place to go!
Curry Mile
Named, unsurprisingly, after the mile-long stretch of curry houses, take aways and kebab shops on Wilmslow Road to Rusholme in South Manchester, you have to pay this place a visit!
The Trafford Centre
Whether you are a fan of shopping or not, once you move to Manchester, a visit to The Trafford Centre is mandatory. The décor will be enough to convince you of its greatness, with Greek, Roman and Egyptian civilizations showcased, making it look more like a museum and gallery than a shopping centre.
The Trafford Centre boasts tons of restaurants with food from around the world, and if you are on a day out with children, you can visit Legoland and the Sea Life Aquatic Centre.
Visit the Museums
Manchester has so many museums to choose from, and visiting them would be a great way to spend the day and soak up the culture, especially when the weather isn’t great (a regular occurrence in Manchester!).
Luckily, a lot of these museums have free entry, including:
- The Lowry (for art and entertainment)
- Museum of Science & Industry
- National Football Museum
- People’s History Museum
- The Manchester Museum
- The Manchester Art Gallery
- The Whitworth Art Gallery
Visit the Countryside
As varied as the city is and all the activities it offers, the surrounding countryside is definitely worth a visit. The Peak District is less than an hour away from Manchester (by car). If you’re feeling adventurous, you can cycle, go horse riding, climb or walk around there.
Manchester's Famous Weather
If you’re moving to Manchester from a relatively sunny place, you should be aware that it rains. A lot. The best chance of sun would be in the summer months of June, July and August with a maximum temperature of between 19 and 20 degrees, but it’s always a good idea to keep an umbrella on your person.
In the winter months, you can expect some snow, with the coldest temperatures between 2 and 3 degrees, in November, December and January.
So, if you are considering moving to Manchester, it can offer you a rich and diverse job sector, along with fun and cultural activities to keep you entertained at an affordable price. Compared to London, the cost of living is much cheaper, especially considering the location and size of the properties. Once you master the transport system, you will feel right at home!
When you plan your move, make sure you use our house removal quote form to save up to 70% on your removal costs.
