Is Manchester a Good Place to Live?

When candidates ask us, “Is Manchester a good place to live?” the answer isn’t as straightforward as they might want. Like any major city, Manchester has its pros and cons, but there’s no denying it has something special.

Many of our candidates have chosen to live, build our careers, and put down roots around Greater Manchester. So, we’ve put together our own experiences to help those of you considering a move decide if Manchester is the right place for you, too.

David Berwick: “Manchester is a growing powerhouse”

“I’ve seen this city transform massively over the years,” says David Berwick, Director of Adria Solutions. “Manchester has reinvented itself into one of the UK’s strongest business and tech hubs. The skyline and opportunities are constantly evolving, from MediaCityUK and Spinningfields to the developments around Ancoats and New Islington.”

Dave points out that growth makes Manchester such a dynamic place to live and work. “You’re part of something that’s moving forward, fast.”

Nick Derham: “Manchester is experiencing a boom for IT contractors”

“IT Contractors love Manchester”, mentions Nick Derham, Adria Solutions’ Director. “I’ve worked with so many IT professionals who’ve found the contract market in Manchester booming”. The flexibility of short-term IT contracts appeals to people who want variety or are looking to sharpen their skills across different industries, from e-commerce and fintech to independent digital agencies. Manchester has them all.

Professional meetups and networking events are easy to find in Manchester, which makes it an ideal location for junior professionals looking for mentorship opportunities and IT contractors wanting to build their network locally.

Marta Rodriguez: “Manchester is a city for opportunity”

As someone who moved to the UK from Spain, Marta, our Marketing Manager, found Manchester incredibly welcoming. “It’s a city full of international talent. I’ve always felt part of a diverse and vibrant community in Salford and Manchester”.

For marketing and digital professionals from outside the UK, Manchester offers exciting career prospects without the overwhelming feel of London. “You’ll find people from all over the world here, and Mancunians are very welcoming, making it feel like home so quickly”, declares Marta, who chose Greater Manchester after reading about the BBC’s move to MediaCityUK in Salford Quays on the news.

Stuart McGill: “Manchester’s buzzing with tech opportunities”

“When it comes to businesses, Manchester is buzzing”, says specialist recruitment consultant Stuart McGill. Big players like The Hut Group, AutoTrader, Boohoo, JD-Sports, Booking.com and Co-op Digital all have strong bases here, not to mention a wave of exciting start-ups.

“The demand for digital and tech talent, whether it’s software developers, DevOps engineers, data analysts, or digital marketers, is huge. For candidates, that means choice and opportunity. For me, that’s what makes Manchester stand out as a place to grow your career”, notes Stuart.

Emma Berwick: “Manchester is far more affordable than London”

“Let’s be honest here. Manchester is far more affordable than London”, stresses Emma Berwick, specialist recruitment consultant. “You get many of the same perks: great job prospects, cultural diversity, and a buzzing city centre, but with lower rents, cheaper nights out, and a less hectic lifestyle”, declares Emma.

Ryan Davy: “Manchester’s neighbourhoods have kept their personality”

“We always tell people that Manchester is a city of villages. You’ve got Chorlton’s bohemian vibes, the Northern Quarter’s indie scene, or the Didsbury’s leafy charm”, explains Ryan Davy, Senior Recruitment Consultant at Adria.

For younger professionals, Ancoats has become super trendy, with cool restaurants and converted mills, but here it’s worth noting that gentrification has pushed prices up in some areas. “Still, whether you want the hustle of city-centre living or the calmer pace of the suburbs, there’s something for everyone”, notes Ryan.

Luke Boyle: “Manchester’s a great city for young professionals”

“Manchester is packed with things to do if you’re a young professional”, suggests Luke Boyle, who happens to be the youngest member of the Adria team and knows what he’s talking about. “Whether you’re after buzzing nightlife, indie coffee shops, or creative spaces, there’s always something happening in Manchester”, says Luke.

“You don’t feel like you’re just working all the time. And with so many different areas to explore, it’s easy to find a neighbourhood that suits your vibe, whether that’s city-centre living or somewhere a bit more chilled”, points out Luke.

So, is Manchester a good place to live then?

In short: Yes, we think it is, but like every city, Manchester isn’t perfect. While gentrification and rising rents in some neighbourhoods present a challenge for junior professionals, Greater Manchester still offers better value than many other UK cities. The career opportunities are vast, especially in tech and digital, and the sense of community here is second to none.

Whether you’re a contractor looking for your next opportunity in Manchester, a professional considering a relocation, or someone weighing up Manchester vs. London, our team and our candidates will tell you there’s no shortage of reasons to give this city a go. And when you’re ready to take the next step in your career here, the team at Adria Solutions will be more than happy to help.