5 Underrated Best Areas to Live in Manchester

Looking for the best areas to live in Manchester? Look no further! Demand for housing in the M postcode area is on the rise, especially in the city centre, with rental prices projected to increase by around 4% by the year 2027. Many of the region’s leading postcodes offer gross rental yields exceeding 6%, making it one of the most sought-after places in the UK for buy-to-let investors as well as homeowners.

The city has plenty to offer both its residents and millions of visitors each year. So if you’re looking to move to a new place in Greater Manchester, we’ve brought you a list of some of the most exciting, promising and fruitful places to live to help you make a decision. We’ve kept our 5 best areas to live in Manchester in alphabetical order to show no favouritism! 

Bacup

Bacup is a historic mill town set against the stunning backdrop of the South Pennines. It may offer a slower pace of life with easy access to nature and the countryside, but it has bags of character. It’s also not too far away from the hustle and bustle of Manchester city centre. Other surrounding large towns, such as Burnley and Bury, are easily reached by road.

Houses for sale in Bacup often feature Victorian architecture, cobbled streets, and tight-knit communities. But new developments and small businesses around the area help to modernise the town’s feel and aesthetic. It’s a favourite among walkers, cyclists and creatives looking for open space and scenery. If you’re after countryside charm with hidden potential, Bacup is certainly one of the best areas to live in Manchester.

Burnley

Burnley is currently undergoing a transformation. Once an industrial hub, the town is now attracting attention for its regeneration projects, affordable homes and improving transport links. For example, the Manchester Road station now connects commuters to the city in under an hour. Similar to Bacup, houses for sale in Burnley are surrounded by stunning countryside and wonderful places to talk a walk. This includes Towneley Park and the Leeds–Liverpool Canal. House prices are significantly lower than the city centre and offer excellent value, especially for first time buyers and investors.

You can find a mix of period properties, new builds and traditional terraces. It’s also home to several good schools and a growing number of local businesses. For those seeking space, scenery and solid long term potential – Burnley is well worth a look!

Bury

Famous for its world-renowned markets, Bury is one of Greater Manchester’s most sought-after boroughs. It boasts excellent schools and a strong community spirit, recently showcased by the rescue and revival of Bury Football Club by a consortium of local fans. Houses for sale in Bury have the benefit of a direct Metrolink line to central Manchester and the M66 motorway close by. This provides the perfect balance between urban convenience and rural charm.

The town centre has also seen major investment in recent years, with the popular Rock shopping complex, restaurants and leisure facilities making it a lively hub. The property market is diverse, from period terraces to modern family homes. The close proximity to green belt areas like Burrs Country Park also adds to its appeal. A great all-rounder for families, professionals and investors alike, Bury is definitely one of the best areas to live in Manchester.

For more information, have a read of our other blog – The Best Places to Live in Bury.

Radcliffe

Radcliffe is a small and tight-knit community sandwiched between Bury and Bolton. It’s also a town on the rise with numerous property developments currently underway. With excellent tram links via the Metrolink and easy access to Manchester city centre, it’s a commuter’s favourite. Much more than just a commuter town though, Radcliffe offers an appealing mix of traditional terraced homes, newer developments and green open spaces. This includes the popular Outwood Country Park and nearby Moses Gate Country Park.

The town is undergoing steady regeneration, bringing in new amenities, investment and houses for sale Radcliffe. Families are drawn to its choice of schools and community feel, while first time buyers see it as a more affordable alternative to other Manchester suburbs, especially towards the south of Manchester. Radcliffe combines value for money with convenience, making it an increasingly attractive place to settle.

Ramsbottom

Looking for houses for sale Ramsbottom? We don’t blame you! This area is stylish, scenic and packed with character. This gem in Greater Manchester’s north is just a few miles from Bury and has become a hotspot for independent shops, gastropubs, artisan cafes and local festivals. This makes it especially popular with young families and professionals. This picturesque market town is surrounded by stunning countryside and offers breathtaking views across various walking trails. This includes the famous Peel Tower hike. 

Ramsbottom’s Victorian and Edwardian properties are full of charm, while newer developments provide modern alternatives. With strong schools, community spirit and easy motorway access, Ramsbottom blends rural beauty with city convenience. For this reason, it has earned its reputation as one of the best areas to live in Manchester.

Discover the best areas to live in Manchester with Jon Simon

Here at Jon Simon we believe there are a few things to note when buying a home to ensure there are no nasty surprises along the way, or after you’ve moved in. The team here are more than happy to discuss this with you, or give you some more detail about some of the best areas to live in Manchester.

Simply contact us today or send us an email at info@jonsimon.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.