Uncovering The Best Places To Live In Manchester Uk | Where Are Safest And Dangerous Areas In Manchester?

Manchester is one of the most famous cities in the UK, better known for its rich history, culture, and plenty of opportunities for work and leisure.

A number of firsts have been made there, from being the first industrialised city in the world to opening the first inter-urban railway line in 1830, the Liverpool and Manchester Railway.

Manchester Town Hall from Lloyd St

Nowadays, the city is more famous for its exciting nightlife, love for football, contemporary art, and the coolest British bands.

In fact, it was one of the 53 best cities in the world in 2022 according to Time Out and was also named the second friendliest city in the UK by the 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Considering all this, living in Manchester seems an exciting and plausible option. However, as with any city, it is important to consider the safety and security of the area and other factors such as the cost of living and access to healthcare.

In this article, we will uncover the best places to live in Manchester while taking into account factors to consider, from best places for families to the safest and most dangerous areas.

If you are thinking about moving to Manchester UK, read on to discover the top places to live there. In summary, this article explains:

  • The Crime Rate in Manchester UK
  • The Dangerous Areas and Safe Areas in Manchester UK
  • The Best Areas for Families in Manchester UK
  • How to Find the Best Place to Live in Manchester UK
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Manchester UK

The Crime Rate in Manchester UK

Manchester is under the responsibility of the Greater Manchester Police.

The crime rate per neighbourhood in Manchester is yet to be determined since the Greater Manchester Police have not been able to provide data when the new IT system was launched in July 2019 according to the gov.uk.

However, you can get information on crime data via ONS’ Crime in England and Wales: year ending June 2022 or Police and Crime Annual Report

According to the crime rate data 2022 by the Police.UK, Manchester has a crime rate of 169.37.

Manchester has the highest crime rate out of all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester.

Here is a list of crime rates to give you an idea of how high it is compared to other boroughs of Greater Manchester.

  • Trafford – 83.69
  • Stockport – 88.24
  • Bury – 110.20
  • Wigan – 113.14
  • Tameside – 119.14
  • Salford – 122.99
  • Oldham – 124.72
  • Bolton – 127.03
  • Rochdale – 130.80
  • Manchester – 169.37

The Dangerous Areas and Safe Areas in Manchester UK

Crime can happen anywhere and anytime, even at the smallest percentage and in the safest areas.

With that said, crime is unavoidable and you cannot completely avoid an area based on crime rates.

However, it is good to know about areas in Manchester that are considered safer than others.

Moreover, knowing the dangerous parts of Manchester can help you prepare and be more vigilant should you pass through or live in those areas.

You can find more information about each neighbourhood under Greater Manchester Police via Police.UK.

Without further ado, here are the safest and most dangerous areas in Manchester.

The Safest Areas in Manchester UK

Manchester has several safer areas to live in, whether you are a working professional or a family with children.

One of the safest areas to check out is Didsbury, a family-friendly suburb south of Manchester City Centre.

It is a leafy suburb best known for its Victorian houses, beautiful greenery, and excellent school choices.

Close to Didsbury is Chorlton, a safe and quiet suburb just about three to four miles away from Manchester City Centre.

The area offers a laid back atmosphere, but housing prices are a bit higher than in other areas.

The average housing price in Chorlton is approximately £335,000.

Another safe part of Manchester is Castlefield, despite being near the City Centre.

It is a conservation area loved for its historic buildings and restored 19th-century warehouses and canals.

Trendy bars and restaurants, live music events, and charming canals make it a great place to live.

The Most Dangerous Areas in Manchester UK

Manchester City Centre is often referred to as a dangerous city based on anti-statistic social behaviour and violent crimes.

Moreover, the area is known for rampant burglaries, car theft, and muggings. It is highly advisable to avoid walking alone at night here and use public transport instead.

As some people consider, the inner city is one of the roughest areas of Manchester. The areas to stay alert are Longsight, Moss Side, Rusholme, and Fallowfield.

Moss Side has one of the highest crime rates, which involves stabbings and shootings.

Moreover, it has been widely known by many to be a hotspot for gang violence and poverty.

While Victoria Park is not the safest place, it is still generally safe for working professionals as long as they practise safety measures.

Fallowfield is fairly safe; however, it is best to steer away from the area or take extra precautions, as burglaries and petty crimes are common here.

The Best Areas for Families in Manchester UK

Manchester has several family-friendly neighbourhoods, including Didsbury, Chorltonville, and Withington.

Families with children can rely on Didsbury for education as it is home to seven primary schools, two state comprehensive secondary schools, and The Manchester College.

It is also abundant in green spaces for a day in nature with the family, such as the 21-acre Fletcher Moss Botanical Garden, Didsbury Park, and Marie Louise Gardens, to name a few.

Marie Louise Gardens

Marie Louise Gardens

Chorltonville is a leafy village comprising 262 houses on 12 roads. It is an estate loved for its beautiful planned houses, affordable prices, and plenty of outdoor spaces.

It is located in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, a suburb filled with amenities for sports and recreation and home to secondary schools such as Loreto High School, CHS South, and Chorlton High School.

Another suburb for families is Withington, about four miles from Manchester City Centre. It is a preferred location for those looking to commute easily to Manchester City Centre for work.

Moreover, it offers a tight-knit community vibe with its quiet cobbled terraced roads and several sights to explore, including Hough End Hall, St Paul’s Parish Church, and Scala Cinema.

How to Find the Best Place to Live in Manchester UK

Midland Hotel Manchester

Finding the best place to live in Manchester requires a bit of research and weighing the pros and cons.

It also depends on your personal preferences or your wants and needs. Here are some ways to help you decide on the best place to live in Manchester.

1. Research on the safest areas based on crime statistics.

Having a sense of security is one of the most important deciding factors when it comes to moving to a new area.

Check out the crime rate and safety rankings of the area you intend to live in before making any decisions.

2. Assess your career options and employment opportunities in the area.

Find out which major industries are available in the area, how much the average salary is, as well as what kinds of jobs are available based on your skill level.

If you are hoping for a long-term career or career growth, you need to know what the job market is like.

3. Check if you have access to healthcare.

Keeping your health in mind is also important, so the area you want to live in needs to have access to medical care and your insurance coverage should be available to use in case of an emergency.

Find out if there are any healthcare services available in your area, from small clinics to large hospitals.

You can also look into government and community health programs and centres as well.

4. Research the cost of living and assess.

Know how much it costs to live there. Compute all possible expenses, such as rent, food, transportation, taxes, and healthcare.

Your salary should be sufficient to support your daily expenses based on the cost and your average monthly income.

5. Explore options for education.

It is also imperative that you consider the quality of educational facilities for children and adults.

Moreover, it is always a good idea to have a school close to where you want to live so that it’s easier to reach.

6. Discover which places of interest are available.

It is important that you find a city that is equipped with recreational opportunities, including green parks, rivers, gyms, hobby studios, and shopping centres.

The area’s cultural offerings go beyond museums, art galleries, festivals, historical landmarks, and community events.

Keep in mind that having the opportunity to relax and do hobbies can potentially improve one’s quality of life.

7. Make sure there are transportation options in the area.

The public transportation system should make it convenient for you to travel around and get to your destination.

Find out what transportation options are available in the area, such as trains, railways, and buses.

You might want to check out bike lanes and walk paths to see how accessible an area is.

8. Finally, make sure the weather suits you.

One of the things to consider is the climate. Whether you want warm and sunny weather or a cool and snowy climate is a matter of personal preference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Manchester UK

What are the best hospitals in Manchester UK for healthcare?

Some of the best-reviewed hospitals in Manchester are Withington Community Hospital in West Didsbury, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Withington, and Old Saint Mary’s Hospital in Oxford Rd.

What are the top attractions in Manchester UK to visit?

Manchester has several attractions for all kinds of interests. It is the perfect place for history lovers, art enthusiasts, and sports buffs. Don’t forget to visit these top attractions:

What industries are prominent in Manchester UK?

The economy of Manchester thrives in a variety of industries, including advanced manufacturing, financial, digital and creative, and commercial.

It has one of the largest economies in the UK and is home to large employers such as 2ergo, AstraZeneca, Barclays, and Co-operative Group, to name a few.

What is the cost of living in Manchester UK?

There are several factors that determine the cost of living in Manchester, including housing, transportation, and lifestyle.

According to Numbeo’s Cost of Living data, a family of four living in Manchester would need about £2,496 a month and a single person would need about £727 a month, both excluding rent.

Compared to the cost of living in London, consumer prices in Manchester are about 3.5% lower than in London, whereas rent prices in Manchester are about 8.8% lower than in London.

What public transportation can I ride in Manchester UK?

There are several transportation options to help you travel around Manchester.

You can hop on a free bus provided by Transport for Greater Manchester or the commercial buses for single journeys capped at £2 for adults.

Trams are also available with frequent services for easy travel, which are operated by the Metrolink.

You can also ride the rail network trains and travel within the 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester.

Aside from public transportation, you can also use your bike and ride in bike-friendly areas.

Use the cycling routes provided by TfGM for a smooth ride.

The Bottom Line

Whatever your preferences or priorities may be, Manchester can accommodate your needs.

The city has a wide network of transportation, vast job opportunities, and quality education.

There will always be pros and cons to each area, so it’s important to understand what factors you’re willing to consider.

As a final note, no matter where you live, practice safety measures that will deter crime and criminals.

Simple measures include locking your doors and windows, letting others know where you are, and avoiding walking alone at night can help.

In case you’re interested in other UK locations, Winterville has several guides to check out.

You can compare Manchester with other best places to live in the UK if you are still not sure if Manchester is the right place for you. You may find these guides useful:

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