Fancy living in the city? If you’re used to suburban or rural areas, you may want to learn more about city life in Manchester. From better job opportunities to vibrant communities, there are plenty of advantages of city living.
Manchester offers more affordable real estate than other big cities, such as London or Edinburgh. It also offers plenty of green spaces in and around the city. There’s a high pace of change here, with huge amounts of investment and regeneration. It’s a great place to experience urban life at its finest.
So, you’re considering living in Manchester, or another major city. To help you make your decision, here’s our round-up of the top advantages of urban living.
Career and educational prospects
For professionals and students alike, moving to a city can feel like a must. Manchester is home to some of the world’s largest companies. It’s common for many businesses to base themselves in or around large towns or cities. This gives them access to infrastructure as well as a wide talent pool. Urban job seekers will typically benefit from this, with a wider selection of high-quality roles.
Similarly, city universities offer accessible and exciting educational prospects. There’s plenty of opportunity for those looking to grow and develop amongst the inspiring hustle and bustle of the city. With the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University in the heart of the city, there’s a thriving student community.
Better transportation systems
From the renowned London Underground to Manchester’s mighty Metrolink. Urban areas are often blessed with superior transport systems than their rural counterparts. Regular and affordable public transportation options will give you easy access to amenities.
One of the main advantages of living in the city is being able to cut down on the daily commute. Often, city dwellers give up their cars, preferring to hop on their bike or simply walk to their destination. With most places only a stone’s throw away, it’s a great way to keep your transport expenses down.
Manchester’s location and smaller city-centre size mean there are green spaces in abundance. A quick train journey can see you hiking in the Peak District or Lake District national parks. This offers a perfect respite from the hectic pace of life that comes with urban living.
Shop ‘til you drop
Cities offer unmatched convenience. You could be shopping for groceries or your next clothing haul. Either way, you’re usually no more than a short walk or ride away from your next dose of retail therapy.
You’ll find shops of all shapes and sizes lining city streets. Many of these have longer opening hours than the national average. This means you can get hold of what you want, when you want. No more getting caught out without milk for your morning brew!
One of the advantages of city living in Manchester is its wide selection of stores, from the vast Trafford Centre to the ultra-hip vintage stores of the Northern Quarter.
Diverse communities
Usually broken up into districts or boroughs, big cities cater to the individuality of their residents. In Manchester, for example, the creative and bohemian Northern Quarter rubs shoulders with the distinctively cool, old industrial district, Ancoats. With a social scene for everyone, you’ll never be too far from like-minded individuals.
Cities are melting pots of different cultures. Manchester offers plenty of opportunities for meeting new people from a diversity of backgrounds and life experiences. Living in the city exposes you to new people, traditions, cultural and authentic culinary experiences.
Countless entertainment and dining options
There’s almost no end to the number of restaurants, bars, clubs and cafés at your doorstep. Whether it’s checking out what’s happening at your local craft brewery or hunting down the best taco in town. City dining options are almost limitless.
Amongst the typical chain restaurants and coffee shops, you’ll find a variety of independent businesses. These establishments offer exciting and original culinary delights.
In Manchester, there’s something for everyone. You can dine like royalty at Manchester’s first Michelin starred restaurant, Mana. Or, head a few minutes down the road for a spot of cheesy indulgence at Northern Soul Grilled Cheese.
You’ll also find numerous delivery services on hand. These services will deliver food from around the world, the only drawback is deciding what to order!
In a similar way, you’ll also never get bored with the array of entertainment venues and cultural events. You can soak in the culture at the local theatre. Peruse art galleries. Burn the midnight oil at your favourite nightclub. City life is never a dull life.