A table of the most liveable cities in the world was published the other month and included was a startling fact, detailing that Manchester was ahead of London by a remarkable 13 places. There were many factors that contributed to the survey, with security and other elements that you may not consider when looking at the best place to be, but the survey speaks volumes and goes to show how far Manchester has come over the last decade or so. City centres are now amongst the most desirable places to live, and Manchester with its old industrial buildings has captured the imagination, with affordability levels helping the drive towards populating the centre of this now flourishing metropolis.
Aside from conversions of existing buildings, we are also seeing developers build new apartment blocks to compliment the older style properties, many with commercial units at their base. Restaurants, bars and smart continental style cafes are also popping up to give the area a buzz and a more European feel, bringing to life a new cool scene that young professionals and new buyers alike love. A generation is now able to enjoy city centre living at it’s best.
Why has Manchester flourished? With this new trend and a more buoyant regional economy, the North West and it’s cities are now flooded with a wealth of buyers from London and the South who have moved North with the BBC and associated industries, also with a strong student population with a high retention rate for those graduating wanting to live in Manchester. The booming economy has now provided the higher paid jobs they need and with it a young workforce who can afford to live in the city centre, and enjoy all the advantages that bring. It seems that this trend is set to continue with the regeneration and gentrification of once rough areas bringing a new prosperity to this great city, which is well and truly on the world map!
