Living in Manchester

How would you describe life in Manchester?
Life in any Northern city can be described in many ways, by many different groups of people. There are wide varieties in the qualities of life people have through living there. Personally I have friends living in Manchester, and they cannot rate it any higher. They finished University a few years ago, and landed themselves jobs working in the center.
The nightlife is very exciting, as is the city center shopping and developments. Local amenities don't cost the earth, and the people are as friendly as they can realistically be (it is a city afterall!)

Has it been complicated to settle down, to find a job, and an accomodation?
Settling down for them wasn't an issue as they knew the area from University times. Settling in any city is hard, I've experienced this before, but with social networking websites on the rise - this is getting easier and easier. Just jump in at the deep end and hit the town.
Jobs can be found on the internet - only restaurant and pub jobs tend to be advertised locally. I'd reccommend a job search engine such as monster jobs.
Finding accommodation is really done in much the same way. Local Manchester Flats for Rent are in abundance, and many property search engines will be able to help you find your ideal home.

Is it complicated to make friends in Manchester?
Making friends in big cities should be easy! However you may find you won't casually bump into life long friends that often. Meeting a few people through work, and social networkig sites may be a way to start, or if you're confident I'd reccommend hitting the city centre, which offers a variety of bars for a variety of ages (and orientations).

What would you recommend to people who would like to live in Manchester?
I'd reccommend living in south Manchester, as the areas tend to be a little nicer on the eyes. The area is very much suburban, and crime rates are some of the lowest in the city. This also puts you within walking distance of Old Traford football stadium.
Finally I'd like to reccommend using the trams! Theyre very cheap and efficient, and connect many suburban areas with the city centre.

How would you describe life in Manchester?
Manchester is a bustling city. Loads of gigs, plays, exhibitions, a few festivals and a good choice of other activities. Lots of interesting historical sites related to the industrial revolution. Manchester moves along at a comfortable pace, and for being a big city, it's still quite affordable and unlike London, not 1 million people after your job either. Bonus. And the beer selection available at any one given point in time, is tremendous, if you know where to go.

Has it been complicated to settle down, to find a job, and an accomodation?
Accomodation, no problem. Job, no problem, though I had rather lucky circumstances. The bbc are moving up, massive development in Salford quays which should see the media sector bring some potential for work. Not so much building going on this days, but things seem to be getting a bit better. Plenty of work for less skilled positions as far as I gather.

Settling down in Manchester is just about getting with the flow of things. It really provides for most interests I would say, but there is a distinct lack of decent parks in the city centre.

Is it complicated to make friends in Manchester?
Mancunians are lovely people generally, very laid back and generally into music.

What would you recommend to people who would like to live in Manchester?
Do it. And keep an eye out on the website-
manchesterconfidential.co.uk
Avoid north Manchester and consier alternatives to town when the local derby is on, or they decide to put on big screens with football in Piccadilly Gardens. We all saw what happened last time with 100k plus mad football fans rioting around town.

i have recently just moved to Manchester and i am loving every minute of it, although quite a busy city, you still can't beat the night life, and general atmosphere, im currently renting a flat in the center of Manchester which is very nice

Hi, we´re Cecilia and Veronica from Madrid. We would like to go there for living and working. Someone could give us any advice? or some information about jobs, rent a flat...share  or something like that?? thank you so much!!

Hello Cecilia and Veronica.

What sort of work are you after? There are plenty of recruitment agencies in Manchester. Outside of London, rumours says that Manchester has the most vibrant city economy in England in terms of inward investment. It will be a fruitful time for people in media here soon upon the completion of MediaCity in Salford (the bordering city of Manchester).

As for rent, it all depends where you want to live. You can get very cheap property, but in areas you seriously would not like to live in. But for say a 2 bedroom flat in the city centre, you will most of these on the market for about £650 and up. Ontop of that, you also have to pay your council tax which is something around £100 pounds or so extra a month depending on your banding.

Hi Knut !
Many thanks indeed for your info.. I am Constance from Paris a French Teacher for foreigners (but I cannot find a permanent position here or the salary is very low..)
As I used to work as a Make up artist and camera operator for tv, cine, photo from 1984 to 1999 I mmight apply in Manchester ?! What do you think ? I went to the BBC Traing Center in Woodnorton for a practical program making and it was great (but not easy ..) I was sound ingeneer and camera and presentator (very bad presentator) and we made a small spooky film too...I enjoyed it a lot !
BUT as I am unfortunately not 25 I also have the idea of opening a small restaurant or bar a vins or something like that and I am looking for a (serious) partner..

I will come soon to visit and find a small room (but not in the noth as you said..)
Again many thkx for your help ! this is encouraging...( and I am fed up with the French hum)
yours
constance

Glad you found it useful. Manchester does have an ever growing good selection of good bars and restaurants, but another one won't hurt! Also, Manchester is generally quite good for creative arts, and competition is far from as stiff as London..one of the reasons I came here initially..why try to compete with the millions in London when you can be just a tad unique in Manchester I say.

Hi Knut !!
Many thanks for your post !! I agree with you !! It is the same in Paris... a gallery told me this morning that the conditions are 60% of the price for them if they show my collages 15 days....artists usually show their work in restaurants or any other places as galleries are expensive !
I am a professional Make up but not a professional painter..
what kind of art are you involved in (if I may ask ?)
Anyway if you need info about Paris or so , please do not hesitate to ask ok ?
have a nice day
constance

I'm just a general appreciator of art, though I guess my profession is intended to be somewhat creative..

There are a few theatres in town, then of course there is 'coronation street', the dreadful soap opera who might need make up artists.. Grenada (a tv company) is also based here.

I was in Paris about a year and a half ago, first time outside Charles De Gaulle airport (which I have been through countless of times since the age of 6.. ) and I really enjoyed Paris. I was prepared for rude Parisians, but on the contrary, I found most the Parisians I encountered to be very pleasant. But the dog poop took me by surprise..lol.