An overview of: Manchester

Where is Manchester?
About the region
Transportation
Living in the area
Schooling
Leisure
Healthcare
Relocation support

Where is Manchester?

Manchester is a city located in the northwest of England. It’s a vibrant and diverse city, renowned for its cultural scene, music, sports, universities, and friendly atmosphere.

Situated about 160 miles (257 kilometres) northwest of London, Manchester is one of the largest and most significant cities in the UK.

About the region

Besides Manchester, the North West of England is home to other significant cities, including Liverpool, known for its maritime history and musical heritage; Preston, an important administrative and commercial centre; and Lancaster, famous for its historic castle and university.

The region boasts diverse landscapes, from the urban centres to the stunning countryside. The Lake District National Park, one of the most picturesque regions in the UK, is located in the northern part of the region, offering opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic beauty. It’s a popular destination for tourism and has good transportation links.

The North West played a crucial role during the Industrial Revolution, with Manchester being at the forefront of the cotton industry. This industrial heritage has left a lasting impact on the region’s architecture and cultural identity.

Overall, North West England offers a blend of historical significance, natural beauty, cultural diversity, and economic vitality, making it a captivating and attractive region for both residents and visitors.

Transportation

Manchester has a well-developed and efficient transportation system that makes it easy to get around the city and beyond.

By Car: Manchester is well-connected by road and has a network of major motorways and highways that make it accessible by car. The M60 Motorway – also known as the Manchester Ring Road – encircles the city and connects to other major motorways, making it a key route for travelling around the area. The M62 Motorway connects Manchester to Liverpool in the west and Leeds in the east, providing important connections to other major cities.

By Train: Manchester has a comprehensive rail network with several key train stations; Manchester Piccadilly is the main train station in the city centre, offering connections to various cities across the UK, including London, Edinburgh, and Birmingham. Manchester Victoria is another major station in the city centre, serving routes to destinations in the northwest, including Liverpool and Leeds. Manchester Oxford Road is situated close to the University of Manchester, this station serves local and regional routes.

By Air: Manchester Airport (MAN) is one of the busiest airports in the UK and serves as a major international gateway. It offers a wide range of flights to both domestic and international destinations.

Public Transport: Manchester has an integrated public transport system that includes buses, trams, and trains.

Living in the area

Manchester, historically the heart of the Industrial Revolution, has evolved into a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that perfectly blends its rich heritage with modern urban living.

Residents enjoy an array of housing options, ranging from refurbished mill apartments in the city centre to charming Victorian terraced houses in suburbs like Didsbury and Chorlton. The proliferation of new developments in areas like Salford Quays and Ancoats caters to those seeking contemporary living spaces.

While Manchester is generally more affordable than London, its growing popularity and ongoing regeneration projects have led to a gradual increase in housing prices and rental rates. However, when considering the overall cost of living—factoring in transportation, dining, entertainment, and utilities—many find Manchester to offer a balanced lifestyle with a more reasonable price tag than other major UK cities.

Schooling

Manchester, with its rich educational legacy, offers a wide range of schooling options at all levels.

Primary Schooling: Manchester is home to numerous primary schools catering to the diverse needs of its communities. Many of these schools are state-maintained, but the city also has independent primary schools for families looking for alternative educational environments. Several primary schools have received positive assessments from Ofsted, the UK’s official body for inspecting schools.

Secondary Schooling: Manchester has a variety of state secondary schools, some of which have been rated as “outstanding” by Ofsted. The city and its surrounding regions also have grammar schools, such as Altrincham Grammar School for Girls and Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, which admit students based on the 11+ examination. Furthermore, Manchester boasts some reputable independent schools.

University Education:

University of Manchester: A member of the Russell Group, this prestigious institution offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs and is renowned for its research output.
Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU): Known for its diverse course offerings, MMU has faculties covering arts, business, education, science, and more.
University of Salford: Located near Manchester, this institution combines industry-focused teaching with research engagement.
Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM): A leading conservatoire, RNCM provides high-quality training in music performance and composition.

Additionally, there are numerous colleges and specialist institutions in Manchester that provide further education, vocational training, and preparatory courses bridging secondary schooling and higher education.

Leisure

Manchester, a city celebrated for its rich industrial history and vibrant cultural scene, offers an expansive array of leisure pursuits.

Central to its cultural fabric is music, with venues like the Manchester Arena and the Albert Hall hosting international acts and the city itself being the birthplace of iconic bands like Oasis and The Smiths. The Northern Quarter brims with quirky bars, independent shops, and art galleries, while the city’s theatre scene, led by the Royal Exchange Theatre, presents world-class productions. For football enthusiasts, Manchester is a pilgrimage site, housing two Premier League giants, Manchester United and Manchester City, with their respective stadiums, Old Trafford and the Etihad, drawing global fans.

The revitalised Salford Quays area, with the Lowry arts centre and the Imperial War Museum North, along with the expansive green spaces like Heaton Park, underscore Manchester’s multifaceted leisure offerings.

Healthcare

Manchester has several hospitals offering comprehensive medical care and services.

Major hospitals include Manchester Royal Infirmary, Saint Mary’s Hospital, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Salford Royal Hospital, Wythenshawe Hospital, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Stepping Hill Hospital, North Manchester General Hospital, and Trafford General Hospital. These hospitals cover a wide range of medical specialities, ensuring residents and visitors have access to quality healthcare in the city and its surrounding areas.

Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) is one of the largest and most prominent hospitals in Manchester, England. It is located in the city centre, near the University of Manchester. MRI has a long history dating back to 1752 when it was established as a smallpox hospital.

Over the years, it has grown and evolved to become a major teaching hospital and a centre of medical excellence.

You can find the website for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust here.
You can find the website for The Christie NHS Foundation Trust here.
You can find the website for the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust here.
You can find the website for Stockport NHS Foundation Trust here.

Relocation support

How do Doctors Relocate assist with your relocation?

In addition to providing personalised career guidance, facilitating interviews and managing negotiations to secure the right job opportunity for each individual, we offer ongoing relocation support to our candidates, helping with practical matters such as accommodation arrangements, banking, and setting up other essential services.

Our dedicated team is readily available to address any concerns or queries that you have along the way, ensuring that you feel supported and confident throughout your relocation.

With our guidance, you can confidently navigate the relocation journey, focusing on your professional and personal growth in the UK.