Manchester’s five coolest places to live as voted by residents including Chorlton and Castlefield

The Northern Quarter has been voted the coolest place to live in Manchester, according to a new survey. The trendy city centre spot came up tops in a list of the UK’s 50 coolest places to live by health and well-being brand Naturecan.

Locations were ranked according to the number of independent shops per head of population, the range of cultural events, how ‘Instagrammable’ were the best features and their popularity as a location for films and TV shows.

Naturecan polled 5,000 people in the city and also monitored likes on Instagram.

In second place for Manchester was Ancoats, third was Castlefield, Prestwich was fourth and Chorlton was fifth.

The Northern Quarter was ranked 42nd on the UK top 50 which was headed by Polperro in Cornwall, an area with vibrant street art, bohemian bars and independent record shops and the city’s liveliest music venues.

Naturecan’s chief executive Andy Duckworth said: “The Northern Quarter is the coolest place to live in Manchester, narrowly beating its neighbour Ancoats in second place.

“All the 50 places on the list would have been worthy winners and show why Manchester in particular is such a great place and loved by film and TV makers.

“What is interesting is how influential Instagram has become in boosting tourism in many of our top 50. It is a massive help for visitor numbers, too, if a popular film or TV show uses a city such as Manchester as a location.

“Hidden gems which are largely only visited by local tourists can find themselves being showcased throughout the world if they are pictured by the right influencer or featured in a movie.”

Find all 50 of the UK’s coolest places to live on Naturecan’s map here.