For decades, London has seemed like the best possible option for young people in search of personal fulfilment and professional opportunities. The capital, after all, is where the wages are high, the nightlife is exciting, and the culture is compelling. Understandably, it’s been an alluring option for would-be students, and those embarking on a new career.
But in recent years, other parts of the UK have been drawing in young professionals, and among the most impressive of them is Manchester. Why is this? There are a few factors worth dwelling on.
Cost of Living: A More Affordable Urban Experience
Life in London is notoriously expensive. According to Expatistan, the average monthly costs for a single person are around £4,617. This makes it the most expensive city in Western Europe, and the second most expensive city in the entire world.
Manchester is cheaper across the board by almost a third. Every aspect of life is cheaper, from housing to transport to food. If you don’t yet have much earning power, and you don’t have a wealthy benefactor behind you, then this might be what draws you to the Northwest.
Housing Affordability and Quality Living Spaces
It isn’t just the affordability of the housing that makes Manchester great. It’s that you’ll get a great deal more quality for your money. If you intend to rent, then your savings here can compound over just a few years, providing you with a healthy pile of cash that you can put toward your deposit on a house.
There are a number of apartments to rent in Manchester that offer exceptional facilities at reasonable prices, as well as access to the best parts of town.
Thriving Career Opportunities in a Growing Economy
Many of the world’s most prestigious employers have chosen to establish a presence in this part of the country. More than ten thousand different tech companies have established a presence here, including household names like Google and Microsoft. If you’re looking to embark on a career as a web developer, an analyst, or a database administrator, then this is the place to be. Other sectors, like finance and the arts, are also thriving here.
Vibrant Cultural Scene and Lifestyle
Part of the reason that the creative industry is in such good health in Manchester is its longstanding habit of producing exceptional artists and musicians. Manchester’s fantastic music scene is alive and well in its proliferation of small venues, and its brilliant festivals. Then there’s the scattering of exceptional restaurants and nightclubs to consider, too.
Efficient and Integrated Transportation Network
Getting around the city is effortless, thanks to the availability of buses and trams. Fares on the recently rebranded Bee Network are now capped at £30.30 for a given weekend. You’ll be able to hop from one vehicle to another, without fear of your bank account being drained – and you can pay using your debit card, too.