Once the heart of Manchester’s textile industry, Victorian sources talk of “pigs walking about in the alleys, rooting in offal heaps”. Today in Manchester’s Northern Quarter you’re much more likely to find an artisanal coffee or a complicated cocktail, a niche record from an obscure artist and a trendy clothes shop selling thrifty clothes, than a weaver spinning yarn.
Located between Manchester Piccadilly and Ancoats, Manchester’s Northern Quarter is renowned for its electric arts scene and bohemian atmosphere. Centred around Dale, Tib and Oldham Street, the district is home to art galleries, alternative clothing and music stores, as well as the Afflecks, an eclectic indoor market.
The district is known for its rich street art which stands prominently on building faces. This includes notable murals like the Ian Curtis mural by artist Akse P19, or Qubek’s “The 22 Bees” honouring the 22 lives lost in the 2022 Manchester Arena attack. Or the colloquially known “bird mural”, the large Blue Tit on Newton Street.
Manchester’s Northern Quarter is of course known for its music scene with iconic venues such as the Night & Day Café, Band On The Wall, Dry Bar and Matt & Phreds Jazz Bar. The district also offers rich culinary scene, with popular local spots such as Federal Café and Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza being local favourites. Other popular places include The Firehouse, Sicilian NQ, Mackie Mayor and The Green Lab.
Living in the Northern Quarter means being a part of one of Manchester’s coolest districts, whilst being ideally located to commute to the whole of the city centre. The Northern Quarter’s average house price as of early 2025 is approximately £252,542 which represented a small 4% decline from the previous year. But ultimately Manchester City Centre house prices over a longer period of time show one distinct trend: upwards.
On offer are a range of property types from converted industrial-age buildings retaining period features, to modern sleek-looking apartments. The area attracts young professionals and families looking for a combination of convenience of travel into the city centre, and the trendy, energetic atmosphere of the Northern Quarter.
