Tips on Renting a House in Longsight, Manchester (M12/M13): A Complete Local Guide (2025)

If you’re searching for affordable house rentals in Manchester with fast access to the city centre, Longsight is one of the most practical neighbourhoods to consider. With a strong community feel, excellent transport links, and a location just minutes from Manchester’s universities and hospitals, Longsight offers a lot  especially for renters who want space and convenience without city-centre prices.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about renting a house in Longsight, Manchester, including rent averages, safety, main streets, public transport, student life, food, nightlife and top letting agents.



1) Where Is Longsight Located in Manchester?

Longsight is an inner-city neighbourhood in South-East Manchester, close to the A6 corridor and only a short distance from the city centre. It sits next to areas like Ardwick, Rusholme, Levenshulme, and Gorton, and is well positioned for commuting across Manchester and into Stockport.

Because of this location, Longsight is often chosen by renters who want to be near major destinations like Manchester Royal Infirmary, the Oxford Road corridor, and Manchester Piccadilly without paying premium central rents.



2) Population of Longsight

Longsight is a densely populated ward, with a population of approximately 20,873 (Census 2021). This makes it one of the more populated wards in Manchester, and that high population is reflected in its busy high street, vibrant markets, and strong sense of local community.



3) Average Rent in Longsight Compared to the Rest of Manchester

Rent in Manchester varies sharply depending on whether you’re in the city centre, trendy South Manchester areas, or more affordable inner-city districts.

Manchester city centre averages about £1,435 per month for a 2-bedroom home (based on a council economy update referenced in recent reporting). Longsight generally remains more affordable, with many listings for 2-bedroom homes and flats starting from around £800 to £1,100 per month depending on condition, street, and whether it’s furnished.

In simple terms: Longsight is typically cheaper than the city centre, and you usually get more space for your budget, especially for houses and larger family homes.



4) Distance to Manchester City Centre and Key Locations

One of Longsight’s biggest benefits is location. You’re close to the city’s main hubs:

Manchester City Centre: roughly 2 miles away, often 10–20 minutes depending on transport and traffic
Manchester Piccadilly Station: easily accessible by bus and short taxi rides
Oxford Road Corridor (Universities and Hospitals): quick access via buses and cycling routes
Stockport: reachable via the A6 corridor, driving, or bus routes

For renters working or studying in the centre, Longsight can be a strong-value compromise: close enough for easy commuting, far enough to avoid city-centre rental prices.



5) Pros and Cons of Renting in Longsight

Pros

More affordable compared to many parts of Manchester
Very close to city centre and major hospitals and universities
Excellent bus links and strong road connectivity
Strong multicultural identity and great food scene
Good supply of terraced houses and family-sized rentals

Cons

Some streets are busier, particularly near main roads
Parking can be limited on terraced streets
Demand can be competitive because it offers strong value
Safety can vary by street and time of day



6) Main Streets in Longsight (and What They’re Known For)

Longsight is centred around several key streets and corridors:

Stockport Road (A6)

This is Longsight’s main artery and one of the busiest routes in South Manchester. It’s packed with shops, groceries, supermarkets, cafés, takeaways, and essential services. It also carries major bus routes into Manchester city centre and toward Stockport.

Kirkmanshulme Lane

A major connecting road linking Longsight to Ardwick, Openshaw, and central Manchester. It’s commonly used by commuters and is important for bus routes.

The Market and High Street Area

The core of Longsight has a very active shopping scene, especially around the market area, where you’ll find local shops, independent businesses, groceries, and everyday essentials. It’s one of the key reasons Longsight feels lively and self-sufficient.



7) How Safe Is Longsight Compared to the Rest of Manchester?

Safety is one of the biggest concerns for renters, and Longsight has a mixed reputation depending on the street and time of day. In general, it sits around the middle compared to other Manchester wards, but the experience can vary widely across the neighbourhood.

The best approach is to judge Longsight street by street. When viewing properties, check street lighting, the condition of nearby properties, whether homes have secure locks and alarm systems, and the general atmosphere in the evening.



8) How Student-Friendly Is Longsight?

Longsight is very student-friendly because it is close to:

* University of Manchester
* Manchester Metropolitan University
* Oxford Road corridor
* Rusholme and Fallowfield student areas
* Manchester Royal Infirmary

Students who rent in Longsight often choose it because it offers lower rent than many student-heavy districts while still being close enough for quick commuting. It’s also ideal for postgraduates or students who prefer a calmer base while staying near campus.



9) Public Transport: Buses, Trams and Connections
 

Buses

Longsight is one of the better-connected areas in Manchester for buses, mainly because Stockport Road is a major transport corridor. Buses regularly run into Manchester city centre, Oxford Road, Rusholme, Fallowfield, and Stockport.

Trams

Longsight does not have its own tram stop. If you rely on trams, you’ll usually need to connect by bus or travel to a nearby Metrolink station.

Trains

Longsight itself is not a major rail hub, but nearby stations and Manchester Piccadilly offer strong rail access across Greater Manchester and beyond.



10) Well-Known Letting Agents in Longsight and Nearby Areas

Longsight rentals are handled by a mix of local independent agents and larger Manchester-based companies. Some names that frequently appear in local listings include:

* Madina Property
* Nicholas Humphreys
* SAM Properties

For the widest choice, it’s also worth checking major property listing platforms and comparing prices across multiple sources.



11) Food and Fun in Longsight

Longsight is one of Manchester’s strongest areas for authentic and affordable global food. Along Stockport Road and around the market area, you’ll find:

* South Asian food spots and bakeries
* Middle Eastern cafés and grills
* African and Caribbean food options
* International grocery stores
* Desserts, tea houses, and casual cafés

Longsight is a great neighbourhood for renters who enjoy exploring different cuisines and want strong local amenities.



12) Night Out in Longsight

Longsight isn’t a club district, but it offers a relaxed evening scene and quick access to Manchester’s best nightlife areas.

Locally, nights out tend to include:

* casual cafés and dessert places
* late-night food and takeaway spots
* nearby Rusholme for evening dining
* short travel time into central Manchester for bars, live music, and clubs

This makes Longsight a good compromise: a lively and practical neighbourhood with easy access to the city’s entertainment hubs.



Final Verdict: Is Longsight a Good Place to Rent a House?

Longsight is a strong choice for renters who want affordability, space, and fast commuting into Manchester city centre. It’s especially well suited to:

students and postgraduates
NHS and hospital staff
young professionals on a budget
families needing more space than the city centre offers
renters who want excellent local amenities and strong transport links