Tips on Renting a house in Salford Manchester

Tips on Renting a house in Salford Manchester
Renting a house in Salford is a popular choice for people who want to live close to Manchester city centre but still enjoy neighbourhoods that feel more residential than the busiest central postcodes. Salford is a city and metropolitan borough within Greater Manchester, sitting directly next to Manchester and covering a wide mix of areas, from the city fringe around Chapel Street and Greengate to waterfront living at Salford Quays, plus established communities such as Eccles, Swinton and Irlam.

Where Salford is located in Manchester
Salford is immediately west and north west of Manchester city centre, separated in places by the River Irwell and key arterial roads. Because it borders central Manchester, many parts of Salford feel like an extension of the city centre, while others are greener and more suburban. This variety is one reason the rental market in Salford attracts everyone from young professionals and families to sharers and students.

Population of the area
Salford has a large and growing population. The 2021 census figure for the Salford local authority area is about 269,900 residents, reflecting the pace of development and regeneration across the borough.

Average rent compared with Manchester
On average, renting in Salford is cheaper than renting in Manchester as a whole, while still keeping you close to the city’s main jobs and attractions. Recent official rental estimates put Salford’s average monthly private rent at about £1,151 compared with about £1,330 in Manchester, which is roughly £180 less per month on average. For typical house renters, that gap can matter because it often translates into an extra bedroom, a larger living space, or a better location for the same budget. Property type still makes a big difference, with Salford Quays and the city fringe commanding higher rents than more traditional residential areas farther from the centre.

Distance to Manchester city centre and important places
One of Salford’s biggest advantages is how close it is to the places people in Greater Manchester regularly travel to. Areas such as Chapel Street, Greengate and the Crescent corridor are so near central Manchester that many people walk or cycle into the city centre. Salford Quays and MediaCityUK are also close, with the distance from Salford Quays to central Manchester roughly a few miles, commonly around 2.5 to 3 miles depending on your exact start and end point.
Important destinations are easy to reach from Salford. Manchester city centre shopping and nightlife are close, the Trafford Centre is straightforward by car or bus, and major employment zones around Spinningfields, Deansgate, Salford Quays and Trafford Park are within easy commuting range.

Pros and cons of renting in Salford
A major benefit is location. You get central access without always paying the highest Manchester rents, and you can choose between city edge energy and quieter residential streets depending on your lifestyle. Salford also offers strong riverside and waterfront options, good parks, and a growing food and cultural scene.
The downside is that Salford is a patchwork of different neighbourhoods, and the experience can vary a lot from one area to another. Some streets near major roads can feel busy and traffic heavy, and the most popular pockets can be competitive when good houses come up for rent. As with any large urban area, choosing the right micro location matters.

Main streets in Salford and what they are known for
Chapel Street is one of the best known streets in central Salford, linking the city fringe toward Manchester and shaping much of the area’s modern vibe. It is closely associated with regeneration, independent venues, and quick access into central Manchester.
The Crescent is another key name, especially around the University of Salford area. It is an important corridor for students and staff, with a strong mix of campus life, housing and commuter movement.
Regent Road, also known as the A57, is a major route in and out of Manchester city centre and acts as a gateway between inner Salford and central Manchester. Renting near Regent Road can be convenient for driving and buses, but it can also be busier.
Ordsall Lane is a significant connection between the inner city and Salford Quays, and it has seen major residential growth in recent years. It is a good reference point if you want to be close to both the waterfront and the city centre.
Blackfriars Road and Trinity Way are key routes near the city fringe, often used as landmarks when people describe apartments and newer developments close to Manchester.
At Salford Quays and MediaCityUK, Broadway is a street name many renters recognise because it sits right in the heart of the modern waterfront district. Nearby Trafford Road and Eccles New Road are also important routes for moving between the Quays area and the rest of Salford.

How safe Salford is compared with the rest of the city
Safety in Salford varies by neighbourhood, and it is best judged street by street. Borough wide comparisons indicate Salford’s overall crime rate is higher than the Greater Manchester average, while Manchester’s rate is higher still. In practical terms, many renters find quieter residential pockets and family areas feel calmer, while busier transport hubs and nightlife zones can see more incidents. Visiting an area in daylight and in the evening, and checking the immediate surroundings of the property, is a smart step before signing.

How student friendly Salford is
Salford is highly student friendly because it is home to the University of Salford and has strong links into Manchester’s universities. Areas around the Crescent, Peel Park and Salford Crescent station are particularly popular for students who want quick campus access. Salford also suits students who want a slightly quieter base than the busiest student districts, while still being close enough for nightlife and part time work in Manchester.

Buses, trams and public transport
Public transport is one of Salford’s strongest selling points for renters. Metrolink trams run through Salford Quays and MediaCityUK and connect into central Manchester, making commuting simple without a car. Rail options are also excellent, with Salford Crescent and Salford Central providing direct links to Manchester’s main stations, and other stations across the borough serving different neighbourhoods.
Buses across the Bee Network add coverage for areas not directly on a tram route, and they help connect Salford to Manchester, Trafford, Stockport and neighbouring towns. This mix of tram, train and bus gives renters flexibility whether they work in the city centre, at the Quays, or across Greater Manchester.

Letting agents in Salford
If you are looking for houses to rent in Salford, several well known agents regularly cover the area. Names you will often see associated with Salford and nearby neighbourhoods include Hills, Thornley Groves, Martin and Co, Jordan Fishwick, and X1 Lettings and Sales, especially around the Salford Quays market. Availability can change quickly, so many renters check multiple agents at the same time.

Food and fun in Salford
Salford offers a strong mix of culture, waterfront leisure and everyday local life. Salford Quays is a major destination for food, events and walks, and it is also home to big cultural attractions such as The Lowry. MediaCityUK adds restaurants, bars, studios and frequent activity around the waterfront.
Closer to the city fringe, areas like Chapel Street have their own independent feel with creative spaces and smaller venues. For daytime leisure, parks and green space are a real plus, with places like Peel Park giving you room to walk, run or relax without leaving the city.

Night out in Salford
A night out in Salford can be as chilled or as lively as you want. Salford Quays and MediaCityUK are popular for drinks by the water and relaxed evenings with friends. Chapel Street and nearby streets are known for venues that lean more independent and creative, which appeals to people who prefer live events, smaller bars and a less touristy feel.
If you want a bigger club night or late finish, central Manchester is right next door, so many Salford renters enjoy Manchester’s nightlife and then head home quickly by tram, train or taxi.

Final thoughts
Renting a house in Salford Manchester makes sense if you want closeness to the city centre, strong public transport, and neighbourhood choice across a wide range of lifestyles. Whether you want the modern waterfront feel of Salford Quays, the student energy around the Crescent, or more traditional residential streets farther out, Salford gives you options that can be better value than central Manchester while keeping the city at your doorstep.