10 Dangerous Neighbourhoods in Manchester to Avoid: A Guide for Students

Manchester is one of the best student cities in the UK because of its numerous universities, such as the University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University. This city is the best choice because of its unique combination of an excellent learning environment, a diverse cultural landscape, and a lively student social life in Manchester. There are many things to do in Manchester, such as amazing musical venues and football clubs, various museums, festivals, and entertainment places, so Manchester will provide you with a well-rounded university experience. Even though the city is great, there are various dangerous neighbourhoods In Manchester to avoid. 

As for factors that can be evaluated using different indices, it should be noted that Manchester boasts a very good employment rate (about 75%+) due to its growing economy, which includes sectors such as finance, media, and IT. With a happiness score of 7.2 / 10, students find this city to have a balanced approach towards work-life activities, which explains relatively high satisfaction and happiness levels among them. As for the cost of living in Manchester, it is not as expensive as London and costs on average about ~£1,600 – £2,100 including housing per month, which includes accommodation expenses.

Speaking about safety, the safety index of Manchester is roughly 55.9, which means that while it is relatively safe, there may be slight differences depending on the roughest areas in Manchester. The services that help maintain safety include the Greater Manchester Police, along with additional student-related programs such as security personnel at universities and round-the-clock assistance hotlines. Moreover, most universities have emergency support services, patrolling, and wellbeing hotlines in order to protect students.

1. Cheetham Hill

Safety Index: 42 / 100

Cheetham Hill can be considered one of the most dangerous areas in Manchester from a statistical standpoint. On average, Cheetham Hill has about 230+ incidents of crime per 1,000 people, far above the national average of about 83 crimes per 1,000 people. There are many incidents of antisocial behaviour, burglary, and theft reported, and there are even instances of counterfeit products and organised criminal behaviour in business areas. This neighbourhood's high population and difficult economic conditions lead to a high crime rate in Manchester.

2. Moss Side

Safety Index: 55/100

Moss Side has been linked to being a dangerous neighbourhood in Manchester for many years, despite positive developments in some regions. According to data, Moss Side ranks mid to high among all Manchester wards in terms of crime rates, whereby acts of violence and sexual assaults form a considerable proportion of these crimes. Despite some statistics indicating that crime levels have reduced in recent times, Moss Side continues to experience high police calls compared to the suburbs, and some of its streets tend to be less safe at night.

3. Salford Central

Safety Index: 58/100

Salford lies adjacent to Manchester and is a dual situation regarding security. The town has an average of 120-135 crimes for every 1,000 individuals, where more than 30,000 crimes are reported each year. There is a huge number of violent crimes that happen, which amounts to hundreds of cases each year. Although modern estates such as Salford Quays are relatively safer places, other areas face problems like burglary, vehicle theft, and antisocial acts, which make Salford Central one of the most dangerous areas in Manchester.

4. Piccadilly & City Centre

Safety Index: 48/100

One of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Manchester is the city centre, especially in Piccadilly Gardens. Areas such as M1 and M2 rank at the top of crime statistics due to excessive pedestrian traffic, nightlife, and tourism. Crimes of theft constitute a considerable percentage of crimes committed in this locality. Other crimes, such as violent and public order offenses occur commonly during nighttime hours. The safety rating is relatively low compared to the rest of the city, being one of the roughest areas in Manchester. 

5. Rusholme

Safety Index: 54/100

Rusholme, which boasts the “Curry Mile,” is full of students because of having some of the most affordable student accommodation in Manchester, yet it remains subject to regular crime occurrence in the M12-M14 postcode districts. The region records above-average theft and anti-social behaviors incidences attributed to dense crowds and the nightlife scene. Being among the areas with high crime rates in Manchester, the concentration of crimes per square kilometre is relatively high, giving the impression that the region is a dangerous neighbourhood in Manchester, particularly at night.

6. Fallowfield

Safety Index: 76/100

Fallowfield happens to be among the favourite shared accommodation in Manchester for students, but this also poses certain risks regarding crime in Manchester. It features a fairly average crime rate, although there have been a lot of incidents of burglary and theft in houses in the region. This mainly occurs in student residences because police records show that neighbourhoods filled with students are more susceptible to break-ins than others. Thus, this neighbourhood makes it on the list of dangerous neighbourhoods in Manchester. 

7. Hulme

Safety Index: 68/100

This Manchester neighbourhood of Hulme has been significantly developed, yet it is ranked as a dangerous neighbourhood in Manchester. While the crimes that take place in the area are often petty in nature, they occur frequently and consist mainly of antisocial behaviour, theft, and even cases of violence. The density of crime in Hulme is less than that in the city centre, but it is still a dangerous neighbourhood in Manchester.

8. Longsight

Safety Index: 61/100

Affordable housing facilities can be found in Longsight; however, the place has a medium rate of criminal activities, giving it a security rating of about 80/100. There have been reports of regular crimes associated with cars, theft, and other offences, especially in crowded marketplaces. Although this place is a dangerous neighbourhood in Manchester, there have been frequent reports of petty crimes.

9. Gorton & Openshaw

Safety Index: 52/100

Gorton and Openshaw tend to be put into the same category because of their similar ratings as dangerous areas in Manchester, as one of the roughest areas in Manchester. This area falls into high crime postcode categories (M18) where there have been regular cases of burglary, vandalism, and anti-social behaviour. While not being extreme outliers, the statistics show that this area is safer than most dangerous neighbourhoods in Manchester.

10. Northern Quarter / Ancoats

Safety Index: 69/100

The Northern Quarter and its neighbouring district, Ancoats, have become quite popular and fashionable places, but also experience high rates of criminal activity because of their nightlife and tourism activities. Safety rating is moderate in this dangerous neighbourhood in Manchester, with many cases of thefts, robberies, pickpocketing, and disturbances at night.

5 Safest Places to Live in Manchester for Students

Although there are some dangerous neighbourhoods in Manchester, the city also has some of the best suburbs in Manchester and safe neighbourhoods that can accommodate students easily.

1. Didsbury

Safety Index: 91/100
Nearest Universities: Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Manchester.

Didsbury has been ranked as one of the best suburbs in Manchester, scoring highly in terms of safety. There is low criminal activity, strong community involvement, and good transportation systems, making it perfect for students. Some options for student accommodation in Didsbury include: 

• Hartley Hall, Manchester: £146/ Week
• Weston Court, Manchester: £147/ Week

2. Chorlton

Safety Index: 89/100
Nearest Universities: Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Manchester.

Chorlton-cum-Hardy is well-known for having independent cafes, open green areas, and low crime rates. This makes Chorlton-cum-Hardy appealing to young professionals and students. For students looking for student accommodation in Chorlton, options include: 

• Piccadilly Point, Manchester: £189/ Week
• Park View, Manchester: £183/ Week

3. Withington

Safety Index: 84/100
Nearest Universities: Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Manchester.

Withington is a popular student choice and boasts a solid safety reputation. Though energetic, it experiences minimal crime, which tends to be petty and easily dealt with. For students looking for student accommodation in Withington, properties include:

• Allen Court, Manchester: £164/Week
• Victoria Point, Manchester: £162/Week

4. Sale

Safety Index: 81/100
Nearest Universities: University Academy 92, University of Salford.

Sale is a suburb that is safer than most places within Manchester, since its crime rate is considerably lower compared to other places. Sale is quiet and safe due to high policing levels and is easily accessible, making the neighbourhood one of the most opted for students. 

5. Altrincham

Safety Index: 78/100
Nearest Universities: Manchester Metropolitan University, University Academy 92.

Altrincham is considered safe because of its low crime rates and high standard of living. Altrincham is somewhat farther from the city centre, but it offers security to the students as they can live in peace without fear. 

How amber Ensures Safety in Manchester

• Properties Hand-Picked by amber: They are picked from safer locations where students can stay away from any danger.
• Verification Process: The verification process is done for all the advertised places to ensure reliability and safety.
• Security Systems: CCTV monitoring, entry controls, and other security systems have been installed in most properties to enhance safety.
• Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA): A majority of the accommodation options are purpose-built for students with enhanced safety features.
• Management and Staff: The management and staff at these properties can address all concerns related to safety.
• Assistance with Booking: Students receive assistance in booking the accommodation that matches their needs through amber's services.

Student Safety Advice in Manchester

• Try to remain within lit and busy areas particularly when moving around late at night around the city centre or student areas such as Fallowfield or Rusholme.
• Wherever possible, try not to walk around at night alone – instead take trusted taxis or walk with friends.
• Don’t have phones, laptops, or valuable items on display in cafes, libraries, or other public spaces.
• Remember to always lock doors and windows in student accommodation even when going out for a brief period of time as Manchester sees many cases of student burglary every year.
• Do not allow strangers “tailgating” into student accommodation after you.
• Use authorized black cabs or pre-booked taxis only.
• Ensure that you have your phone fully charged before going out at night, as well as sharing live location updates.
• Pay close attention to your drinks and do not leave them unattended.
• Download safe apps such as SafeZone and WalkSafe+ for safety help and live tracking.
• Register valuable items such as bicycles and laptops with Immobilize and get contents insurance if necessary.
• Be extra cautious about bicycles by ensuring that you use D-locks on frames and wheels.
• Beware of having expensive gadgets on display around

Conclusion

While Manchester is not a dangerous city in general, it is necessary to keep in mind that the crime rate in Manchester heavily depends on location. Areas such as Cheetham Hill, Moss Side, and the central part of the city experience considerably more crime and are among the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Manchester, compared to Didsbury and Altrincham suburbs, which are among the safest. Students should stay aware of their surroundings and follow basic safety precautions, especially when travelling late at night

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