Renting a 1 or 2 bed in manchester is fairly easy. Though as has been said, geting parking with a 1 bed is difficult.
I have moved around the city centre over the past few years. Currently live just on the edge of Ancoats outside of the Northen Quarter. Previousely I lived in a 2 bed flat in the Green Quarter. Really like it there, very much like living in a hotel!
The best way to find somewhere good is till to go and talk to estate agents. One of the best I have found in the area is a smallish agency called Isaac Anthony. I rented through them at the GQ and it was painless, I found everyone friendly and while they couldnt find me a suitable place this time round (needed a 3 bed) they certainly were the only ones who genuinely tried. Avoid Homes4U like the plague. The rest I have yet to try other than going in to speak to them. Current place was done through Suttons City Living, who were.. ok, but I havent dealt with them since as this isnt a managed property, i'm not convinced i'd like to deal with them directly though as they found the basics of giving me the right details for the meters etc very hard...
The best online source was, and still is, Rightmove imho. The properties arnt always up to date, but they are better than most i find.
One thing I really like about Manchester is the number of conversion properties out there. Places like the Royal Mills development, behind where I currently live, where they take an old mill and convert it into modern apartments. I really like the older/solid buildings mixed in with modern living.
Personally if you want Manchester, I would avoid Salford Quays at the mo, its still just a tad to far out for me. Areas around the Northern Quarter are good if you want to be near the centre, or there's Didsbury/Castlefield if you dont mind being a bit further out (and payign through your teeth!)
With re: to Urban Splash stuff. The only nice one I have seen was Timber Wharfe, which was a weird steel/concrete/glass thing. Nice to look around but I wouldnt want to live there!
the only way to find out where you want to be is to visit Manchester i reckon. Avoid a night out in the Printworks, or you will quit your new job before you even start, and avoid the student areas unless you like that kind of thing (most non students dont).
Price wise, I would say you are going to be looking at between £450 and £600 for a single bed in places like the GQ, and about £100 to £200 more for a much larger double with parking in the same places. Could be worth finding a flatmate!
Good luck
