New Islington

New Islington is the newest neighbourhood on this list, built out over the last twenty years on former industrial land east of Ancoats. The marina at its centre is the only proper urban marina in the north of England, with narrowboats moored alongside glass apartment towers. Cotton Field Park runs along the water with a wild-swimming dock, table tennis and a regular food truck rotation on weekends. Pollen Bakery moved here from Ancoats and draws queues from opening. The Pilcrow, a hand-built community pub, keeps the bar scene honest. Ancoats Dispensary, a red-brick Victorian hospital, is being restored as a community hub. The Metrolink runs straight to the centre in five minutes from New Islington tram stop and the canal towpath takes you into town on foot in twenty.