Manchester boasts a high retention rate of graduates and a net increase of young people moving to the city.
A recent report by Centre for Cities, an independent think-tank, revealed stats on migration to and from Manchester. The data showed young populations are dominating the influx of people moving to the city.
A large population of students and graduates
Between 2009 and 2017, over 19,000 16-to 21-year-olds moved to Manchester, according to data from ONS. The largest inflows came from London and the south-east. Manchester also saw net inflows of 22-to 30-year-olds, mainly degree holders from the north-west and Yorkshire.
Over half of graduates of Manchester universities stay to work in the city post-graduation, which is one of the highest retention rates in the UK. Additionally, the majority of those who leave Manchester to go to university elsewhere return on graduation.
Manchester is gaining more graduates than it loses. Graduates are staying even though the average graduate salary is lower than in many other cities. This shows wages aren’t a top priority for many graduates. Career progression is often prioritised higher.
City centre living popular among young professionals
As an extremely appealing city for students and young professionals, Manchester continues to boast a large population of young people. The city boasts a range of universities, jobs, and amenities and was even rated the UK’s most liveable city in a 2018 survey.
Many workers are moving out of London to find more affordable places to live, especially in northern cities like Manchester. Since city centre living is hugely popular among millennials, it’s no surprise young professionals are flocking to buy and rent in Manchester.
An analysis in 2018 even revealed that you could potentially purchase five equivalent flats in Manchester for the price of one apartment in London. This thriving city in the north-west also boasts some of the most affordable, spacious rentals in the UK, so there are a plethora of options available for young professionals looking to live in the centre of Manchester.
