Altrincham/Sale area is quite nice, and fairly easy to get out onto motorways from... tram link goes right through them too, 20 mins or so to the centre.

Bury / Whitefield / Prestwich extremely good - I live in Whitefield, and they are improving the area all the time. Plus Whitefield outside the proposed CONgestion charge zone, and borders the M60, smack bang between the M66 and M61, which is ideal for North Western connections.

Lots of pubs / restaurants, Bury has one of the best shopping areas outside the centre of Manchester, and has the world famous market!

Prestwich is good too, again, lots of pubs / restaurants, good shopping. However, the roads quite congested because of the lunatic siting of 5 pelican crossings within 1/4 of a mile on the same main road (A56).

All areas on the metrolink system which is fast, frequent and extremely expensive. However, if inclined, all within commutable cycling distances.

Drop me a line if you want to know more; I know Manchester Very well, and might be able to help you out.

It depends which is more important to you - public transport into Manchester or good road links.

Ideal compromise - hunt near an M60 junction that's also got a major 'spoke' road out of town within walking distance for the busy bus routes (or tram).

The west side of the M60 can get pretty snarled up in busy periods...all the way up to where the M62 eastbound leaves it.

As for Didsbury...it feels hemmed in to me. The main road into town is pretty jammed so even the buses struggle...but it's got a decent nightlife to make up for it.

Have you considered a flat near town? They have built so many that prices are reasonableish (buy or rent - make them a silly offer) and you might be able to walk into town from there whilst still having garaging (wise) and a good road so you can get the hell outta there.

If you live Didsbury way you could get the train into the centre. I used to get the train from Mauldeth Rd, and it ran every xx:00 and xx:30 - took 10 minutes to Picadilly, from which most of town is 10 minute walk max.

If you have free parking at work, then drive in from somewhere off M61/M66.

If not, look at train routes out of the centre.

Unless it's close enough to walk to work, I don't understand the extra cost of living anywhere inside the M60.

moss side,limeside,longsight etc etc

all lovely places,cheap property the lot.......

Well I got a really nice place in Old Trafford. About 5 mins walk from Trafford Bar metrolink and it only takes about 10 mins to get in from there and my office is opposite the St. Peter's Sq stop.

I got the monthly rent down as well, as you say, landlords seem desperate for tenants at the moment so I made the most of that

Sorry I didnt spot this earlier mate, I had a free room up until last week.

Smack bang in the middle of the city centre. With parking.

Unfortunately (for you) I let it to a 20 year old female model.

Get yourself on spareroom.co.uk and post something on gumtree. Read through the gumtree ads too. Plenty out there at the moment.

ETA: Dammit, should read posts before replying. Glad you found somewhere. Manchester is a great city to work. What sort of thing are you doing?

If you like going out, drinking and having good access to the centre of town then the Northern Quarter is a great place to live. Lots going on however be aware its full of bars and clubs so could be rather busy and lively (which you may/may not want).

Castlefield is more of the above but a little more laid back. It is close to the locks and is a good part of town. Again v.close to the centre and no lack of drinking establishments dotted around.

They are both right in the centre of Manchester but opposite sides of the centre. If you look at THIS MAP, they are both within the green ring road with the northern quarter at the 2 o'clock position and Castlefield is at 7 O'clock

The Moss Side lighthouse, AKA the police helicopter