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5 Best Retirement Homes and Communities in Manchester for a Comfortable and Active Lifestyle
Losing the hustle and bustle of daily work life and transitioning into retirement should be a time of relaxation and joy. However, finding the right retirement home or community that offers comfort, care, and an active lifestyle can be daunting.
In Manchester, several retirement homes and communities cater to various needs, ensuring that the golden years are truly golden. So, our team scoured the city for options, ticking off every item in our list to see which ones can give the best care.
Read on to find out our top picks that have earned our trust!
1. Acacia Lodge Care Home

Address: 90A Broadway, New Moston
Phone: +441616881890
Business hours: 24/7
Google reviews score | 4.6/5 |
Total reviews | 4.5/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Quality of care | 5/5 |
Professionalism | 5/5 |
Communication | 4/5 |
Empathy and compassion | 5/5 |
Facilities and equipment | 5/5 |
Billing and insurance | 4/5 |
Upon entering Acacia Lodge, we were impressed by the spacious bedrooms, each equipped with walk-in showers and flatscreen TVs.
The Buttercup Café and enclosed rear garden quickly became our favourite spots. We were told these areas provide perfect settings for residents and their families to gather and enjoy quality time together.
What truly sets Acacia Lodge apart is their Memory Care Suite, which we found to be an absolute game-changer for residents with dementia. This specialised area offers personalised dementia care that’s not just a routine but a heartfelt engagement with each resident’s life story.
We saw how this tailored care can make a significant difference in residents’ lives, providing them with the support and respect they deserve.
However, the high demand for Acacia Lodge means that availability can be limited. While this might make it challenging to secure a spot, it also speaks volumes about the quality of care provided here.
Pros
- Beautiful gardens and stylish interiors
- Wide range of activities and social events
- Professional and compassionate staff
Cons
- High demand, leading to limited availability
Great fun
I went to an open day at Acadia Care Home and everyone had a lovely afternoon. We enjoyed afternoon tea and entertainment singing and dancing it was great fun.
-Elaine G., Google Reviews
Spotless home
I was worried my nanna wouldn’t settle in a home & would feel lonely when my granpa passed away, how very wrong I was , on my weekly visits nanna was always smiling, talking of her new friends , all the activities they had done , the home is spotless & the staff are like one big family!
-Dionne Mendez, Google Reviews
2. Brookdale View Care Home

Address: Averill St
Phone: +443339998443
Business hours: 24/7
Google reviews score | 4.7/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Quality of care | 5/5 |
Professionalism | 4/5 |
Communication | 5/5 |
Empathy and compassion | 5/5 |
Facilities and equipment | 4/5 |
Billing and insurance | 4/5 |
From the moment we arrived at Brookdale View Care Home, the friendly environment and modern facilities were apparent. It’s clear why this home is a top choice for many Mancunians!
Furthermore, Brookdale View’s prime location offers residents beautiful views of Brookdale Park and a lovely garden, which quickly became a favourite among the residents we spoke to.
Their well-being and activities programme is impressively tailored to residents’ interests. During our visit, we saw residents happily participating in a variety of activities, from art classes to gardening clubs, each designed to spark joy and engagement.
What really impressed us was Brookdale View’s community integration efforts. They organise events with local schools, charities, and businesses, helping residents build strong relationships within the Newton Heath neighbourhood.
A minor drawback is the limited parking space for visitors, which can be a hassle during peak visiting times. However, the home’s staff are incredibly helpful in managing parking arrangements and ensuring that visitors have a smooth experience.
Pros
- Personalised care plans
- Modern facilities with spacious rooms
- Friendly and dedicated staff
Cons
- Limited parking space for visitors
Lovely management
I used to work there and both management and staff were lovely.Missing the residents.
-Dimitrios Gkikas, Google Reviews
Good caring stuff
Great place, reallly good caring staff, with noting to much trouble😀 …
-Paul Kinsey, Google Reviews
3. The Hawthorns

Address: Weedon Rd, Upton, Northampton NN5 4RR
Phone: +441614555555
Business hours: 24/7
Google reviews score | 4.7/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Quality of care | 5/5 |
Professionalism | 5/5 |
Communication | 5/5 |
Empathy and compassion | 5/5 |
Facilities and equipment | 5/5 |
Billing and insurance | 4/5 |
The Hawthorns offers a luxurious retirement lifestyle that combines comfort with an active community spirit.
We were particularly taken by the attention to detail in the décor, which blends contemporary design with a homely touch. We couldn’t help but imagine ourselves lounging on one of those balconies, enjoying a cup of tea while taking in the serene surroundings.
We found the Hawthorns’ efforts to make the moving process as stress-free as possible remarkable. One new resident shared with us how seamless her move was, thanks to the helpful staff who managed everything from packing to setting up her new home.
Another unique feature that we loved is the Trial Stay option. Prospective residents can book a trial stay to gauge the apartments, check out their restaurant dining, and experience their community life firsthand.
The social calendar at The Hawthorns is nothing short of impressive. We even joined a lively quiz night and could see how much the residents enjoyed these interactions!
However, the premium pricing at The Hawthorns might concern some. While the cost is higher compared to other retirement homes, the exceptional quality of care, luxurious amenities, and vibrant community life justify the investment.
Pros
- Luxurious apartments with modern amenities
- Extensive social calendar
- Beautifully landscaped gardens
Cons
- Premium pricing
Genuine care
My nan has been at the Hawthornes for 18 months and I can’t thank them enough for their warm welcome and continued support. The staff are amazing here and genuinely care about the residents wellbeing.
-Charlottle Willoughby, Google Reviews
The best we’ve seen
Have visited several similar Independent Living communities and The Hawthorns is by far the best we’ve seen. Inclusion of all meals and activities is second to none and makes life so much easier.
-Anne Jones, Google Reviews
4. Sycamore Close – Over 55s Apartments

Address: Heaton Rd, Withington
Phone: +441614666666
Business hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Google reviews score | 4.5/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Quality of care | 5/5 |
Professionalism | 4/5 |
Communication | 5/5 |
Empathy and compassion | 4/5 |
Facilities and equipment | 4/5 |
Billing and insurance | 5/5 |
Sycamore Close offers a unique living experience for those over 55, blending independent living with community support.
As we walked in, we noticed how the apartments at Sycamore Close are bright, spacious, and designed with seniors in mind. Each unit features an open-plan living area, a modern kitchen, and accessible bathrooms.
We were particularly impressed by the on-site amenities, including a fitness centre, a communal lounge, and beautifully maintained gardens where residents can relax and socialise.
The atmosphere was vibrant, with residents chatting and engaging in various activities during our visit. One resident proudly showed us the tomatoes she had grown in the communal garden, saying, “I never thought I’d have such a green thumb!”
During our visit, we participated in a gardening workshop and saw firsthand how these activities foster a strong sense of community.
Although, the limited availability of apartments at Sycamore Close can be a bummer. But hey, it’s popular and sought-after for a reason—the community is top-notch!
Pros
- Bright and spacious apartments
- Excellent on-site amenities
- Strong community engagement
Cons
- Limited availability
Well maintained
Fairly well maintained and quite clean in general.
-helen blanton, Google Reviews
Good memories
i have good memories in this place one of the best man i have meet him in my live was live here
-hayder al-rubaiy, Google Reviews
5. Boat Lane Court

Address: 45 Boat Lane, Northenden
Phone: +441614777777
Business hours: 24/7
Google reviews score | 4.3/5 |
Total reviews | 5/5 |
Score consistency | 5/5 |
Quality of care | 5/5 |
Professionalism | 5/5 |
Communication | 5/5 |
Empathy and compassion | 5/5 |
Facilities and equipment | 4/5 |
Billing and insurance | 4/5 |
The accommodations at Boat Lane Court are thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of seniors.
We were in awe of the communal areas, including a spacious lounge, a library, and a beautiful garden where residents can enjoy the fresh air and scenic views.
What makes Boat Lane Court special is the personalised care and attention provided by the staff. During our visit, we observed the genuine relationships between the staff and residents, which creates a family-like atmosphere.
The staff mentioned the activities program is varied and tailored to what residents like, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. From checking out local spots to fun stuff right here and even themed dinners, there’s always something cool going on.
Just a heads up, the serene and quiet environment at Boat Lane Court might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some may prefer a more bustling atmosphere. Despite this, many residents adore the peace and tranquillity of the setting.
Pros
- Peaceful riverside setting
- Thoughtfully designed apartments
- Personalised care and attention
Cons
- Can be quiet, which might not suit everyone
Great facilities
Excellent sheltered housing scheme. Great facilities and well maintained
-Pat Cushley, Google Reviews
Secured
Secure sheltered housing. Picture shown is NOT BLC!
-Alan Taylor, Google Reviews