Manchester - work opps and neighbourhoods?

[CircusRunaway]

Hello posting for a friend who is considering moving to Manchester. She is single, mid-50s and a freelance writer but may need part-time work. I live in Manchester but our area is too pricey for her budget (250k, 3 bedroom house needed). Easy access by public transport to city centre, Salford Quays and Chorlton for friends and colleagues is essential and so are local parks for dog walks. Anyone who lives in Burnage, on Merseybank or Northenden, any thoughts on those areas please? And if anyone works in the cultural/public sector do you know what Manchester's like for getting work where someone might be able to use experience in the arts? She's got administrative experience as well as teaching writing. Thankyou!

Northenden, yes near the river, no closer to the Sharston end. Has she considered east didsbury, you can get some lovely properties cheaper than Dids and it has both the train and metro?

Avoid burnage! Not a very nice area at all, I used to live close by and use their Tesco. Chorlton and Didsbury both much nicer

You won’t get a 3 bed in Didsbury or chorlton for 250k
I like Denton but it’s probably too far out. Levenshulme gets a lot of love on here but I think it’s horrible.

Might get something in firswood/stretford

Urmston possibly but may be too far out (half an hour to Salford quays and about the same to Chorlton on the bus). Sale is a possibility or Stretford.