Manchester, NH


8 Reviews



BestPlaces offers the best, most comprehensive city reports,
with insight into cost of living, crime, climate, and more.
Manchester, NH

About Manchester, NH

Manchester, New Hampshire is a charming city located in the Merrimack Valley of the Granite State. It's home to a vibrant arts and culture scene, with plenty of places to explore such as the Palace Theatre and the Currier Museum of Art. In addition, Manchester also offers excellent dining and shopping opportunities – from upscale restaurants to downtown boutiques. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy scenic hikes or kayaking trips on the Merrimack River. With its diverse attractions, welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community, Manchester is an ideal place to live or visit – come discover all it has to offer! Medium-large metro area set in the rivers and woodlands of New England. Primary industries include healthcare and education. - Located in south New Hampshire, along the Merrimack River, 20 miles north of Nashua and 50 miles west of Portland, Maine..

Location Details

State: New Hampshire
County: Hillsborough
Metro Area: Manchester-Nashua Metro Area
City: Manchester
Zip Codes: 03103 03104 03102 03109 03101
Cost of Living: 10.7% higher
Time zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Elevation: 259 ft above sea level
Buying or selling a home?
Find top real estate agents in Manchester.
Find A Top Agent

Dig Deeper on Manchester

The Manchester, NH metro area, about 50 miles north of Boston, is New Hampshire's largest city and a hub for commerce, education, and healthcare. Its story starts in the early 18th century when it was settled by European immigrants. The city became a powerhouse during the Industrial Revolution, thanks to its textile mills.

Geographically, Manchester is adorned with rolling hills, rivers, and forests, making it picturesque. The Merrimack River, which runs through the city, provides both beauty and recreational opportunities. The area experiences a typical New England climate, with cold winters that bring snow and warm, pleasant summers.

Economically, Manchester boasts a diverse mix of sectors including healthcare, education, manufacturing, and technology. The presence of major hospitals and several colleges and universities fuels a strong healthcare and education industry. Moreover, the city has seen growth in tech and small businesses, contributing to a robust economy.

Politically, Manchester and its surrounding areas have shown moderate tendencies. While New Hampshire is known as a swing state, Manchester itself has a balanced mix of conservative and liberal voters, reflecting its independent-minded populace.

Life in Manchester offers a blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. There's a vibrant downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, alongside numerous parks and outdoor spaces for recreation. The community spirit is strong, with various local events and festivals celebrated throughout the year.

For newcomers, it's important to be ready for the New England weather, with its distinct seasons requiring a range of clothing and readiness for snow in winter. The cost of living is relatively affordable compared to larger cities, but housing can vary depending on the neighborhood. The area is family-friendly, offering a good quality of life with access to excellent healthcare and education.

In summary, Manchester provides a compelling mix of history, economic diversity, and community activities. It's a welcoming place with a lot to offer residents, from its scenic surroundings and cultural offerings to its strong sense of community and affordable living options.

Manchester Cost of Living
$$$$

50 Mins to Boston, attractive downtown, and pleasant summers make Manchester a great place to live.

$348,500
+3.0% higher than avg
$66,929
-3.1% lower than avg
$1,650 /mo
Monthly rent (2br)
+13.3% higher than avg
Manchester Crime
47.3 / 100
Crime is ranked on a scale of 1 (low) to 100 (high). US average: 35.4
Minimum annual income
To live comfortably in Manchester, New Hampshire
$66,600
for a family
$50,000
for a single person
Pros & Cons of Manchester
   50 Mins to Boston
High home prices
   Attractive downtown
Harsh winters
   Pleasant summers
High taxes
Reviews for Manchester
    See all (8)

Over 11 years ago

Manchester was a fine city to raise my little family, but as a single person again it isn't for me. It may be okay for some, maybe 20-somethings or 30-somethings, but  More

   |    Reply

Over 13 years ago

The snow wont stop, my phone was taken by a plow, roofs leaking from ice dams and are collapsing by weight of snow, its snowing now!  More

   |    Reply

Over 15 years ago

I lived in Manchester for one year for work purposes and absolutely loved it. Living in New Hampshire was the best place I ahve ever lived and if possible I would gladly  More

   |    Reply

Start Your Review of Manchester

Cost of Living
Compare Manchester, NH
cost of living
Compare food, housing, utilities, and more in Manchester, New Hampshire to any other city in the US.


The premier source for comprehensive city data for over 30 years.

© Best Places. All rights reserved.