Manchester, NHBest Places to Live in the U.S. in 2024

From postcard-perfect autumns to warm summers, Manchester gets all four seasons. The region gets hammered with lots and lots of snow in the winter. Thankfully, there are plenty of nearby ski resorts to enjoy all that fresh powder. The average highs and lows are 80°F and 57°F (summer) and 35°F and 14°F (winter).

The average annual snowfall in Manchester is around 57 inches, and the winter season typically lasts from December to March. 

The average annual rainfall in Manchester is 43 inches, and rain is spread relatively evenly throughout the year, with slightly higher amounts in the spring and summer months. 

Manchester averages 200 sunny days a year.

Many Manchester kids learn to ski at McIntyre Ski Area, which has 11 trails and a lovely snowy patch for beginners. For experienced skiers, the ski area has a racing league that competes at night. There are several great parks in town, too, including Rock Rimmon Park, Amoskeag Falls and Derryfield Park.

Channel your inner artist with a stroll through Cat Alley. The alley underwent a revitalization a few years ago and now showcases 18 new murals and some restored originals. During the summer months, Veteran’s Memorial Park hosts a variety of free movies and concerts. 

Livingston Park is a favorite, with a playground, a pool outfitted with a water slide and a nearby pond with a walking trail.

Amoskeag Fishways Learning and Visitors Center is an educational center that invites visitors to learn about the Merrimack River and its fish population. The fishways, which help migratory fish navigate the Amoskeag Falls, offer a unique and often overlooked experience in the area.

Pick up your plant babies and crystals at The Terracotta Room, a cute, locally-owned shop.

Cotton, located in the historic Millyard district, is a casual but upscale restaurant with a diverse menu and stylish atmosphere. They err on the side of classic American dishes and drinks with creative twists.

The Palace Theatres (yes, plural!) is a charming historic spot in downtown Manchester that is home to four performing arts venues that host a variety of performances, including Broadway shows, concerts and comedy acts. 

Grab a coffee, juice or smoothie from The Bridge Cafe in downtown Manchester.

Manchester’s robust economy is experiencing major growth, and some of the leading industries are health care and social assistance, as well as manufacturing and retail trade. Manchester also has a strong sector in terms of biotechnology, and there are several innovative companies based out of the city.

New Hampshire has no state sales tax, and no local sales taxes apply in Manchester. 

Technically, New Hampshire does not have a state income tax; however, New Hampshire taxes interest and dividends. 

Manchester residents have access to several major health care providers. Both Catholic Medical Center and Elliot Hospital are highly-ranked hospitals in the state. 

Manchester has several colleges and universities, including Southern New Hampshire University, the University of New Hampshire at Manchester and Manchester Community College.