Manchester, NH, Is Perfect for Families
While it’s the most populated city north of Boston, Manchester, NH, maintains a small-town feel that’s welcoming to families. And with parks, ice arenas, golf courses, lakes, ponds, a ski area and so much more to explore, families have plenty of activities to choose from to fill their calendars. Below, two Manchester, NH, parents share what they love about raising their families in the Queen City.
Sports and Entertainment for Families in Manchester, NH
Erik Lesniak, business liaison for the City of Manchester Economic Development Office, moved to New Hampshire in 2003 for work. In the years since, he’s built a family and community. He and his wife, Kristen, have a 12-year-old son.
“Manchester, NH, is a fantastic city for families. We have a minor league baseball team (the Fisher Cats) affiliated with major league baseball, along with a professional arena that hosts concerts, family-friendly entertainment and more,” Lesniak says. “The city has a strong sports culture and offers plenty of recreational opportunities. It’s a vibrant community with something for everyone.”
His son has certainly found his niche in youth sports. He plays soccer for Seacoast United Soccer, St. Joseph Junior High School and the Manchester South Junior Soccer League; baseball with the Granite Heat AAU and Manchester Little League; and basketball with the One Dream AAU basketball program.
“Playing on multiple teams allows him to connect with peers outside of his school and sometimes even from different cities or towns,” Lesniak says. “This opens up opportunities to forge new friendships and enhance his social skills. Additionally, traveling as a family and team for away games fosters team bonding and creates lasting memories.”
When they’re not busy with sports, Lesniak’s family takes full advantage of the entertainment options Manchester offers. This includes enjoying events, from concerts and monster truck shows to the Harlem Globetrotters, at the SNHU Arena, attending Fisher Cats baseball games and dining at the array of restaurants.
“We love exploring Manchester’s parks, museums and restaurants,” Lesniak says. “When it comes to dining out, we explore all across Manchester’s 34.9 square miles. We have so many favorites that it’s hard to pick just one!”
And, of course, they never miss A Christmas Carol at The Palace Theatre during the holidays or the Manchester St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Manchester, NH, Families Find Community and Diversity
While Holly Horst, director of membership and sponsorship for the Greater Manchester Chamber, grew up in Derry, NH, and traveled the whole state during her year serving as Miss New Hampshire in 2015, she chose to put down roots in Manchester.
She moved into her first apartment in Manchester in 2016 with her now husband and a roommate. She and her husband bought a home on the outskirts in 2020, which they have since filled with their daughter and dog.
“My husband has said before, ‘It doesn’t feel like we’re in the city. It feels like we’re in a small neighborhood,’ Horst says. “Sometimes, people don’t think about the fact that there are these beautiful neighborhoods and homes even in cities.”
Manchester offers a vibrant environment to raise their daughter, who is now a toddler.
“During the summer, I have Fridays off from work, and I take her to The Palace Theatre to see these amazing kids’ performances,” Horst says. “To be able to start to expose her to the arts scene in Manchester is really neat.”
Horst’s family also enjoys the local dining scene. Their daughter has even done the World’s Largest Taco Tour, an annual event held in Manchester.
“People will often compliment us on how we aren’t afraid to take her out to restaurants,” Horst says. “We’re not the type of people to sit inside and do nothing, so she comes with us.”
That applies to travel, too, which is made easier with an airport in the city.
For fun, the family enjoys the trails along Lake Massabesic, walks to Goldenrod Restaurant for ice cream and all that living in the city has to offer.
“Anything we could possibly need is within 15 minutes of us,” Horst says.
Horst looks forward to the opportunities her daughter will have in school to forge connections and meet people from various backgrounds.
“We’re not a very diverse state, but there is a lot of diversity in Manchester,” Horst says. “More than 76 languages are spoken in our schools. It’s so cool that someday my daughter is going to be around so many people from different backgrounds.”
Get the Details
Whether you’re raising a toddler, teen or anything in between, Manchester offers family-friendly amenities and affordability in New England. The cost of living is 21.9% lower than in Boston, with housing costs nearly 50% lower. In addition, families enjoy:
- 2,000 acres of public parklands
- Year-round recreation (hiking, boating, skiing, tubing)
- Theaters and museums
- Award-winning restaurants
- And so much more!
This article was sponsored by the Manchester Economic Development Office.