Manchester, NHBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
History comes alive in Manchester. Nestled along the banks of the Merrimack River, residents have access to plenty of historic landmarks, excellent schools, a thriving arts and culture scene, and a variety of outdoor activities and things to do.
Move About Living in Manchester
Manchester, NH, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Once on the map for its textile mill, Manchester, NH has reinvented itself, and the millyard on Merrimack River is again bustling as a hub for the growing biofabrication industry. The modern-industrial space also has restaurants, a brewery, a fitness studio, offices and more. At the Millyard Museum, Manchester residents and tourists alike can learn the whole history of the Amoskeag Millyard, which once churned out 5 million yards of cloth at the end of each work week!
As one of the best places to live in the U.S., Manchester ranks high for education. The city has a dozen colleges and universities that educate 15,500 students annually. The economic outlook in Manchester is strong, too; the federal government awarded the city a $44 million “Build Back Better” grant to move the biofabrication industry forward and create thousands of high-paying jobs for residents.
Manchester also has an artistic side, with gems like the Currier Museum of Art stocked with works from Picasso, Monet and O’Keeffe, and The Palace Theatre hosting musicals.
Manchester, NH Quality of Life LivScore
Manchester, NH Top Categories
Amenities
Education
Economy
Manchester ranks highest for amenities, education and economy.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Manchester, NH
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 60 inches, and the winter season typically lasts from December to March.
The average annual rainfall in Manchester is 45 inches, and rain is spread relatively evenly throughout the year, with slightly higher amounts in the spring and summer months.
Manchester averages 202 sunny days a year.
Lots of Manchester kids learn to ski at McIntyre Ski Area, which has 11 trails and a nice snowy patch for beginners. For experienced skiers, the ski area has a racing league that competes at night.
Manchester Weather
202 days
Average Annual Sun
45 inches
Average Annual Rain
60 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Manchester, NH
Livingston Park is a favorite, with a playground, a pool outfitted with a water slide and a nearby pond with a walking trail.
Pick up your plant babies and crystals at The Terracotta Room, a cute, locally-owned shop.
Visit the historic millyard and enjoy a Sunday brunch at The Foundry with views of the Merrimack River.
Grab a coffee, juice or smoothie from The Bridge Cafe in downtown Manchester.
The Local and State Economy in Manchester, NH
Manchester’s robust economy is experiencing major growth, and some of the leading industries are health care and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. Manchester also has a strong sector in terms of biotechnology, and there are several innovative companies based in 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.
There are several major health care providers that Manchester residents have access to. Both Catholic Medical Center and Elliot Hospital are highly-ranked hospitals in the state.
There are several colleges and universities in Manchester, including Southern New Hampshire University, the University of New Hampshire at Manchester and Manchester Community College.
Quick Facts About Manchester, NH
- Median Household Income
- $66,531
- Median Home Value
- $334,928
- Average State Property Tax
- $6,036
- Total Population
- 116,123
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,213
- Average Commute
- 18.81 minutes
Manchester performed exceptionally well in the education and amenities categories, helping it land a spot among the best places to live in the U.S. Read even more about what makes Manchester a great community and the cost of living here. Also, read about what industries in Manchester are growing.
