If you are looking for new scenery or a new sense of purpose, consider moving to Manchester, NH.
Tucked into the northeastern United States, this city has a charm that is hard to find these days. Calm enough to be quaint, but large enough to be exciting, it offers a balance that attracts people from all walks of life.
What do you want for your future? A place to settle down with loved ones? A space where you can enjoy some solitude? Do you want to be close to nature and an active lifestyle, or enriched by the arts?
No matter what you want in a future home, who you are with, or why you are making the change, moving to Manchester could be the perfect fit. With the right Manchester moving company by your side, this move could open the door to new possibilities.
Manchester Quick Facts
Here is a quick look at Manchester, New Hampshire.
- County: Hillsborough County
- Size: the largest city in New Hampshire, and the largest in northern New England
- Population: about 115,000
- Nickname: the Queen City
- Location: southern New Hampshire, on the Merrimack River at Amoskeag Falls, about 53 miles north of Boston
- Founded: settled in the 1720s and incorporated as a city in 1846
- Known for: the Amoskeag Millyard, once the largest textile mill complex in the world
What Manchester Is Known For
Manchester’s story runs through its Millyard. In the 1800s, the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company built the largest textile mill complex in the world here, and its brick mills still stretch nearly a mile along the Merrimack River. Those mills once produced more cotton cloth than any other city on earth. Today the Millyard is a hub for technology, research, and higher education, and the Millyard Museum tells the full story.
People know Manchester as the Queen City, New Hampshire’s largest and liveliest. It is home to the Currier Museum of Art, which includes the Zimmerman House, the only Frank Lloyd Wright home open to the public in New England. It is also the only city in New Hampshire with a professional sports team, the NH Fisher Cats. Manchester has a strong streak of innovation too, as the home base of inventor Dean Kamen and the FIRST robotics program. Each spring, the city hosts what is billed as the world’s largest Taco Tour.
Find a Better Place to Raise a Family
For some people, the main purpose in life is to build and sustain a loving family. That takes patience, a strong financial foundation, and the right location.
Manchester is consistently ranked among the top places to live in the United States. It has a low crime rate for a city its size, good schools, and a high quality of life.
Moving to Manchester can put you in a prime spot to raise a family. No matter how many kids you have, their ages, or whether you have started your family yet, this destination has the building blocks you need to set up a good future.
Is Manchester, NH Safe?
Safety is one of the most important qualities an area can have. That is true even if you are moving alone, and it matters even more when you bring family or plan to start one. You want a home where you feel secure.
Manchester’s property crime rate runs below the national average, and the city compares well to larger Northeastern cities. That said, as New Hampshire’s biggest city, Manchester sees more crime than the state’s small towns, so it helps to research specific neighborhoods before you settle on one. Many families still find it a safe, calmer alternative to bigger metros.
What About Schools in Manchester?
If you are raising kids or plan to, the local school system matters. A good system can nurture young minds, build skills, and prepare students for the workforce.
Manchester has a range of public and private schools. Its public system is the largest in New Hampshire, with some impressive stats:
- More than 12,000 students
- About 22 schools
- A diverse range of programs
- AP course options
- Gifted and talented programs
- English Language Learner (ELL) support
Manchester is also home to several private schools, including Catholic, independent, and Montessori options. These offer alternative approaches and smaller class sizes that some families prefer.
The city has colleges and universities too, including the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, Southern New Hampshire University, and Saint Anselm College. These schools offer undergraduate and graduate programs, so students can pursue higher education without leaving the city.
Overall, Manchester’s schools provide a quality education, backed by a community that values learning. That commitment and range of programs make the city an attractive option for families, and its colleges support continued learning and career growth.
Explore New Professional Possibilities
With such a strong focus on education, it is no surprise that the area also has a thriving economy. If you are moving for work, you are putting yourself in a good position by choosing Manchester.
What is your goal? To move up in your field? To explore a new role or industry? Maybe you want to start your own business or move a business here.
Manchester has a strong economy and a low unemployment rate. It is home to major employers like Southern New Hampshire University, Elliot Hospital, and the Mall of New Hampshire, the city’s main shopping center.
Manchester’s growing economy performs well in many of today’s leading fields, including:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Finance
- Technology
- Marketing
Manchester is also a smart choice for small business owners and freelancers. The area has a strong entrepreneurial community, with many startups and small businesses in the city.
The city offers programs to support them, such as the Manchester Development Corporation, which provides financing and technical help to new and expanding businesses.
No matter your career path, moving to Manchester can put you on track for greater success. If you want a change that can grow your skills and your finances, Manchester is a strong choice.
Whether you are moving as an employee, freelancer, or owner, you can count on a professional and affordable move when you contact College Bound Movers.
Downsize and Live More Affordably
Some people reach a point when they decide to downsize. Maybe it is a couple whose nest has just emptied and who are ready to scale back. It could be someone starting a new chapter solo after a relationship ends.
Moving to Manchester does not put you in a tiny town, but it is notably smaller than nearby cities like Boston or New York. The costs reflect that difference. If you bring a Boston or New York income here, you can stretch it further.
New Hampshire also has the lowest poverty rate in the country, around 7 percent, which speaks to the region’s strong job market. Housing here is not cheap, and prices have climbed in recent years, with the median single-family home running near $470,000. But with no state income tax and no sales tax, plus costs well below Boston or New York, the value still adds up for many residents. If downsizing is your goal, our storage options make it easy to pare down before you move.
Enjoy Outdoor Activities to Stay Healthier
Moving to Manchester also opens you up to a great mix of outdoor amenities. The blend of natural scenery and a diverse economy helps you stay active, which keeps you healthier and happier.
Some people move for a change of scenery because they want to explore more of the world. That curiosity will serve you well in Manchester, whether on the trails of the New Hampshire countryside or the slopes nearby.
Manchester has a variety of outdoor activities, including:
- Hiking: Several trails in and around Manchester, including the Uncanoonuc Mountains, offer great views of the city and the area.
- Biking: Manchester has several bike paths and trails, including the Heritage Trail, which runs along the Merrimack River with scenic water and park views.
- Kayaking and Canoeing: The Merrimack River is a great spot for paddling, with several rental options.
- Golfing: Manchester has several courses, including the Derryfield Country Club, with a challenging layout and city views.
- Parks and Recreation Areas: Livingston Park and Massabesic Lake offer hiking, biking, swimming, and more.
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Manchester sits close to ski resorts like Pats Peak and Crotched Mountain, with slopes for all skill levels.
Overall, Manchester offers plenty of ways to stay active and well. Whether you enjoy hiking, biking, kayaking, or skiing, there is something for everyone in and around the city.
Expand Your Appreciation for the Arts
Staying active does a lot for your quality of life. But what about your mind? Our brains crave new information just as our bodies crave activity, and the best way to grow is to open up to new sights and experiences.
If you are wondering what to do in Manchester to broaden your horizons, you can explore a wide range of theaters, museums, and galleries.
Start your artsy evening at the Currier Museum of Art. One of Manchester’s most popular museums, it is known for an extensive collection of American and European art, including works by Picasso, Monet, and O’Keeffe.
If you prefer a more down-home experience, try the Millyard Museum. This facility showcases Manchester’s history, with exhibits on the city’s industrial past and cultural heritage. For new residents, it is a great way to appreciate the city’s roots.
In the mood for a show? The Palace Theatre lives up to its name, with a strong lineup across many genres. The historic theater hosts musicals, plays, and concerts.
Jupiter Hall is a multi-use space that hosts art exhibits, live music, and events, with a focus on local artists and performers. Art 3 Gallery is a contemporary gallery that features work by local and regional artists, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media.
The city also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the popular annual Granite State Comic Con.
These venues can help you unwind or enrich your mind. Who knows what you will discover, or who you will meet along the way?
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Manchester
Is Manchester, NH a good place to live?
For many people, yes. Manchester pairs a lower cost of living than Boston or New York with no state income or sales tax, a strong job market, and a lively arts scene. It regularly appears on “best places to live” lists. Like any city, it has trade-offs, so weigh housing costs and neighborhood fit.
What county is Manchester, NH in?
Manchester is in Hillsborough County, in southern New Hampshire.
What is the population of Manchester, NH?
Manchester has about 115,000 residents, which makes it the largest city in New Hampshire.
Is Manchester, NH expensive?
Housing is the main cost. The median single-family home has run near $470,000 in recent years, and the market moves fast. Still, New Hampshire’s lack of income and sales tax helps offset the cost, and Manchester is more affordable than nearby big cities.
What is Manchester, NH known for?
Manchester is known for the Amoskeag Millyard, once the world’s largest textile mill complex, along with the Currier Museum of Art and the Queen City nickname. It is also a growing tech and education hub.
Moving to Manchester? Call College Bound Movers
If you are moving to Manchester, we would love the chance to share the experience with you.
This city is an ideal place to improve your life in many ways. Maybe you see it as a quieter, more affordable destination to raise a family. You might be hoping to grow your career or downsize your life.
Whatever brings you here, count on our Manchester moving company to support you. We provide the full range of services you need, including:
- Packing and unpacking
- Professional packing supplies
- Loading and unloading
- Portable storage solutions
- Full-service moving assistance
No matter what you need, we have you covered. All packed up and just need labor? Want us to pack while you handle transport? Need us to do it all? We are there for you in any moving situation, whether it is local or a long-distance move.
Need to pack up your bike for the trails, or clear out some items before moving to a smaller home? It is all easy and efficient with College Bound Movers.
Make Moving to Manchester More Enjoyable
If you want a safe, affordable, and enjoyable place to live, with plenty of jobs and access to outdoor and cultural attractions, moving to Manchester is a great idea.
If you have been comparing the top moving companies in Manchester, you know how important it is to have a partner you can trust. Our team is:
- Fully licensed and insured
- Rated A+ with the BBB
- Positively reviewed by customers
When you are ready to relocate to Manchester, our skilled team will be happy to help however you need. Contact us today to start your relocation plan with a free estimate.
