Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Manchester, NH
Thinking of moving to Manchester, NH? With a population of over 115,000, Manchester blends affordable living with New England charm. Median home prices hover around $349,000 and average 2-bedroom rents are about $1,480, making it a budget-friendly alternative to Boston. Residents enjoy short 24-minute commutes, a variety of local schools, and four distinct seasons with 56% sunny days. While crime is higher than the state average, the city offers strong healthcare options, diverse amenities, and a welcoming community for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Manchester, NH
Demographics - Manchester, NH
Manchester, New Hampshire is home to over 115,000 residents, offering a balanced mix of ages with a median age of 37.1. The city has a diverse population, with nearly 80% identifying as White and 13.4% speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and close gender ratio foster a vibrant community atmosphere.
Population:
115,462
Density:
3,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.4%
Ethnic Composition
White:
79.6%
Black:
5.2%
Asian:
6.0%
Others:
9.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Manchester, NH?
Manchester features a cost of living slightly above the national average, with median home values around $349,000 and typical gross rents at $1,480. Residents benefit from relatively low state taxes and moderate homeowners' costs, making it an appealing option for those seeking affordability within New England. Utilities and healthcare costs are a bit higher than average, but overall expenses remain manageable for most households.
Median House Value:
$349,000
Gross Rent:
$1,480
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$128
Auto Insurance:
$1,230
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,970
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$605
State Taxes:
Low:
0%
|
High:
5%
Cost Of Living Index:
107.5
Grocery:
104.2
Housing:
102.8
Utilities:
110.6
Transportation:
98.9
Health Care:
110.7
Miscellaneous:
103.5
Crime
Is Manchester, NH a safe place to live?
While crime rates in Manchester are higher than the state average, with a 1 in 244 chance of experiencing violent crime, the city remains a welcoming place for families and professionals. Property crime is more common, but local law enforcement and community initiatives work to maintain safety. Prospective residents should be mindful of these factors when choosing neighborhoods.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
409
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,149
Crime Index:
2,558
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 244
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Manchester, NH year-round?
Manchester experiences all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows around 15°F and warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. The city enjoys about 56% sunny days each year and receives close to 46 inches of rainfall annually. These weather patterns offer a classic New England climate, perfect for those who appreciate seasonal changes.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The typical Manchester household earns about $68,200 annually, with a poverty rate of 11.6% and an unemployment rate of just 3.5%. Most locals enjoy a 24-minute average commute, and public transportation usage is minimal. The community is well-educated, with over 90% completing high school and nearly 30% holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Median Income:
$41,200
Household Income:
$68,200
Family Income:
$82,400
Per Capita Income:
$36,250
Income Male:
$48,700
Income Female:
$39,400
Poverty Rate:
11.6%
Non English Speakers:
13.4%
Rent:
$1,480
Unemployment Rate:
3.5%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
23.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.7%
Bachelors or More:
29.6%
Education
How are the schools in Manchester, NH?
Manchester offers a range of educational opportunities, from public schools like Manchester Memorial High School to private institutions such as The Derryfield School. The city is also home to Southern New Hampshire University and Manchester Community College, providing access to higher education locally. Families benefit from a diverse selection of schools with manageable student-teacher ratios.
Public Schools
Name:
Manchester Memorial High School
Street:
1 Crusader Way
Phone:
603-624-6378
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Name:
Hillside Middle School
Street:
112 Reservoir Ave
Phone:
603-624-6352
Students:
750
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Private Schools
Name:
The Derryfield School
Street:
2108 River Rd
Phone:
603-669-4524
Students:
390
Colleges
Name:
Southern New Hampshire University
City:
Manchester
State:
NH
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
4,000 (campus), 135,000 (online)
Name:
Manchester Community College
City:
Manchester
State:
NH
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,300
Healthcare
Manchester residents have access to quality healthcare with major hospitals like Elliot Hospital and Catholic Medical Center providing comprehensive and emergency services. With 2.5 physicians per 1,000 people and over 92% health insurance coverage, medical care is accessible and reliable. The city’s healthcare index reflects a strong system for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Elliot Hospital
Address:
1 Elliot Way, Manchester, NH 03103
Phone:
(603) 669-5300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Catholic Medical Center
Address:
100 McGregor St, Manchester, NH 03102
Phone:
(603) 668-3545
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.5
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
75.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Manchester, NH?
Manchester’s housing market is competitive but attainable, with a median home price of $349,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,480. About 47% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a healthy 7.2% home appreciation rate over the past year. Rental vacancy rates remain low, reflecting steady demand and a stable real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$349,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,480
Owner Occupied Rate:
46.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.4%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents handle licensing and vehicle needs through the New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located in nearby Concord. The DMV offers a full range of services and information both in person and via their user-friendly website. For assistance, the main contact number is 1-603-227-4000.
State:
New Hampshire
Department:
New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles
Address:
23 Hazen Drive, Concord, NH 03305
Phone:
1-603-227-4000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.