Moving to Manchester? Located in Southern New Hampshire, Queen City offers affordable housing, top-notch colleges and universities, and great outdoor recreation spots. If you’re looking to live in this Hillsborough County city, here are five neighborhoods perfect for singles and young professionals!
Downtown Manchester
- Home Price: $345,000 median purchase price; $1,985 average monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of New Hampshire cities
Looking to settle down in the hustle and bustle of the city? Consider living in Downtown Manchester! Residents living in this trendy, walkable area enjoy affordable housing options, a variety of bars and restaurants lining Elm Street, and outdoor spaces along the Merrimack River—including Arms Park. This Manchester neighborhood is also home to the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, making this an ideal place for college students and those working in academia. Young professionals starting a career in Manchester can also seek employment at the local offices of Fortune 500 companies like Northwestern Mutual and Eversource Energy, or major area employers like Citizens Bank and nearby Elliot Hospital.
Things to Do in Downtown Manchester
Attend local productions of plays and musicals like You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and A Christmas Carol at The Palace Theatre. Cheer on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (MiLB) as they hit home runs at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium. Hear local and national bands play at the Jewel Music Venue—or see a wide variety of touring acts at SNHU Arena, ranging from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra to the Harlem Globetrotters exhibition basketball team. Check out pieces by artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and Claude Monet, or sign up for classes and workshops at the Currier Museum of Art. Have breakfast in Manchester with a Morning Monte Cristo or an order of Chilled Oatmeal with a Honey Vanilla Chai Latte from Waterworks Cafe. Try the Creole Jambalaya, Lobster Scallop Ravioli, or Retro Meatloaf with Mashed Potatoes and a Lemon Drop Martini from Cotton. Order signature pizzas like the Granny Smith, Margherita, and Donatella from 900 Degrees Neapolitan Pizzeria. Or enjoy a Chicken Tender Basket and drinks like the Smoke & Dagger cocktail or Sappy Ending signature latte while playing board games with friends at Boards & Brews.
Merrimack
- Home Price: $437,000 median purchase price; $1,828 average monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 71% of New Hampshire cities
Located about 20 minutes south of Manchester is the New Hampshire town of Merrimack. This Manchester suburb is a safe, community-oriented area comprised of four historical villages: Reeds Ferry, Souhegan Village, Thorntons Ferry, and South Merrimack. Residents can take part in community events from the Parks & Rec department, as well as other local happenings. Plus, those who need to commute for work or school can get to New Hampshire cities like Manchester or Nashua in less than 20 minutes via US-3. Young adults looking to settle down can find a great selection of apartments in this area, while those wanting to buy a home near Manchester will find a variety of Colonials, Cape Cods, and ranches along the town’s tree-lined streets.
Things to Do in Merrimack
Spend the day shopping at stores like Saks OFF 5th, Marc Jacobs, J.Crew Factory, and more at Merrimack Premium Outlets. Go hiking, horseback riding, snowmobiling, and more at Horse Hill Nature Preserve, which features over 560 acres of forest, trails, and wetlands. Walk the trails along the Souhegan River to the Wildcat Falls at the 87-acre Wildcat Falls Conservation Area. Join a bowling league, attend Glow Bowling with friends, or play arcade games at Merrimack Ten Pin. Devour The Chuck Norris, Irish Benedict, or Homemade Corned Beef Hash from Charlie’s Homestyle Diner. Order the Bang Bang Steak Tips, Tavern Meatloaf, or the Cowboy Steak from Buckley’s Great Steaks. Dig into seafood specialities like the Haddock Fish-n-Chips, Lobster Roll, or Shrimp & Scallops from The Lobster Boat Restaurant. Or indulge in Italian favorites such as Fried Mozzarella, Homemade Lasagna, and Pollo Portofino from Portofino Italian Restaurant.
North End
- Home Price: $500,000 median purchase price; $1,753 average monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of New Hampshire cities
On the northern edge of Queen City, directly east of the Merrimack River, you’ll find the North End neighborhood. This area is home to many historic sites, including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Zimmerman House and the General John Stark House—and residents can choose from a variety of homes, comprised mainly of Queen Anne, Colonial, and Italianate-style houses. Young adults love living in this area because of its ample outdoor recreation opportunities, proximity to downtown amenities, and friendly neighbors. College students in North End will also appreciate the easy commute to Southern New Hampshire University, which is just northeast of the neighborhood.
Things to Do in North End
Exercise with a personal trainer, sneak in a weight lifting session, or run on the treadmill at The Workout Club of Manchester. Play a game of doubles tennis, fish at Dorrs Pond, or swim in the pool at the 131-acre Livingston Park. Grow fresh herbs and vegetables in the Stark Farm Community Garden, explore the Walk in the Woods trails, or attend the Summer Concert Series at Stark Park. Take skiing and snowboarding lessons or register for the 21+ race league at nearby McIntyre Ski Area. Create your own mac & cheese dish or try favorites like the Lobstah Mac and American Chop Suey at Mr. Mac’s. Order the Shepherd’s Pie, Chicken Gyro, or a bowl of New England Clam Chowder at The Kitchen on River Road. Devour the Burrito Chile Verde, Enchiladas Carreta, or Fajitas Del Mar from La Carreta. Try the Big Bleu Burger or Broiled Chicken Breast, and save room for a Brownie Sundae from Puritan Backroom.
Piscataquog
- Home Price: $285,00 median purchase price; $1,985 average monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of New Hampshire cities
Not only is Piscataquog a safe, affordable neighborhood in Manchester, but it’s also a great neighborhood for singles and young professionals! With the Piscataquog River to the west and the Merrimack River to the east, this small neighborhood in Manchester’s West Side is filled with a variety of housing options ranging from apartments to single-family Colonial and Victorian-inspired homes. Those living in Piscataquog can easily access nearby entertainment and restaurants thanks to the area’s walkability and bikeability. Plus, college students will appreciate living near Saint Anselm College, while those working in the medical field can benefit from a quick commute to Catholic Medical Center—located less than a mile away!
Things to Do in Piscataquog
Check out a new book or attend local events at the West Manchester Branch Library. Spend the day walking the trails, kayaking, swimming, and more at the 112-acre Piscataquog River Park. Relax after a long day by walking along the river’s edge or playing with your furry friend at the members-only Manchester Dog Park at Bass Island Park. Swim laps in the summer at Raco-Theodore Pool, a 50-meter swimming pool with ten lanes. Start your morning with Pancakes, The Kelly Omelette, or Chicken and Waffles with Habanero Maple Syrup at Francoeur’s Cafe. Try Mediterranean food in Manchester by ordering Chicken Marsala, Chicken Picatta, or Mama’s Lasagna at Giorgio’s Ristorante & Bar. Savor Thai dishes like the Tom Yum Soup, Basil Crispy Chicken, or Mango Fried Rice from Lemon Thai Cuisine. Or satisfy your hunger with Fried Shrimp, Spinach Calzones, or Buffalo Chicken Pizza from Elite Pizza.
Rimmon Heights
- Home Price: $570,000 median purchase price; $1,985 average monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of New Hampshire cities
Another West Side neighborhood, Rimmon Heights is an excellent area for those looking for a slower-paced life while still having easy access to the heart of the city. Singles and young professionals looking for homes will find a great selection of Colonial-style houses, Bungalows, and Ranches situated between the Piscataquog River to the west and the Merrimack River to the east. Need to commute from Rimmon Heights to Downtown Manchester? Not a problem! It’s just a short, five-minute drive across the river via the Notre Dame Bridge.
Things to Do in Rimmon Heights
Play a game of pickleball, have a picnic, or hike to the top of the Rock Rimmon for a great view of Queen City at Rock Rimmon Park—the largest park in Manchester! Grab your skates and play hockey with friends at West Side Ice Arena. Bike through the West Side all the way to Downtown Manchester via the Piscataquog Trail—or head in the opposite direction to link up with the Goffstown Rail Trail. Pick up a Cappuccino, Shaken Spro Latte, or Iced Mocha with a Cinnamon Roll from William & Sons Coffee Co. Devour a Chili Dog, Mushroom Swiss Burger, or a Thanksgiving Sandwich at Chez Vachon. Enjoy authentic Chinese dishes like Crispy Sesame Beef, Vegetable Chop Suey, or Moo Shu Pork from Golden Tao Restaurant. Order the Hawaiian Pizza and Cheesy Garlic Bread Sticks, or create your own pizza at Hot Stone Pizzeria. Or chow down Tex-Mex favorites like the Chicken & Chorizo Rice Bowl, Chipotle Garlic Steak Taco, and Cheese Quesadillas at B’s Tacos & More.
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Housing statistics from Redfin and RentCafe. Crime rates from AreaVibes.