Relocating to Manchester? New Hampshire is one of the safest states in the U.S., and its biggest city offers a lower cost of living than its East Coast counterparts like Boston and Portland. Here are five safe, affordable Manchester neighborhoods and suburbs to live in!
Notre Dame
- Home Price: $332,500 median purchase price; $1,985 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of New Hampshire cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Looking for that classic New England charm when you move to Manchester? Notre Dame has diverse housing styles, including historical Cape Cods, Colonials, Tudors, and more. Primed for families, this safe neighborhood has well-rated schools like Gossler Park Elementary School and Parkside Middle School, as well as convenient healthcare options at Catholic Medical Center. Plus, you can easily access major roads like Everett Turnpike, which can take you to the rest of city. Notre Dame is also located along the Merrimack River, providing residents with lots of outdoor things to do in Manchester!
Things to Do in Notre Dame
Set out on a waterfront walk around the 2-mile Piscataquog Trail. Learn to garden and enjoy fresh seasonal produce from the Parkside Community Garden. Relax for a picnic while the kids play on the playground at Simpson Park. Explore educational and engaging exhibits like The LEGO Millyard, BiologYou, and Sun, Earth, Universe at SEE Science Center in Downtown Manchester! Wake up with a Bubble Tea Latte, Iced Mocha, or Shaken Spro Latte from William & Sons Coffee Co. Spend brunches snacking on French Toast, a Farmer’s Burrito, and Oven Baked Omelets from Chez Vachon. Share an order of Scallion Pancakes, Pineapple Walnut Shrimp, or Pork Lo Mein from Golden Tao Restaurant. Or go on a date night with New England Lobster Scallop Ravioli, Lamb Frites, and more paired with a signature Cotton Flirtini cocktail at Cotton Restaurant, just across the Merrimack River in Downtown Manchester!
Piscataquog
- Home Price: $180,000 median purchase price; $1,985 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of New Hampshire cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
With the Piscataquog River to the west and the Merrimack River to the east, Piscataquog residents can find a home with a view at an affordable price—whether it’s a Cape Cod or Ranch home, or Colonial-style apartment. This safe Manchester neighborhood is great for those looking to spend more time outdoors—as Piscataquog has high walk and bike scores—with navigable streets and a trail in the area. Referred to as “Little Square” or “Squog,” Piscataquog offers a close-knit community with events like Bingo, Line Dancing, and more fun things to do while living in Manchester!
Things to Do in Piscataquog
Play a game of one-on-one basketball at Sweeney Park, named after Private Henry John Sweeney. Take your four-legged family members for some enrichment time at Manchester Dog Park. Escape from the busyness of Manchester with a quiet walk around Bass Island Park, or access the Merrimack River with its boat ramps! Peruse through books or attend book discussions, Family Storytime, Movie Screenings, and other events at the West Manchester Branch Library. Pick up an order of Antipasto Salad, Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pizza, or Chicken Stir Fry with Rice from Elite Pizza. Celebrate date night while sharing Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, Crab Cakes, and Cauliflower Bites at Giorgio’s Ristorante & Bar. Snack on Lemon Thai Dumplings, Drunken Chicken, Thai Noodle Soup, and other traditional Thai dishes from Lemon Thai Cuisine. Or sample Chilli Paneer, Chicken Pakoda, Lamb Sukha, and more from Classic Biryani Kabab & Curry.
Somerville
- Home Price: $319,000 median purchase price; $1,661 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of New Hampshire cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Want a centrally located neighborhood while living in Manchester? Somerville has easy access to I-93 and I-293 for those with a morning commute, and the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is just a short drive away for work trips. For those moving to Manchester, you’ll find Somerville has a wide selection of housing styles like stately historic Colonials or quaint Cape Cod bungalows. And residents of this Manchester neighborhood can enjoy the East Coast charm of Somerville, with historic landmarks like the Somerville Fire Station.
Things to Do in Somerville
Round the family up for a game of pickleball on the courts at Prout Park. Help your kids burn off some energy after school with the swings and slides at the quiet neighborhood Howe Park. Shop for new and vintage records from the locally-owned Metro City Records. Reserve a table, catch a touring DJ, and dance all night at Dubai Night Club and Grill. Try a Cuban Rice Bowl, Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, Sweet-Beet Hash, and other vegan dishes at Manchester vegan restaurant, The Green Beautiful. Savor authentic Mexican meals like Tortas, Burrito Chimichangas, and Quesadillas at El Tenampa Mexican Restaurant. Test out Yaroa Beef, Mofongo Octopus, Guava & Cheese Bread Sticks, and more Caribbean bites from Tropical Food to Go. Or enjoy a drink with an order of Fried Pickles, a Honey Ham & Cheese Sandwich, or a Cheeseburger from My Friend’s Pub.
Straw/Smyth
- Home Price: $435,000 median purchase price; $1,753 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of New Hampshire cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Nestled near Downtown Manchester, Straw/Smyth is a great option for anyone living in Manchester! Here, you’ll find a good mix of single-family homes and multi-unit buildings for both buyers and renters in Manchester. With schools like Smyth Road Elementary, Hillside Middle School, and the nearby Southern New Hampshire University, this New England neighborhood is ideal for families and college students in Manchester. And while there are some public transit options, most residents still rely on their own car to get around and enjoy the many fun things to do in the city.
Things to Do in Straw/Smyth
Catch a view of iconic New Hampshire landmarks like Mount Monadnock, Mount Chocorua, the Uncanoonuc Mountains, and more at the Weston Observatory. Play a game of tennis or run through the lush 76 acres at Derryfield Park. Attend Art After Work nights, schedule a private tour, or explore interactive art exhibits at the Currier Museum of Art. Learn how to ski, take frequent trips down Mac Pac Terrain Park, and snow-tube down Bonneville Family Thrill Hill at McIntyre Ski Area. Order Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Mac, a Tossed Garden Salad, American Chop Suey, and more from Mr. Mac’s Macaroni and Cheese. Pick up a Hot Pastrami Grinder, Homemade Lasagna, or Spinach and Feta for the family from Souvlaki Pizza & Subs. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Toasted Coconut, Coffee, or Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Cream from Puritan Backroom Restaurant. Or meet up with friends and snack on a Soft Pretzel, Loaded Waffle Fries, and Dino Nuggets paired with a craft beer from To Share Brewing Company.
Youngsville
- Home Price: $374,950 median purchase price; $1,709 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 0% of New Hampshire cities
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Looking for a small-town feel while living in Manchester? Located right on the edge of the city, family-friendly Youngsville is a great choice. This Manchester neighborhood is safe, affordable, and largely residential, making it easy to get to know your neighbors after moving to town. And thanks to easy access to I-93, you can easily find things to do in Manchester. This affordable New England neighborhood is also perfect for nature lovers, as Massabesic Lake provides ample outdoor recreation activities like boating, fishing, and more.
Things to Do in Youngsville
Set out on the water of Massabesic Lake after becoming a member of the Massabesic Yacht Club. Join clubs like the Friends Of Massabesic Bicycling Association (FOMBA), Newfields Sno-Raiders, or NH Mushers Association for your choice of biking, snow-plowing, or mushing along the Rockingham Rail Trail. Play a game of doubles or watch the kids romp around the playground at Youngsville Park. Rent a lane during Glow Bowling for a fun twist on a family-favorite game at Lakeside Lanes. Start your day with a Hungry Man Plate, Meat Lovers Omelet, or Breakfast Sub from Sandy’s Variety & Sub Shop. Fuel up on Hot Dogs, a Pizzaburger, or the Belly Clam Roll at Goldenrod Restaurant. Warm up with a bowl of Egg Drop Soup, Honey Mustard Chicken, Kung Po Shrimp, or your choice of Chinese and American cuisine at Bonsai’s Restaurant. Or enjoy unique ice cream flavors like Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip Yogurt, Maine Maple Walnut, and Golden Road Butter Brickle at Moe Joe’s Family Restaurant.
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Housing statistics from Relator and RentCafe. Crime rates from AreaVibes.