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Downtown Manchester

Downtown Manchester

Neighborhood in Manchester, New Hampshire

Hillsborough County 03101, 03102, 03104

$397,858 Average Value
$297 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

The commercial heart of southern New Hampshire

As one of the largest financial and commercial centers in New Hampshire, Downtown Manchester is a central hub of small business and tall buildings. Like many New England cities on the river, Manchester has its fair share of historic smokestacks and brick mill structures from days gone by, giving the city a sense of history even as modern progress marches forward. Those mills have since been removed or refurbished into condos and offices overlooking the eastern bank of the Merrimack River. The city itself is full of people with plenty of things to do, whether getting outside at public parks or trying out places to dance, eat and socialize. “Downtown Manchester has a lively and upbeat vibe,” says Kami Zink, a local Realtor with RE/MAX. “There are tons of restaurants and an active nightlife scene.” With dozens of locally owned spots to explore, as well as access to popular chain stores, Downtown Manchester has a big-city feel to it. The CAP Index crime score for Downtown Manchester is a 7 out of 10, which is higher than the national average of 4.

Bistros, bars and farm-to-table restaurants

On nearly every block in Downtown Manchester, there are dozens of restaurants, bars, boutiques and bistros. Firefly Bistro and Bar has a cozy, rustic atmosphere with comfort food like creamy pasta dishes and hot chowders. Its extensive brunch menu makes it a weekend hotspot, where diners can choose from things like lobster eggs benedict, biscuits and gravy or shrimp and grits. Fratello’s Italian Grille has deck seating overlooking the city, and The Foundry features farm-to-table meals and craft cocktails. Market Basket is nearby for convenient shopping in the heart of the city.

Fratello's Italian Grille, a casual Italian-American restaurant in downtown Manchester.
Fratello's Italian Grille, a casual Italian-American restaurant in downtown Manchester.
There are many quaint shops on Concord Street in downtown Manchester.
There are many quaint shops on Concord Street in downtown Manchester.
The Palace Theatre is a beautiful 834-seat historic theatre offering stage productions.
The Palace Theatre is a beautiful 834-seat historic theatre offering stage productions.
The Market Basket grocery store offers a beautiful selection of produce.
The Market Basket grocery store offers a beautiful selection of produce.
Fratello's in downtown Manchester offers casual Italian dining in an old mill building.
Fratello's in downtown Manchester offers casual Italian dining in an old mill building.
Firefly American Bistro & Bar offers a refined American menu & broad drinks selection.
Firefly American Bistro & Bar offers a refined American menu & broad drinks selection.
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Townhouses and condos along the Merrimack River and on busy city streets

Comprised mostly of multi-family buildings and condos, Downtown Manchester does not have a suburban atmosphere. There are a few single-family homes on the city's east side, where the more residential areas give way to suburbs, but many people choose to live among the bustle of city life. Townhouses in brick buildings from the early 1900s are quite large, with two floors and sometimes partially finished basement rooms and offices. Exposed brick walls and large kitchens can be very appealing, so buyers tend to pay around $450,000 for two-to-three bedrooms. Single-bedroom condos in buildings like those on Canal Street may have less space, but still enjoy that historic feel, and can date back to the 1890s. Though the prices are lower for these units, costing around $250,000, tenants often share laundry facilities with neighbors and do not have much in the way of yard or patio space. The occasional single-family home east of Pine Street includes detached rowhouses and worker’s cottages with tall, pointed roofs. They do not often have large yards or green spaces and can range in price from $300,000 to $500,000. The farther northeast a homebuyer goes, the more likely they are to find larger homes on green lawns near golf courses or small ponds.

Distinct architectural detail can be found throughout Manchester.
Distinct architectural detail can be found throughout Manchester.
There are many multi-family housing options in Downtown Manchester.
There are many multi-family housing options in Downtown Manchester.
Large stately homes can be found in Manchester.
Large stately homes can be found in Manchester.
Multi-family housing is available in downtown Manchester.
Multi-family housing is available in downtown Manchester.
Downtown Manchester townhomes offer modern living with easy access to shops, dining & nightlife.
Downtown Manchester townhomes offer modern living with easy access to shops, dining & nightlife.
Stylish townhomes in downtown Manchester provide a perfect blend of comfort & urban convenience.
Stylish townhomes in downtown Manchester provide a perfect blend of comfort & urban convenience.
Condos in Manchester offer modern living with sleek designs & close to convenient amenities.
Condos in Manchester offer modern living with sleek designs & close to convenient amenities.
You can find beautiful & stylish condos in downtown Manchester, perfect for city living.
You can find beautiful & stylish condos in downtown Manchester, perfect for city living.
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Riverside recreation, pocket parks and the Manchester City Library

Though Downtown Manchester is in the heart of a busy city, there are still green spaces, parks, riverfront views and the Southern New Hampshire University Arena. “It is a large event venue that hosts concerts and community events, along with the college’s games,” Zink says. Veteran’s Memorial Park is a popular spot among local dog owners and serves as an outdoor concert venue. Walkers and bikers can use the Piscataquog Trail, a 2-mile, paved path that passes over the Merrimack River on the Hands Across the Merrimack Footbridge. This lets residents from the west side of the river access downtown by bicycle or on foot. As for the eastern bank, Arms Park has a red-cobbled path right along the water’s edge. Other green spaces like Bronstein Park, Pulaski Park and Victory Park provide locals with natural spots to walk, sit on benches or view monuments to the past. Just next to Victory Park is the Manchester City Library branch on Pine Street, which is housed in a large, white brick building that was built in 1854. The institution has a second branch location across the river on Main Street.

The Merrimack River Park Trail offers biking, hiking and running trails for residents.
The Merrimack River Park Trail offers biking, hiking and running trails for residents.
The Piscataquog Trail is highly utilized by cyclists and pedestrians.
The Piscataquog Trail is highly utilized by cyclists and pedestrians.
Veterans Memorial Park is located in downtown Manchester.
Veterans Memorial Park is located in downtown Manchester.
Locals frequent Pulaski Park to play basketball.
Locals frequent Pulaski Park to play basketball.
The Hands Across the Merrimack in Manchester is a footbridge used by cyclist & pedestrians.
The Hands Across the Merrimack in Manchester is a footbridge used by cyclist & pedestrians.
Victory Park in Downtown Manchester stands as a testament to the cities rich history.
Victory Park in Downtown Manchester stands as a testament to the cities rich history.
The Manchester City Library, established in 1850, offers a wide selection of books for all ages.
The Manchester City Library, established in 1850, offers a wide selection of books for all ages.
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Getting around in Downtown Manchester and commutes to Boston

Everett Turnpike, also known as Route 3, is the city’s major highway just west of the river. This is how drivers head 20 miles south to Nashua and beyond to Boston, about 62 miles south of Downtown Manchester. Commuters can also hop on Interstate 93 South and shave off about 10 miles and 20 minutes from their drive to Boston. Greyhound buses also connect Boston and Manchester, though the trip is longer. In the city, downtown residents are able to jump on a Manchester Transit Authority bus, to get to and from work, class, a night out or to Elliot Hospital, which is about 2 miles east of the river. Elm Street is a major landmark for most people navigating downtown, as it is the city’s central roadway that houses restaurants, plazas, parks and hotels.

The Merrimack River and Interstate 293 run through the city of Manchester.
The Merrimack River and Interstate 293 run through the city of Manchester.
The MTA is New Hampshire’s largest public transportation and provides bus service to residents.
The MTA is New Hampshire’s largest public transportation and provides bus service to residents.
The MTA is New Hampshire’s largest public transportation and provides bus service to residents.
The MTA is New Hampshire’s largest public transportation and provides bus service to residents.
An aerial view captures the Merrimack River winding through the heart of downtown Manchester.
An aerial view captures the Merrimack River winding through the heart of downtown Manchester.
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Manchester city public schools and programs

Beech Street Elementary School teaches kindergarten through fifth grade and has a student-teacher ratio of 11-to-1, which is much lower than the national average. Hillside Middle School is considered the most diverse public school in New Hampshire by Niche. Both schools are graded a C-minus on Niche. Manchester Central High School is the oldest public high school in New Hampshire and earns an overall B grade, giving students access to a variety of clubs and sports. It also hosts programs in fine arts, photography and computer graphics.

Beech Street Elementary School is located in the neighborhood of Kalivas Union.
Beech Street Elementary School is located in the neighborhood of Kalivas Union.
Hillside Middle School in Manchester is a part of School Administrative Unit 37.
Hillside Middle School in Manchester is a part of School Administrative Unit 37.
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The nearby campus of Southern New Hampshire University

Located north of the city is Southern New Hampshire University, which has a large campus along the river. Though most students study online, the campus hosts military and international students, as well as a few who prefer the college experience. Though this doesn’t create a college town atmosphere, the school’s impact on the area can still be felt at its arena on Elm Street.

Shelby Sullivan
Written By
Shelby Sullivan
Todd Beltz
Photography Contributed By
Todd Beltz
David Strayer
Video By
David Strayer

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Theresa Grella, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Manchester Boston Regional

16 min drive

Bus

Manchester (Boston Express)

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Manchester US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 7 4
Burglary 8 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 7 4
Larceny 8 4
Crime Score 7 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$291,950
Median Single Family Price
$775,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$275,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$279,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$297
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
10
Months of Supply
1.20
Median List Price
$310,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
10%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
136
Median Year Built
1913
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,798
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,411
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,446
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
759
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
15,681

Open Houses

  • Friday, Apr 25
    5 - 6:30pm

    98 Hollis St, Manchester, NH 03101

    $425,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,721 Sq Ft
    • 98 Hollis St
    • New 1 day ago

    Welcome to 98 Hollis St, a beautifully updated natural brick row townhouse that blends historic charm with modern comfort in the heart of Manchester, NH. Built in 1913, this home preserves its original character while offering thoughtful upgrades throughout. Step into the stunning chef’s kitchen featuring a large peninsula, high-end stainless steel appliances including a gas range, refrigerator,

    Norman Boyd EXP Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Theresa Grella, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,083
Median Age
37
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.3%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$56,549
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$87,283

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
84.3%
College Graduates
43.5%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.1%
% Population in Labor Force
72.2%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
51''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

50 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

93 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Manchester