Manchester NH

Manchester – Nestled in the heart of New England, Manchester combines historic charm with modern living. Known for its mill-town roots and vibrant downtown, it's a city where art, education, and innovation meet. Whether you're strolling along the Merrimack River, exploring local museums, or enjoying a cozy café, Manchester invites you to experience its welcoming community and New Hampshire spirit.

• Population: ~115,000
• Weather: Cold, snowy winters (20-35°F); warm summers (65-85°F); colorful fall foliage and mild springs.
• Places To Visit: Currier Museum of Art, Zimmerman House by Frank Lloyd Wright, SNHU Arena, Millyard Museum, and Lake Massabesic.
• Top Activities: Walking the Riverwalk, catching a Fisher Cats baseball game, visiting local breweries, hiking nearby trails, and exploring farmers markets.
• Famous Food: Homemade apple cider donuts, New England clam chowder, granite state maple syrup, locally brewed craft beers, and farm-to-table dishes.

Manchester, NH is a growing city with a strong economy centered around healthcare, technology, education, and manufacturing. As the largest city in New Hampshire, it offers diverse career paths and a stable job market. Below are some of the most in-demand jobs in the city today.

Top 5 Jobs in Manchester, NH

Manchester, NH, offers a variety of great spots for students to unwind, relax, and enjoy themselves. Whether you're interested in nature, food, or just the chance to hang out with friends, Manchester has plenty to offer.

Livingston Park – Perfect for an afternoon stroll or a relaxing picnic. You can enjoy the scenic pond and take a walk through the beautiful trails.

Downtown Manchester – With its variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops, downtown is a vibrant place to explore. Grab a coffee, explore local boutiques, or sit in Victory Park with a book.

Currier Museum of Art – For those who love art, this museum offers a peaceful retreat with its impressive collection. It's a great way to unwind and get some creative inspiration.

Bear Brook State Park – Just a short drive away, this park offers hiking, biking, and canoeing. It's perfect for students looking to escape the city for a day of adventure and nature.

Elm Street – The heart of Manchester's nightlife. With plenty of bars, music venues, and eateries, it's a great place to meet up with friends and enjoy the vibrant student atmosphere.

Pine Island Park – Set in a beautiful wooded area, it's a great spot for some outdoor relaxation. You can fish, kayak, or simply enjoy a peaceful day by the water.

Manchester, New Hampshire is a growing hub for higher education, offering students a mix of public and private institutions with strong academic programs. From business and healthcare to technology and liberal arts, the city's colleges and universities provide educational paths aligned with workforce demands and personal goals.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Manchester

University of New Hampshire at Manchester (UNH Manchester) – As part of the University of New Hampshire system, UNH Manchester offers hands-on learning in a wide range of fields including biotechnology, analytics, cybersecurity, and business. Its urban campus connects students with real-world internships and research opportunities.

Manchester Community College (MCC) – MCC provides affordable associate degrees and certificate programs in areas like health sciences, computer technology, engineering, and business. The college is known for its strong emphasis on workforce development and smooth transfer options.

NHTI – Concord’s Community College (serving greater Manchester) – Though located in nearby Concord, NHTI serves many students from Manchester. It offers associate degrees and career training in engineering, dental hygiene, and nursing, backed by modern facilities and partnerships with regional employers.

Granite State College – Manchester Location (now part of UNH) – Before consolidating with the UNH system, Granite State College had a strong presence in Manchester, offering online and evening programs for adult learners in business, education, and human services. Many of these offerings continue under the UNH umbrella.

New Hampshire Technical Institute Satellite Programs – Technical and trade-focused programs from New Hampshire's Community College System frequently extend into the Manchester area, supporting industries like manufacturing, HVAC, and software development.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Manchester

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – Headquartered in Manchester, SNHU is nationally recognized for its innovative online learning model. It offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate programs in business, IT, psychology, and education, serving both traditional and non-traditional students.

Saint Anselm College – A Catholic liberal arts college known for its strong programs in politics, nursing, business, and ethics. With a beautiful campus just outside downtown Manchester, Saint Anselm promotes critical thinking, civic engagement, and professional preparation.

School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Rivier University (nearby Nashua) – Though officially located in Nashua, Rivier's programs closely serve Manchester’s healthcare workforce. The private Catholic university offers robust nursing and health science programs, often attracting students from the Manchester area.

Mount Washington College (formerly in Manchester) – Although now closed, the college played a role in business, criminal justice, and healthcare education in Manchester for many years. Its legacy lives on through SNHU and other continuing education providers.

New England College (Manchester Campus – formerly known as NEC Concord-Manchester) – Offering graduate and adult education programs, New England College’s extension in Manchester provides flexible options for working professionals in leadership, public policy, and healthcare management.

Manchester, New Hampshire is home to several high schools that offer quality education and prepare students for future academic and career success. Whether you're looking for a strong public school or a well-regarded private institution, the city offers top choices for families and students.

Top Public High Schools In Manchester, NH

• Manchester Central High School – One of the oldest and largest high schools in the state, offering a wide variety of Advanced Placement courses and extracurricular activities.
• Manchester Memorial High School – Known for its commitment to academic achievement, athletics, and community service programs.
• Manchester West High School – Features diverse learning opportunities and career-focused pathways including engineering, health sciences, and business.
• David R. Cawley Middle School (Sending District for Pinkerton Academy) – Often sends students to Pinkerton Academy in nearby Derry, a public academy serving many Manchester-area students with an extensive range of coursework.
• Goffstown High School (Nearby District) – While not within Manchester city limits, it enrolls many local students and is known for strong academics and a supportive school community.

Top Private High Schools In Manchester, NH

• Bishop Guertin High School – Located in nearby Nashua, this well-respected Catholic high school serves many Manchester families and is known for its strong academics, athletics, and spiritual education.
• The Derryfield School – A top-rated independent day school offering an excellent college-prep curriculum, leadership development, and individualized learning paths.
• Mount Saint Mary Academy – Provides a faith-based education in a nurturing environment with rigorous college-prep programs and a strong focus on moral development.
• Trinity High School – A Roman Catholic school located in Manchester that emphasizes values, academics, and service learning. Students benefit from small class sizes and diverse course offerings.
• Holy Family Academy – A classical Catholic high school offering traditional liberal arts education designed to foster strong academic and personal growth.

Manchester, New Hampshire may be a smaller city compared to major sports hubs like Los Angeles or New York, but it has a passionate sports culture and hosts several professional and semi-professional teams. These teams bring exciting live sports experiences to the community and offer a platform for athletes to develop and showcase their talents.

⚾ Baseball – New Hampshire Fisher Cats (MiLB)

• New Hampshire Fisher Cats – Based in Manchester, the Fisher Cats are a Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, competing in the Eastern League. They play at Delta Dental Stadium, which offers scenic views of the Merrimack River. The team has won multiple league championships, with notable titles in 2004 and 2011. Many MLB stars have passed through the ranks of the Fisher Cats, making them a key part of the Blue Jays’ farm system.

🏒 Hockey – Manchester Monarchs (Defunct)

• Manchester Monarchs (AHL) – From 2001 to 2015, the AHL version of the Monarchs served as the top affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. They were a fan favorite at the SNHU Arena (formerly Verizon Wireless Arena) and won the Calder Cup in 2015. After the AHL team moved to California, Manchester hosted an ECHL version of the Monarchs, which operated until 2019.

🏈 Football – Granite State Destroyers (NEFL)

• Granite State Destroyers – Representing the city in semi-professional football, the Destroyers compete in the New England Football League (NEFL). While not part of the NFL, the team provides a competitive environment for players after college and offers an exciting game day experience for local fans. They’ve earned respect in the league for their tough defense and passionate fan base.

⚽ Soccer – None Currently

• While Manchester does not currently host a professional soccer team, efforts have been made in the past to bring high-level soccer to the region. The community often supports youth and amateur soccer, and regional soccer events frequently draw solid crowds.

🏀 Basketball – NH Prospects (Minor League)

• New Hampshire Prospects – A club-level and semi-professional basketball organization, the Prospects play in local leagues and tournaments, often showcasing talent from across the state. While not part of the NBA or a national minor league, they are helping grow the sport of basketball in the region and provide fans with exciting, competitive play.

Though Manchester may not have major league franchises, it boasts a strong regional sports presence that fuels city pride and gives fans thrilling action in America’s most beloved sports.

Manchester, New Hampshire is a small city with a big personality. Known for its rich history and vibrant local culture, it’s full of little gems that make it truly unique. Whether you're a local or just curious about the Queen City, here are some fun facts that will surprise you:

1. A Factory Turned Arts Hub – The former Amoskeag Manufacturing Company mills now house museums, tech companies, and lofts. Once the largest textile plant in the world, it gave birth to modern Manchester.
2. Airport Confusion – Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is located in Manchester but named for Boston. Flyers often land here for a quieter and cheaper route into New England.
3. Queen City Title – Manchester is known as the "Queen City" of New Hampshire, a nickname given to the largest city in a state where the capital is smaller.
4. Munchausen on the Map – The city was once home to Museums of Historic Houses like the Zimmerman House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
5. Apple Pie Capital? – In the fall, families flock to Applecrest and Mack’s Apples just outside the city, making autumn a true apple-season celebration.
6. Home of the Fisher Cats – Manchester is home to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, the Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. Their stadium has a view of the Merrimack River!
7. Ice Cream Fame – Manchester is the birthplace of the famous Puritan Backroom Restaurant, a local favorite for chicken tenders and homemade ice cream.
8. Presidential Meets – As a key stop in the New Hampshire Primary, the city often hosts presidential candidates and debates during election season.
9. College Town Vibes – Manchester is home to Southern New Hampshire University, one of the fastest-growing online education schools in the U.S.
10. The River Runs Through It – The Merrimack River breaks up the city beautifully and once powered all of Manchester’s industry.