The 7 Best Manchester Neighborhoods To Call Home In 2025

Moving to Manchester, New Hampshire? Pat yourself on the back for making a fantastic decision — one of the best you will ever make. The Queen City, as Manchester is called, offers budget-friendly housing (by New England standards), top-notch colleges and universities, and great outdoor recreation spots. And if you did not receive the memo, Manchester was recently ranked among the kindest and most helpful cities in America. Of course, it has issues, like almost every city in the world, but Manchester acquits itself well and will instantly warm your heart. If you’re looking to live in this Hillsborough County city, here are seven neighborhoods that you will love to bits.

Downtown Manchester

Downtown Manchester is a fantastic place to live because you will be close to almost everything in the area, including some of the most inviting restaurants in the state. The same holds for shopping and other cultural attractions. Also, the downtown area is enticingly walkable, meaning a resident will enjoy evening strolls on a whim. There are lovely outdoor spaces along the Merrimack River, such as Arms Park, a small, swoon-worthy space where one can walk and listen to the sound of water. And you will be at the doorstep of the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, founded just a year after the Civil War, according to data from Realtor. The Downtown Manchester neighborhood has a median purchase price of $462,400. Other worthy mentions include the Currier Museum of Art, the Palace Theatre, and the nearby Elliot Hospital.

Merrimack

One of the most alluring features about the Merrimack neighborhood is that it is just 12 miles from downtown Manchester. In just over 15 minutes, you will be strolling Elm Street, hard at work, or watching a movie at the 110-year-old Palace Theatre. Since the US-3 swings by, movement is not an issue. The Souhegan River meanders around, adding a touch of rustic charm to an already beautiful area. There is also Horseshoe Pond (so-named because of its shape), and the Merrimack River, which gives the town its name. Data from Realtor shows that as of March 2025, the median listing home price in Merrimack, NH was $450,000. That is a reasonable price point, especially considering that Merrimack is a safe, family-oriented area with nice houses and tree-lined streets.

North End

If your dream neighborhood is a safe, walkable area, with a warm, likeable community, and where you can be out running, walking an adorable furry friend, or roaming beautiful nooks on a bike, swipe right for North End, a much sought-after neighborhood with great access to the Everett Turnpike and Interstate 93. These awesome road networks point to one thing: The area's easy accessibility. Stark Park, one of the first public parks in the state, hosts a fun-filled summer concert series every year. It also has the “Walk in the Woods” trail network, a nice place to walk and enjoy nature's refreshing embrace. Also, Southern New Hampshire University is just northeast of the neighborhood. This means if you are a student there or a faculty member, you will have an easy commute to the university. The property market here is hot, which points to the huge demand. North End has a median listing price of $542,500.

Wellington

Just a stone’s throw away from downtown Manchester (2 miles), Wellington is a quiet suburban neighborhood with lots of greenery, meaning its atmosphere is residential and relaxed. It boasts convenient access to social amenities, outdoor venues, and critical road networks. Speaking of road infrastructure, this neighborhood is at the intersection of Interstate 93 and Route 101, meaning one can dash downtown in a blink. Moreover, you are at the doorstep of The Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinic, Manchester's first multi-specialty group practice. Its history goes back to the Roaring 20s, a period of impressive economic growth just before the Great Depression. Keep in mind that Lake Massabesic, which is ringed by beautiful trails, is within smelling distance. The median listing home price in Wellington was $365,500 in March 2025, a fairly budget-friendly price point.

Youngsville

With the Rockingham Recreational Trail running through it, Youngsville immediately strikes one as a fantastic place to live. The multi-use trail, where each sighting tells a beautiful story, is one of the most historic and popular rail trails in Southern New Hampshire. Also, Youngsville borders Lake Massabesic, so you can regularly warm your heart with lovely views. If you love eating out, even if occasionally, you have several restaurants to plan with. These include the Goldenrod Drive-In, a meet-greet-and-eat hangout widely known for its delicious chicken tenders, lobster rolls, and ice cream. Also, the Ledgewood Community, where a senior can enjoy a worry-free life amidst lush greenery, is quite an impressive neighborhood community. Keep in mind that Lakeside Lanes offers candlepin bowling in a retro setting. With all these, you don't have to contend with the mouldy bread of boredom. Bonus point? According to data from Realtor, the median listing home price in Youngsville was $372,400 in February 2025.

Eaton Heights

There is something slick about Eaton Heights, yet simple, authentic, and adorable. This neighborhood is safe, peaceful, and laid back, features that often appeal to Americans with families. It also boasts a diverse architectural landscape, which goes as far back as the early 1900s. Derryfield Country Club is a beautiful 18-hole course, where people hang out and enjoy rounds of golf amidst scenic views. Residents also love Stevens Pond Park, a tranquil oasis with beautiful greenery and a boat launch. If you want a quiet life separated from the craziness of downtown, Eaton Heights can be a fantastic choice. According to data from Redfin (Realtor and Zillow don't have figures), the median sales price in Eaton Heights was $415,000 as of December 2024. If you have a little one, Weston Elementary School is at your doorstep.

Green Acres

One of the most attractive aspects about Green Acres, other than its soothing name, is that it hosts one of the best public elementary schools in the Manchester area. So if you have young school-going children, you will find living in Green Acres both convenient and strategic. Also, this eastern Manchester neighborhood has houses that are placed close together, and most enticingly, on plots large enough for a backyard pool or garden. Shopping amenities, including retail outlets and grocery stores, are all within convenient distances. The same is true of the culinary scene, which includes cherished names such as Vintage Pizza and Belmont Hall & Restaurant. Although most property sites don't show the median listing price of houses in Green Acres, the average home value in the neighborhood, according to data from Zillow, is $460,495.

From the beautiful architecture around the downtown area to the fantastic food scene and near-perfect grid layout, Manchester is not just livable, it is lovable. The many parks around town, many of which are filled with interesting statues, are lessons in design and aesthetics. Then, the old millyard, the campus of Southern New Hampshire University, and the Elliot Hospital- almost everything here is designed with the utmost skill and care. The best part? Many of the neighborhoods have charm, character, and personality. Make no mistake. A good pick will make you feel like you have won a jackpot.