Living in Manchester area- suggestions (Derry, Londonderry: for sale, apartment complex, rentals)

[camera_chic]

Hello! I've been reading posts here for a few days, and I really haven't seen the answer I'm looking for, so I decided to post. I currently live in Ohio, but I'm going to be moving to New Hampshire so I can attend college there. Apartments around here are 450-500, but I've noticed there aren't a whole lot that are under 800 there. I just wondered if anyone had any suggestions for a city to live in. I'll be attending school at Chester, which is near Derry. I haven't really found anything in Derry yet. So....my question is, what cities would be best to live in? Also, I've been searching online for apartments, is there a better place to look? I hopefully want to keep rent around 800 or below, if possible. I found a couple places in Manchester, but I'm not sure if the areas are nice. One that I was looking into was Washington Park apartments. Right now I live 30 minutes from Cleveland, and the city I live in has lots of drug problems and violent crimes. I hate it, and I want to make sure I don't move into an area like that. Thanks for any help!

[southward bound]

Washington Park was a very nice area a few years back when friends lived there. That was about 6 years ago. I suspect that it still is, though I can't vouch for it as I haven't been there since then.

[Valerie C]

Hi there
That's such a beautiful campus, especially in fall. You're right near the intersection of 102/121, so you you'd be convenient to Manchester, Raymond, Auburn or Derry. Manchester does have its share of problems, and truly does have "inner city" issues. Derry has some areas that are rough "by NH standards" (translates to: anywhere else would be considered tame!) Have you checked craigslist for room-mate situations? I live in Londonderry, right next door to Derry--I'll keep my ears open for you for rentals in decent areas.

[shanedonna]

My husband lived in Washington Park before we were married...that was about 10 years ago. I drive a school bus, and frequently am in that area...it's still fine. Like any apartment complex, there can be issues with some tenants, but, overall, it seems good.

As far as the "inner city" issues with Manchester, they're pretty much confined to the inner city sections near downtown. Once you get into another section, it's absolutely fine. To tell you the truth, there isn't ANYWHERE in Manchester that I'm afraid to drive, any time of the day or night. I cannot say that about Boston!

Areas that I would be cautious of:
Westside near the Catholic Medical Center, for a few block radius. There are some pockets where it's not quite as good, but they're working on it.
Eastside near downtown, specifically near Maple and Cedar Streets and Lake & Union for a few block radius, again being worked on.
Eastside near Bridge & Union Streets, northward, for several blocks and extending both east & west for a little ways.

That's not to say those neighborhoods aren't ok, just use caution in picking a place. Don't rent site unseen. You really need to consider a roommate, so you can raise your monthly rent limit & get you in a better neighborhood. Remember, that a lot of people that say bad things about Manchester DON'T live here. I do, and I love it, and I grew up in a small town of about 3000 people.

[paradiddle]

Originally Posted by shanedonna

As far as the "inner city" issues with Manchester, they're pretty much confined to the inner city sections near downtown. Once you get into another section, it's absolutely fine. To tell you the truth, there isn't ANYWHERE in Manchester that I'm afraid to drive, any time of the day or night. I cannot say that about Boston!

Areas that I would be cautious of:
Westside near the Catholic Medical Center, for a few block radius. There are some pockets where it's not quite as good, but they're working on it.
Eastside near downtown, specifically near Maple and Cedar Streets and Lake & Union for a few block radius, again being worked on.
Eastside near Bridge & Union Streets, northward, for several blocks and extending both east & west for a little ways.

That's not to say those neighborhoods aren't ok, just use caution in picking a place. Don't rent site unseen. You really need to consider a roommate, so you can raise your monthly rent limit & get you in a better neighborhood. Remember, that a lot of people that say bad things about Manchester DON'T live here. I do, and I love it, and I grew up in a small town of about 3000 people.

You hit the nail on the head... We had 2 family apartment buildings on the West Side near Second St. Our neighborhood was nice.. 90-95% of Manchester is very nice. Rents are probably in the $750 and up range. You are probably looking online with those apartment complex communities.
They are all ok. Manchester has a very large rental community in older homes. I like the older homes because they have more charector but I would look first. If I was coming sight unseen I would do the apartment complex.

It will hard to find an affordable 1 bedroom apt. You may want to get a 2 bed. and then interview roomates. Ceck out the Union Leader for apartment ads.

UnionLeader.com


There are apts.in Derry but stay away from The Fairways..... I would stay in Manchester.....Very safe and more cosmopolitan..

[StorminOkie]

ShaneDonna is absolutely right about those who talk about Manchester poorly usually DON'T live their. I LOVED Manchester when I lived their and wish I didn't have to leave. There are many older multi-family homes that you can rent that are nice but if you want more home for the money, you should look for a roommate as rent continues to go up as the availability for rentals go down. Good luck on your search ...

[camera_chic]

Thanks so much for your advice, everyone! I had visited Manchester a couple times, but I was a little nervous when I saw all the posts saying it was a bad place to live. I live near Cleveland, so I was trying to figure out what Manchester was like compared to that. It sounds good though, thanks!

[Valerie C]

Consider a roommate, check out craigslist: new hampshire classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events
Sometimes you can rent half a house, condo or apartment with someone.

[paradiddle]

Good info on the city

Intown Manchester.com

Free progressive newspaper in town

Hippo - News and Culture Weekly