Manchester info, please! (Nashua, Londonderry, Keene: crime, how much, house)

[jmatt]

First, I'd like to say how much I've enjoyed reading this site and all the different opinions and information. Thanks!

So, I'm currently living in Portland, Oregon--a really nice and livable city. I was born and raised in Nashua, but haven't lived back in NH since college. My wife and I had a daughter 3 months ago, and have decided that we'd like to move back to the area to be around family in NH/VT. We're really interested in Manchester (and possibly Keene as well). The last few years I've heard a lot of good things about Manch, but have never really spent much time there as an adult, so don't really have much first hand knowledge or experience. Ideally, we'd like to live in an area close to the center of the city, but still be able to have a small house with a yard. Something similar to the neighborhoods around Portland, and a lot of the other cities around the West.

Any info would be really appreciated! And sorry to say this, but I'm not too interested in any "too many illegals and their criminal ways" sort of stuff. I'm an ESL teacher, and Manchester's increasing diversity is one of the reasons for moving back.

Thanks!

[debbiej63]

The last few years I've heard a lot of good things about Manch, but have never really spent much time there as an adult, so don't really have much first hand knowledge or experience. Ideally, we'd like to live in an area close to the center of the city, but still be able to have a small house with a yard.

I think that's very doable here. There are some very pretty homes not far from downtown that are in pleasant neighborhoods. I have only lived in Manchester for a few months now, but I don't have anything bad to say. The people are nice. I have never felt unsafe. I was surprised at the amount of graffiti, but I think it is graffiti for graffiti's sake as opposed to gang activity. I also don't think Manchester has a crew that just goes around painting over it like most cities do, which would explain why there is so much of it. So, other than that, I think if you like town living, you would enjoy Manchester.

And sorry to say this, but I'm not too interested in any "too many illegals and their criminal ways" sort of stuff. I'm an ESL teacher, and Manchester's increasing diversity is one of the reasons for moving back.

I have lived in many states where there are a lot of illegals including NM, AZ and NC, but I have never seen a "lazy" Mexican. They are hard working and usually honest people just trying to make a better life for themselves and their families.

[AngelaK]

I have lived in Manchester for almost six years now, and I am currently trying to move out. I love Manchester for many reasons...the convenience of everything, the Verizon Center and other attractions and great museums, etc.....but other than that, I could do without. If you live close to the center of the city, you will need to be careful where you go....stay on the North End. What kind of yard are you looking for? You won't get over .25 acres. What is your price range? You won't get much under 300k. Also, I have been in education in NH for over 15+ years....I would not work or send my child to the schools here in Manchester. I have a 6 year old going to 1st grade this year and I sent him to preschool and kindergarten at a private montessori school and am sending him to a private school out of town for first grade. I can't move yet because of the housing issues around here, so am stuck in my house in Manch. for now, but wouldn't dream of sending my kiddo to school here. Manchester is a District in Need of Improvement, and will probably remain that way until total restructuring and state government comes in....in my opinion, it is that bad. Although, Manch just hired a new superintendent, and I am hopeful that will prove to be a good thing! Although crime is not a huge problem in the city, it does seem to me that it has gotten a bit worse over the past few years. If you want to be in this area, you could look into places like Londonderry, Bedford, Bow, etc........all really nice towns with good school systems. Auburn and Deerfield are also nice, with okay schools. DM if you need more info...and good luck to you in your search.

[jmatt]

Thanks for the information! We definitely want to live in Manchester--as I mentioned before, I'm from the area--well, Nashua, and all my extended family live around southern NH and VT. I guess I'm really into the idea that if people move to certain neighborhoods and send their children to the schools there and get involved, they'll get better. With the economy and the country the way it is, I think people will continue to move back into centralized cities, and as much as I'd like to live in a more rural setting, I don't think that's something that's really feasible. Growing up in NH, I was one of many people I knew who left to find something "better", whatever that means, and I now live in a place filled with those kind of folks--I've met so many people here who say they left their hometowns because it they thought it sucked. I'm thinking now that if maybe they stayed and tried to make it better there wouldn't be this collection of cities/towns around the country that people always seem to romanticize as the "perfect" places to live.

Anyhow, sorry for the rant, and thanks!

[dognh]

I'm not sure why, you're asking questions about Manchester since it seems that you already have your mind made-up. The responses here have been good, but to tell people not to mention "illegals and criminals" would be to have people leave one of the biggest factors to let people know about who may not be familiar to the state.

Lots of people have impressions of a beautiful bucolic NH -- but Manchester is not. It's fine, it's a not a dirty big city like most are used to, but it does have its issues and they seem to be growing -- crime in particular.

Outside of the North End and some of the outlying streets along its border, in-town Manchester is not great.

PS -- not sure how long you've been gone, but parts of Nashua are even worse.

[AngelaK]

JMATT, like I said before, good luck to you.............you may like the city atmosphere more than me. I have lived in NH all my life....Southern NH on MA line, small "quaint" town in Lakes Region, seacoast area, Manchester, etc.................I have to say Manchester is not even close to the top of my favorite places I have lived. Other than being able to get Chinese delivered at any hour of the day, and grabbing a quick thing of milk down the street, I could do without!!! It is all in what you are used to, I guess. And I want a large yard, where my son can go out and play by himself or with a friend without me being right on top of him at all times, which I need to do in Manchester, for his safety, etc Hey, maybe you can buy my house????? Just kidding.........where ever you end up, I hope you really enjoy it!!

[debbiej63]

I'm really into the idea that if people move to certain neighborhoods and send their children to the schools there and get involved, they'll get better.

I agree. People can change their neighborhoods and schools for the better if they work at it instead of just bailing.

[nocturnal rooster]

I moved to the north end of Manchester about 2 months ago. I like the area. It is convenient, and I found a cheap pad on the north side. I would like it better if I could find a job though. Most of my money is gone. I didn't know it took better than 2 months to find a job in this state.

[debbiej63]

Originally Posted by nocturnal rooster

I moved to the north end of Manchester about 2 months ago. I like the area. It is convenient, and I found a cheap pad on the north side. I would like it better if I could find a job though. Most of my money is gone. I didn't know it took better than 2 months to find a job in this state.

My boys are still looking too. They would even be happy with something part time since they are still living with us. I'm hoping it gets better for them once college starts up again.

Hope you have better luck!

[Krebstar]

I moved to the South Side of Manchester just under a year ago and have found it to be a pretty decent place to live. The central part of the city, other than Elm, is kind of a dump these days. As long as you're a bit north of bridge or a bit south of Valley street though the city is in pretty good shape. South is a lot more affordable than the north but you'll be a bit more limited yard wise. I suppose it depends on what you're looking for! Parts of the city seem to be improving though with a lot of new stuff moving in down by the river. Hope that helps!