The truth about West Manchester? Manchester Locals... (Bedford, Goffstown: 2015, apartment complexes)

[mrchristianjames]

So my girlfriend and I are looking at places to move in Manchester and I have found many conflicting opinions about the west side. We are interested in one particular place off Amory st. near the Piscataquog Trail. The neighborhood seems decent (sort of rundown, but quiet and safe, though I only visited during the day so far...) and the apartment is very affordable for the two of us.

I have heard everything from the west is best, to the west side is full of poor people and crime and hilariously enough "gangs" are said to be common (I'm sure its true, but this definitely aint the bronx and I am not scared of Manchester gangs lol). I am familiar with Manchester area near Elm and Commercial street from going to school there, but rarely do I go to the west side. Are the locals there much different?

And from looking at crime maps, it seems the increased crime stories of the West are nothing but a myth. Seems safer than central Manchester area at least...

I would like some input from locals before making my decision. I am a large young 20's male so I don't worry about my own personal safety, but I worry about my small beautiful young 20's girlfriend's safety. Not that she would be walking anywhere alone at night, but just going in and out of the apartment, how much of a risk really is it? Also theft seems to be a common report, but I cant find much information that describes certain neighborhoods...

[CrazyDave]

The truth? I used to live at Wall street Tower on Canal, right by the bridge that leads to the West side.. CONSTANT police action on a NIGHTLY basis on that area of town, Shootings and robberies are fairly consistent..me, I wouldn't move there.. make your own choice.

[Nonesuch]

It's difficult to convey an objective opinion via statistics and the impression people get driving past during daylight, I strongly suggest visiting in person before making a decision.

Originally Posted by mrchristianjames

So my girlfriend and I are looking at places to move in Manchester and I have found many conflicting opinions about the west side. We are interested in one particular place off Amory st. near the Piscataquog Trail. The neighborhood seems decent (sort of rundown, but quiet and safe, though I only visited during the day so far...) and the apartment is very affordable for the two of us.

Rundown but not physically dangerous is a good summary.

There's a reason rent is cheap, that is not a good neighborhood by Manchester standards -- "not good" means its safer than any equivalent neighborhood in Massachusetts, but expect car break ins and occasional drug raids (police or otherwise) on your neighbors. Looks safer than some other neighborhoods:

Originally Posted by mrchristianjames

I would like some input from locals before making my decision. I am a large young 20's male so I don't worry about my own personal safety, but I worry about my small beautiful young 20's girlfriend's safety. Not that she would be walking anywhere alone at night, but just going in and out of the apartment, how much of a risk really is it? Also theft seems to be a common report, but I cant find much information that describes certain neighborhoods...

Not that much of a risk, aside from the usual city risk if you show off an iphone in a neighborhood with a lot of muggings.

No permit needed for Pepper spray, taser, etc. Concealed carry permit is easy to get and cheap.

[mrchristianjames]

Thanks for the input Nonesuch.

I am not a huge fan of the idea of living in Manchester but we are only looking for a place to live for one year, maybe 2, until we can afford a nicer condo in some secluded part of the surrounding area (Southern NH, basically). I have looked at that same crime map and it seems most of the reported crimes are closer to the river near CMC and West High School. Any opinion about the Rimmon Heights area in general?

We are still in debate about the West side apartment. Does anyone have an area in Manchester (or surrounding towns) that they suggest? Something decent size (around 1000 sqft) and affordable (less than 1200/month)? We are trying to avoid apartment complexes... unless its really nice and offers ample storage

[jmarchand1981]

There are new apartments in Bedford. It's where my family and I have settled in. A little on the pricey side though.

[Nonesuch]

Bedford is significantly more suburban than Manchester. Not that that is a bad thing, but does drive up costs.

Goffstown and Hooksett are more affordable, and still an easy commute to Manchester.

Originally Posted by mrchristianjames

Does anyone have an area in Manchester (or surrounding towns) that they suggest? Something decent size (around 1000 sqft) and affordable (less than 1200/month)? We are trying to avoid apartment complexes... unless its really nice and offers ample storage

Friends recently moved out of an apartment in Bedford, near River Road, just south of the new Whole Foods. But very little storage, that was part of the reason they left.

[runbikeswim_NH]

Originally Posted by mrchristianjames

Thanks for the input Nonesuch.

I am not a huge fan of the idea of living in Manchester but we are only looking for a place to live for one year, maybe 2, until we can afford a nicer condo in some secluded part of the surrounding area (Southern NH, basically). I have looked at that same crime map and it seems most of the reported crimes are closer to the river near CMC and West High School. Any opinion about the Rimmon Heights area in general?

We are still in debate about the West side apartment. Does anyone have an area in Manchester (or surrounding towns) that they suggest? Something decent size (around 1000 sqft) and affordable (less than 1200/month)? We are trying to avoid apartment complexes... unless its really nice and offers ample storage

This is true in general on both sides of the river. The better neighborhoods are typically in the periphery of the city. If price is the driving factor, I would think that you could find something in a somewhat decent area that would be fine for a year or two. I know you weren't interested in apartment complexes, but there are some decent ones in Manchester that might suit your needs.

[CrazyDave]

I do hope you have been paying attention to the local news in your quest to make a choice

[LexWest]

I think I have to be the voice of reason.

Relax. People are panicking because Manchester has been in the news for less than stellar reasons. You see, NH just isn't used to these kinds of things. The fact that people are panicking shows how untypical it is of New Hampshire. No one gets shocked over a shooting in BedStuy or a drug bust in Newark. I honestly believe Manchester is a normal working class city in which the majority are decent folks who have to make a living and reside somewhere--even if the West side is what they can afford. Contrary to the impression you're getting, the West Side is not a complete dump. There are some not so great areas, and really nice areas (Front Street, Dunbarton Rd, and Goffstown Rd are actually quite nice. Kelley, Boynton and 2nd Street? Not so much.) I'm not going to claim Manchester or the West Side is perfectly safe. However, you compared it to the Bronx, which it is definitely not. The West Side of Manchester should not phase you.

[Alfheim]

Dunno, had a co-worker who had to come in late yesterday because the police were interviewing her about a stray bullet that hit her house, and she lives towards the Bedford end of the West side. Then we had helicopters out looking for another fugitive last week,a couple days after Second Street was closed because of the cop killing.

Manchester is a million times worse than most of the rest of NH, and comparing it to the Bronx or Detroit is false equivalence, like claiming that having your car towed isn't a big deal because children are starving in Africa. Or you aren't allowed to complain about your job because Syria.

Is Manchester a war zone? No. Is Manchester a nice place to live? Also no. It's not an either/or equation. People in NH are used to better quality of life, and so should you be.