Manchester

About Manchester

Manchester is a mid-size town in central Connecticut, located just a few miles from the city of Hartford. The town offers plenty of opportunities for both work and play, with a range of amenities that makes everyday life convenient and enjoyable. Much of the population is young, single and educated, many holding master's and doctoral degrees. Many of these professionals work in sales, administration, computers and management positions; additionally, computer- and math-related experts have a high representation in Manchester.

Manchester is perhaps best known for the Manchester Road Race, a 4.7-mile Thanksgiving Day race that draws close to 10,000 runners every year.

The History of Manchester

The peaceful Podunk Native-American tribe first settled in the area that would later become Manchester. English colonists settled there in 1673 as part of the Hartford area, calling it Orford Parish and establishing it as a farming community. Several industries quickly found traction in the community, including silk and wool production, fueled by the power of the nearby river and brooks.

In the 1830s, a local family established what would become the world's largest silk mill at the time, Cheney Brothers Silk Manufacturing Co. Manchester experienced renewed development after the Civil War, as manufacturers produced an increasing number of consumer and commercial products, which supported the city in its ongoing growth.

Living in Manchester

Manchester is a highly livable city with access to grocery stores, coffee shops, restaurants, shopping venues, gyms and other luxuries and necessities. The extremely high cost of living may be initially surprising, but the city makes up for the extra expense with low crime rates and a stable housing market. The crime rate in Manchester is significantly lower than the U.S. average, which makes this city a popular choice for raising a family or living alone.

If you're moving to Manchester, you'll find plenty to see and do. From the abundant architectural beauty to the prevalence of lakes and streams, scenic drives are part of everyday life in this town. You can enjoy the hiking trails at Case Mountain, bring your family to the Lutz Children's Museum or learn more about the area's history at the Old Manchester Museum.

Several shopping centers throughout Manchester feature a variety of big-box stores and local shops, and a number of highly-rated restaurants provide plenty of dining options. If you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, there are many local parks and nature preserves to choose from.

Manchester Schools

Manchester Public Schools consists of a number of public campuses, which include elementary, middle and high schools, as well as alternative schools, a magnet school, a preschool center and adult education resources. You can also enroll your child in one of the local parochial private schools in the area.

If you're considering working toward a college degree, Manchester Community College is a conveniently-located campus in town, offering two-year degrees in a variety of programs.

Resources for Moving to Manchester

Here's some helpful information to prepare for your move to Manchester:

• Utilities: The primary energy provider in Manchester is Eversource, while the town of Manchester facilitates water and sewer services.
• Garbage and Recycling: You can expect curbside collection of your trash and recyclables in most residential areas throughout Manchester. Other disposal services include bulk-item pick-up and yard waste collection.
• Transportation: Connecticut Transit's Hartford division operates several routes in and around Manchester, providing easy access to the nearby city of Hartford.

Manchester Housing

Home options in Manchester range from mobile homes and single-story, single-family homes to stately mansions. You'll also find multi-family residences, such as condominiums and townhouses. The median home prices have been steadily rising, but still remain lower than the Hartford metro average.