Manchester 80 Exceptional
Manchester Livability #68 ranked city in Iowa#1,626 ranked city in the USARanks better than 94% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Manchester

PROS
  • Cost Of Living

    Residents in this area benefit from an affordable cost of living. This includes goods and services, transportation, housing, utilities, groceries and healthcare.

  • Housing

    The housing category in this area boasts higher than average scores, likely influenced by a positive home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Earning a high health and safety score depends on factors such as good air quality and the availability of essential health facilities like hospitals, clinics, doctors, and fire stations.

  • Schools

    A high score in the schools category could be the result of elements like top-notch test scores, high education levels and the convenient location of elementary and high schools in this area.

  • Ratings

    Local residents have positive feedback regarding the convenience of amenities, parks, public transit, the friendliness of neighbors, the strong sense of community, and the overall safety of the area.

CONS
  • Amenities

    It appears that many amenities may not be conveniently situated within walking distance, potentially necessitating the use of a vehicle or public transit.

  • Commute

    Commuters in this area may experience longer-than-average work commute times due to limited public transportation access.

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What's it like Living in Manchester?

Manchester, Iowa is a small city with a population of 5,011 people. If we look at the most recent Census, Manchester is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. If you're not a fan of traffic congestion and long commute times to work, Manchester is the place to be. Commutes to work here are shorter, with an average one-way commute time taking only 15 minutes, significantly lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Manchester is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. With useful information like crime, commute, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Manchester and in the areas around Manchester is a much easier task.

With a livability score of 78/100, Manchester is ranked #1,731 in the United States and #68 in Iowa. Clearly, Manchester is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Another exciting tidbit, is that Manchester ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we explore each of the categories individually, we see that Manchester ranks well for crime (B), cost of living (A+), education (A-) and housing (A-). On a more negative note, Manchester does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

The unemployment rate in Manchester has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 0.88%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Manchester, the average school test scores are an impressive 77%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Manchester can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Manchester real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Manchester. Median real estate prices in Manchester come in at $113,300, which is 14.7% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Manchester, the home price to income ratio is 2.3, which is 4.2% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Manchester

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Manchester?

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Compare Manchester, IA Livability

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      Manchester transportation information

      Statistic Manchester Iowa National
      Average one way commute15min19min26min
      Workers who drive to work89.0%80.7%76.4%
      Workers who carpool6.1%8.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%1.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.0%3.5%2.8%
      Working from home3.9%4.5%4.6%
      Source: The Manchester, IA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).