Manchester 82 Exceptional
Manchester Livability #51 ranked city in Iowa#1,250 ranked city in the USARanks better than 95% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Manchester

PROS
  • Cost Of Living 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.

  • Crime Crime

    This area is characterized by a crime rate, per 100,000 individuals, that falls well below the national average, indicating its potential as a very safe place to live.

  • Housing 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 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 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.

CONS
  • Amenities 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 Commute

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

What's it like Living in Manchester?

Manchester, Iowa is a smaller city with a population of 5,149 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (98% White). Given that fact, Manchester could be considered less diverse than other cities. 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.

Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Manchester, Iowa could be a positive experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like amenities, cost of living, health & safety, education, employment and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Manchester and in the areas around Manchester is a much easier task.

The livability score in Manchester is 80/100 and the city is ranked in the 94th percentile of all cities across America. Compared to the United States average, Manchester ranks among some of the best places to live in the country! Another exciting tidbit, is that Manchester ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we consider each of the categories individually, we see that Manchester ranks well for crime (C+), cost of living (A+), education (A) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Manchester ranks poorly for, including: amenities (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to find out why.

Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 132 crimes per 100,000 residents, Manchester has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.

When contemplating a move, job prospects often top the list of priorities. In Manchester, the outlook for new employment is notably brighter than in many other areas. The low unemployment rate of 0.9% points to a surge in job opportunities, the potential for higher wages, enhanced workforce productivity and increased economic growth. These favorable conditions bode well for individuals seeking career advancement and financial stability, making this area an appealing destination for those prioritizing professional opportunities and economic prosperity.

Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Manchester, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 77%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Manchester apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

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 $199,534, which is 16.9% 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 2.7, which is 10% lower than the Iowa average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Manchester

See all the best places to live around Manchester

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) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.