Manchester 78 Exceptional
Manchester Livability #288 ranked city in Pennsylvania#2,532 ranked city in the USARanks better than 91% 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.

  • Employment Employment

    This area scores extremely well in the employment category. This is primarily due to the combination of low unemployment rates, higher median home income and income per capita.

  • 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.

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 is a small city located in the state of Pennsylvania. The city has a population of 2,769 residents. With a population density of 3,525 people per square mile, Manchester is well above the nation's average density level. The majority of Manchester residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. The Manchester population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 48, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Manchester. With an average one way commute time of only 20 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.

Living in Manchester can be a positive experience for anyone relocating to the city. Having said that, in the state of Pennsylvania, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. With useful information like amenities, 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 76 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 89th percentile of all cities across America. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Manchester could be a great choice! If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Manchester has higher than average grades for the following: crime (A+), cost of living (A), education (A-), employment (B+) and housing (A+). The bad news for Manchester, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).

Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Manchester, the unemployment rate stands at 1.2%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.

Standardized school test scores offer a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of educational programs, instructional methods, and curriculum effectiveness. Recognizing that Manchester schools excel in test scores is a crucial consideration when determining the suitability of this area for residence. The local schools boast an impressive average test score of 72%, significantly higher than the national average. This stellar academic performance not only attests to the excellence of the educational system but also underscores the area's commitment to providing a high-quality education, making Manchester an appealing choice for those prioritizing their children's educational prospects.

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 $244,926, which is 17.4% lower than the Pennsylvania 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 2.6, which is 29.7% lower than the Pennsylvania average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Manchester

See all the best places to live around Manchester

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Compare Manchester, PA Livability

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      Manchester transportation information

      Statistic Manchester Pennsylvania National
      Average one way commute20min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work88.4%76.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool3.6%8.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%5.6%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.0%3.8%2.8%
      Working from home1.5%4.2%4.6%
      Source: The Manchester, PA 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.