Manchester 77 Exceptional
Manchester Livability #101 ranked city in Virginia#3,202 ranked city in the USARanks better than 89% 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.

  • 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.

  • Ratings 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 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, Virginia is a medium-sized city with a population of 12,121 residents. Manchester is mostly populated by White (47%) and Black or African American (43%) ethnic groups. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Manchester, only 49% of the population is married. The average American spends about 26 minutes on their one way commute to work each day. Lower travel times can increase overall happiness and allow for more time to be spent with family and friends. While living in Manchester, your commute times will be about average, with a one way commute time of 25 minutes.

Whether you’re relocating to a new town to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Manchester could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Virginia if you know where to search. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. To help you find the best places to live in and around Manchester, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like crime, cost of living, employment, housing and more.

Using data and statistics Manchester has received a livability score of 77 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 90th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Manchester could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that Manchester ranks better than 90% of all US cities! Based on the grades for each individual category, Manchester has received high marks for cost of living (A-), education (A-) and housing (A+). Manchester does not do well for the following: amenities (D-). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

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.

Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Manchester market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.

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 $376,734, which is 13.4% lower than the Virginia 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 4, which is 11.1% lower than the Virginia 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, VA Livability

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      Manchester transportation information

      Statistic Manchester Virginia National
      Average one way commute25min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work77.2%77.4%76.4%
      Workers who carpool11.5%9.5%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.3%4.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.4%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.9%2.4%2.8%
      Working from home8.8%4.7%4.6%
      Source: The Manchester, VA 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.