Manchester 64 Good
Manchester Livability #369 ranked city in Washington#14,098 ranked city in the USARanks better than 51% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Manchester

PROS
  • 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.

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.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Residents of this area contend with a high cost of living, resulting in increased expenditures for everyday goods and services, housing, utilities and health care.

  • Schools Schools

    Factors such as lower than average graduation rates, lackluster reading and math scores and the limited accessibility of local elementary and high schools could contribute to the low schools score.

  • Ratings Ratings

    Polls and surveys done by AreaVibes among area residents did not yield positive feedback when it came to the walkability of amenities, safety, nearby parks and the overall sense of community.

What's it like Living in Manchester?

Manchester is a smaller city located in the state of Washington. The city has a population of 6,249 people. The majority of Manchester residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Asian and Native Hawaiian. 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 29 minutes.

If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Manchester, Washington. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Manchester and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from crime, commute, health & safety, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Washington and national averages.

Manchester, WA receives 61 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #414 in Washington and #16,893 in the USA. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Manchester scores well for employment (A+) and housing (A+) On a less positive note, Manchester does not have favorable ranks for the following: amenities (F), cost of living (F) and education (D-). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.

The Manchester unemployment rate of 0.9% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

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.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Manchester. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Manchester are affordable. The median home price for Manchester homes is $606,818, which is 23.4% higher than the Washington average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Manchester, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.2, which is 3.7% lower than the Washington 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, WA Livability

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      Manchester transportation information

      Statistic Manchester Washington National
      Average one way commute29min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work80.5%72.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.1%10.2%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit4.4%6.2%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.0%0.9%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.0%3.6%2.8%
      Working from home4.7%5.6%4.6%
      Source: The Manchester, WA 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.