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Living in Manchester

Looking for a cozy neighborhood-feeling, with all the amenities of a major urban center? Discover Manchester, New Hampshire, where you can stop by the farmers market, study at a small cafe, explore nature trails, or take in a show. There is so much to do in Manchester—and with our conveniently located campus, you are right in the heart of the action.

Bowl with salmon and vegetables on table.

Food

The quintessentially New England town of Manchester, NH is perfectly positioned to supply its population with comfort food favorites and farm-to-table fare—and it certainly delivers.

Freshly caught seafood options, such as clams and oysters, are served daily at Hooked. Republic Café offers Mediterranean dishes built with locally-sourced ingredients from New Hampshire’s own farms. The Foundry, the state’s largest farm-to-table certified restaurant, gives diners the chance to experience new flavors and dishes every season. And Cotton, one of Manchester’s fine dining establishments, provides a menu comprised of American classics, such as turkey, steak, and fresh vegetable dishes, coupled with unique selections like pot stickers and jambalaya.

Just five minutes from campus, two establishments–both student favorites–offer just about any lunch option you could crave: the Bridge Café serves up a refreshing selection of salads, smoothies, sandwiches, and soups, while 900 Degrees positions itself as Manchester’s premier brick oven pizzeria. And if you’re hungry for dessert, the Puritan Backroom offers both hearty meals and delicious frozen treats, while Ben and Jerry’s (everyone’s favorite dynamic duo) will satisfy your sweet tooth with one of its nostalgic ice cream flavors served in a classic waffle cone.

New England trees on hills with foliage.

Outdoors

Situated amongst mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes, Manchester affords its residents a chance to spend time outside year-round.

In the winter, ski and board in the heart of Manchester at the McIntyre Ski Area, or take a short drive to one of the state’s many mountain resorts, such as Pat’s Peak and Sunapee. Then, as the weather gets warmer, explore Manchester’s neighboring mountains on foot by hiking in the White Mountains. You can take on Mount Monadnock, one of the most hiked mountains in the world.

When spring turns to summer, Lake Massabeic, the Merrimack River, and Hampton Beach are a great way to stay cool. While Massabeic is ideal for lakefront lounging, the Merrimack River offers canoeing and kayaking, and Hampton Beach (and its neighbors, Wallis Sands and North Beach) provides a perfect beachfront getaway.

In the fall, Livingston Park is an ideal spot for joggers or walkers looking to take advantage of the crisp air and gentle New England breeze—not to mention the spectacular foliage that every tree in the city displays.

Man singing into microphone.

Culture

For a relaxing afternoon or a night out, you don’t need to go further than Manchester. At the Currier Museum of Art, which offers complimentary admission to MCPHS students, contemporary and classic art displays allow visitors a glimpse into America’s creative past. Similarly, Saint Anselm College's Alva de Mars Megan Chapel Art Center showcases an ever-changing collection of modern and fine sculptures and paintings.

For those interested in catching a concert, play, or musical, the Palace Theatre is an excellent option. The grand, beautifully constructed theatre opened its gates in 1915 and has provided New Englanders with a constant stream of entertainment ever since. Nearby, the Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) Arena hosts big-time acts like Cirque de Soile and chart-topping musicians.

And if you’re interested in exploring New Hampshire’s history, you’re in luck—Manchester is home to the Millyard Museum and New Hampshire Institute of Politics (NHIOP). The Millyard Museum showcases Manchester’s industrial past, while the NHIOP is a political hub, having hosted many presidential candidates, debates and politically powerful visitors.

View from below carnival swing.

Community

Manchester’s many community-based events and offerings give residents the perfect mix of city-sized excitement and small-town charm.

In September of each year, Manchester hosts the Deerfield Fair. Classically New England, the Deerfield Fair includes amusement park rides, delicious food vendors, and fun fair games. In addition to the annual Deerfield Fair, Manchester is home to the Manchester Community Market, which offers fresh produce and provides a space to connect with other members of the community.

Manchester residents can also spend a day watching the Fisher Cats play baseball. And for more adventurous groups of friends, Manchester is home to an indoor rock climbing gym and two puzzling, exciting, and interactive escape rooms: the LOK’d Room Escape and Granite City Escape.