Ten Reasons to Love Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester has a sound, a flavor and a rhythm that makes it a dynamic, exciting place to be. And while it’s challenging to whittle down the list of its many attributes, we managed to come up with 10 reasons why it’s easy to love living, working and playing in Greater Manchester.

1 It’s a city where you can put down roots.

Ask the young professionals, who could work anywhere, why they choose to live in Greater Manchester. They’ll tell you it’s about access to education, technology and the countless benefits found in the Queen City that make it an ideal place to put down roots. Entrepreneurs, creators and disruptors benefit from the educated workforce and business-friendly environment.

2 You won’t have to look far for inspiration.

The innovator you met in a pitch meeting at noon may be the person behind you in line at the cafe later in the day. A community made up of trailblazers and motivated trendsetters keeps the city in the national spotlight and the ideas flowing.

3 It’s a city of opportunity.

Manchester is a community where young people can make a difference. Sure, it’s got career opportunities, great cultural outlets and plenty of places to have fun, but young professionals also find a deeper purpose here. It’s a city where you can be someone and make an impact.

4 Location, location, location.

It’s all about access. Living in Greater Manchester puts you within reach of the world — whether it’s through Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, Logan International Airport or the nearby highways and rail system. Or, if you want to visit the mountains, the Seacoast or you want to go skiing, hiking or boating, it’s a geographically ideal location.

5 It’s a big city with a small town vibe.

Need to know what’s going on? Stop in at the Red Arrow Diner or pick up an order from the Puritan Backroom. It’s there you’ll find your neighbors, co-workers and friends chatting while chowing. Manchester has all the benefits and amenities of a city with the everyday networking of a small town. Longtime residents who have been here for generations rub elbows with new neighbors to create a tight-knit community that benefits from its diverse population.

6 Take your education higher.

With apologies to our neighbor just to the south, Manchester is a college town. Southern New Hampshire University, UNH- Manchester, Saint Anselm, Manchester Community College, MCPHS University- Manchester and the Institute of Art and Design at New England College all make our city a vibrant, exciting place to plan the path to your future. Whether it’s on campus or virtual, Manchester is leading the way in higher education.

7 You can shop like a pro.

From the big box stores at the Mall of New Hampshire, the scores of stores along South Willow, to the locally owned shops on Elm Street — and every avenue and byway in between — you won’t have to go far to find what you need. And a friendly reminder: It’s tax-free.

8 Keep a full calendar year-round.

Festivals and events fill our streets year-round. Holiday markets, kids’ fairs, artisan expos, brewfests, agricultural gatherings, foliage celebrations and the best St. Patrick’s Day parade in the region keep your dance card full.

9 Fill ’er up.

The Queen City’s reputation as a foodie’s paradise is well known. We’ve got something for every taste — Italian, Thai, Greek, Brazilian, and some of the best bakeries, cafes, pizza shops, burger spots, seafood, steak houses and pubs in the Northeast. Manchester is a lot of things, and a top-notch dining destination is among its best known. And when you’re ready for dessert, we’ve got an unmatched chocolate tour to satisfy your sweet tooth. (See feature, page 12.)

10 It’s home.

Find your forever home in Greater Manchester. Choose from single-family homes, renovated mill lofts, high-rise condos or even innovative micro apartments. Once you’ve put down your roots, you’ve got endless amenities, cultural offerings, volunteer opportunities, educational outlets, health care options and natural resources at your fingertips.

SURROUNDING TOWNS

Auburn Town Offices 47 Chester Road (603) 438-5052 www.auburnnh.us

Bedford Town Offices 24 North Amherst Road (603) 472-5242 www.bedfordnh.org

Candia Town Offices 74 High Street (603) 483-8101 www.candianh.org

Derry Town Offices 14 Manning Street (603) 432-6100 www.derry.nh.us

Goffstown Town Offices 16 Main Street (603) 497-8990 www.goffstown.com

Hooksett Town Offices 35 Main Street (603) 485-8471 www.hooksett.org

Litchfield Town Offices 2 Liberty Way (603) 424-4046 www.litchfield-nh.gov

Londonderry Town Offices 268 B Mammoth Road (603) 432-1100 www.londonderrynh.org

Merrimack Town Offices 6 Baboosic Lake Road (603) 424-2331 www.merrimacknh.gov