Manchester, New Hampshire, is becoming an increasingly attractive location for real estate investors looking for solid returns and long-term appreciation. With a growing economy, a strong rental market, and tax-friendly policies, the Queen City offers numerous advantages for those looking to invest in real estate. Whether you’re interested in long-term rentals, short-term vacation properties, or fix-and-flip opportunities, Manchester presents several compelling reasons to invest.
LOCAL MARKET UPDATE as of JANUARY 2025
The January 2025 real estate update for Manchester shows key trends in the single-family home market:
- Closed sales fell by 18.6%, from 43 in 2024 to 35 in 2025, signaling a market slowdown.
- Median sales price rose by 6.1%, from $405,000 to $429,900, reflecting continued home value appreciation.
- Median list price surged by 14.4%, from $399,900 to $457,500, indicating high seller expectations.
- Volume of closed sales dropped by 18.3%, showing lower transaction value.
- Days on market improved slightly, from 19 to 16 days, suggesting homes still sell quickly.
- Pending sales rose by 13.9%, indicating stronger future demand.
- New listings decreased by 20.9%, tightening inventory.
Key takeaways: Despite fewer sales, rising home prices reflect strong demand and limited inventory. Homes are selling faster, and pending sales suggest future activity. Investors may find opportunities in properties priced below the rising median. However, affordability concerns may grow as inventory remains low.
Here are the listings of available properties in Manchester. Click the picture below to show all listings.
Strong Rental Market, Diverse Economy & Job Growth
Manchester has a consistently strong rental market, driven by a growing population of students, young professionals, and families. The city is home to several higher education institutions, including Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), Manchester Community College, and a University of New Hampshire satellite campus. With thousands of students and faculty members needing housing, rental properties are always in demand. Additionally, young professionals working in the city or commuting to Boston are increasingly choosing to rent, making multi-family properties and apartment buildings lucrative investment options.
Manchester’s economy is diverse and steadily growing, making it a stable environment for real estate investment. The city has strong industries in healthcare, technology, finance, and education. As of 2025, the area’s largest employers include:
Elliot Hospital
Industry: Healthcare (Hospitals)
Employees: 1,000–4,999
Catholic Medical Center
Industry: Healthcare (Hospitals)
Employees: 1,000–4,999
Easterseals New Hampshire
Industry: Social Services & Welfare
Employees: 1,000–4,999
GE Aviation
Industry: Aircraft Component Manufacturing
Employees: 500–999
Major employers like this provide stable job opportunities that attract new residents. A strong job market ensures steady demand for housing, benefiting both rental property owners and those looking to sell homes.
Quality of Life & Community Growth
Manchester offers the perfect blend of urban convenience and suburban charm. Its vibrant downtown features a variety of restaurants, breweries, entertainment venues, and shopping centers. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the city’s many parks, trails, and recreational areas.
As of 2024, Manchester’s population is 115,181, reflecting a slight annual decline of -0.25%. Since the 2020 census, which recorded 115,508 residents, the population has decreased by -0.28%.
With a strong sense of community, quality schools, and diverse cultural attractions, Manchester remains an appealing destination for families and professionals. This stability makes it an attractive market for real estate investors seeking long-term tenants.
Average Salary
As of February 2025, the average annual salary in Manchester is $68,971 per year ($33/hour), ranging from $35,043 to $110,324. With major employers in healthcare, manufacturing, and social services, the city offers stable employment and a workforce with disposable income. This makes Manchester an attractive market for real estate investors, though the cost of living should be considered when assessing opportunities.
Short-Term Rental Potential
Short-term rental properties, such as Airbnb and Vrbo, can be a profitable investment in Manchester. The city attracts business travelers, visiting families, and tourists exploring nearby attractions, including the White Mountains, the Lakes Region, and New Hampshire’s scenic hiking trails. Additionally, Manchester hosts various events, concerts, and sports games at the SNHU Arena, bringing in temporary visitors who need short-term accommodations.
Proximity to Boston & Major Highways
Manchester’s location is another key factor making it a great place to invest. Situated along I-93 and I-293, the city offers easy access to Boston, which is about an hour’s drive away. Many commuters prefer living in Manchester due to its lower cost of living and quality of life, while still being able to work in Massachusetts. Additionally, the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport provides convenient travel options, making the city even more appealing for both residents and business travelers.
Final Thoughts
Manchester, NH, offers a combination of affordability, economic stability, tax advantages, and strong rental demand that makes it an excellent location for real estate investment. Whether you’re looking for steady cash flow from rental properties, long-term appreciation, or short-term rental opportunities, Manchester provides a promising market with plenty of potential. With its growing population, strong job market, and close proximity to Boston, investors can capitalize on a thriving real estate environment.
If you’re interested in exploring real estate investment opportunities in Manchester, now is a great time to get started!
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