About Manchester, CT: Familiarize Yourself With Its History & More

What Is Life Like In Manchester, CT?

Nestled in the hills east of Hartford County, CT, Manchester is a quaint town with a successful business district. Thanks its extensive collection of stores, parks, and attractions, Manchester is an attractive location for families and business owners alike. If you’re looking to move to a safe community with a bustling economy, Manchester is the perfect place for you!

We invite you to learn more about Manchester.

History & Evolution of Manchester

Postcard Detailing Cheney Brothers Mills in its Heyday
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Manchester, which was named after the region of the same name in England, was first settled into back in 1672. A man by the name of Thomas Hooker purchased the land from a tribe of Native Americans that lived in the region and used it to create a new farming community. At the time, the community was known by the name of Orford Parish, before changing to Manchester in 1823.

Manchester’s proximity to the Hockanum River made it a popular hub for several industries, including textile, paper, and silk. Among the most successful businesses was the Cheney Brothers Mill, thanks to its advanced silk producing techniques. This attracted many people to the town, making it an ideal home for people who were looking for work.

While these businesses have shut down since then, they can still be seen as part of the Cheney Brothers Historic District. The district was named a National Historic Landmark.

Where the Town is Today

Cars Driving Down Main Street, In Manchester, CT
Source: Wikimedia Commons

As of 2017, the population of Manchester is estimated to be around 57,932, with a median household income of about $56,606. Manchester is well known for its strong economy, which helped the town attract new residents. Manchester’s historic downtown area hosts a wide selection of businesses, ranging from restaurants, a real estate office, and personal service centers.

Manchester is the home of Manchester Memorial Hospital, which is known for its award-winning cancer care program. The town is also famous for hosting the annual Manchester Road Race. The Road Race, which takes place every Thanksgiving, helps to raise money for local charities and muscular dystrophy care.

Local Transportation Options

CT Transit serves as one of the main transportation providers for residents of Manchester. By using this service, you can find bus routes that will take you to all the major areas of Connecticut. If you need to get somewhere in a hurry, the CTfastrak service offers rapid response bus services that utilize environmentally-conscious technologies.

Amtrak services are also provided at the Hartford Union Station, located just outside of Manchester. If you need to fly out of state, the Bradley International Airport can be found within 20 minutes of our local apartment communities.

About Local Schools

Eastern Connecticut State University Tower, Near Manchester
Source: Yelp

Public schools in Manchester, CT are operated by the Manchester Public School District. The Manchester High School is a notable establishment here, thanks to its award-winning music program and large selection of AP classes.

Manchester is also located next to a number of notable colleges and universities. Among these are the Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, and the Manchester Community College. ECSU is considered one of the top schools in the state, and as a resident of Manchester you’ll have an easy commute to the university.

Points of Interest in Manchester, CT

Oriental Garden, Located at Wickham Park in Manchester, CT
Source: Yelp

Manchester’s bustling community also hosts a large selection of parks, attractions, and musical venues.

The town has an extensive recreational system, with over 1,064 acres of parks for residents to visit. Some of the highlights include Wickham Park and Charter Oak Park, which operate sports facilities and gardens for visitors to observe. Manchester is also home to four distinct golf courses:

· Manchester Country Club

· E. Hartford Golf Course

· Kenney Golf Course

· Minnechaug Golf Course

Manchester is located near great shopping centers, with the Promenade Shops at Evergreen and the Shoppes at Buckland Hills being notable examples. There are several restaurants to check out too, many of which offer deliveries for residents. For fans of culture and music, the Cheney Hall hosts an assortment of plays and musical performances. These destinations help create a strong sense of community among the residents of Manchester.

Looking to move to Manchester, CT?
We invite you to read about our local apartments for rent
at Aspen Highlands and Aspen Woods