MANCHESTER, NH – Livability.com unveiled its 2026 Top 100 Best Places to Live list, with Manchester, NH deservedly earning a spot among the nation’s most vibrant and livable small to mid-sized cities for the fourth year in a row.
In its 13th year, the Livability annual ranking focuses on cities with populations between 75,000 and 500,000 that offers big city opportunities while remaining small enough to feel like home. Per Livability, “In a time of shifting economic tides, Manchester’s inclusion underscores its commitment to maintaining a community where residents can truly thrive.”
"Our 'Top 100' is an annual data-driven collection of what we consider to be the best small to mid-size cities," says Amanda Ellis, Livability.com Editor-in-Chief. "As Americans face consistently evolving work dynamics and a desire for the best quality of life possible amidst inflation and uncertainty, our list celebrates places where people can more realistically build families, launch businesses and lead meaningful lives."
Livability.com works closely with Applied Geographic Solutions (AGS) when using data to construct the Top 100 list across four major city categories: Economy & Housing, Amenities & Environment, Safety, Health & Education, as well as Transportation.
New for this year, Livability.com placed more value on a city’s Housing and Cost of Living category, to highlight those cities excelling above their peers. Manchester excelled in not only housing and cost of living, but scored high marks in amenities and education. Furthermore, Manchester is the only city from New Hampshire on the Livability.com Top 100 Best Places to Live in 2026 list.
“Manchester is a city on the rise,” said Jodie Nazaka, Economic Development Director. “We’re seeing real momentum — new businesses are opening, people are choosing to put down roots here, and the energy in our neighborhoods is undeniable. The best is still ahead of us.”
This distinction comes on the heels of Livability.com also awarding Manchester as one of the Top 25 Best Places to Live in the Northeast in November 2025.
As part of the Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel Project, a portion of Somerville St. will be closed for a period of time. A detour via Maple Street and Beech Street will be signposted. Concurrently, a portion of Cilley Road will be closed near Queen City Ave. A detour via Willow Street and Pine Street will be signposted. Detour routes will be concurrent and impacted as illustrated in the map below and as directed by signs on site.
- Somerville Street Closure begins: April 20, 2026
- Somerville Street Anticipated reopening: May 22, 2026
- Cilley Road Closure: Ongoing
- Cilley Road Anticipated reopening: April 23, 2026
What to Expect:
- Somerville Street eastbound will be detoured via Shasta Steet.
- Somerville Street westbound will be detoured via Silver Street.
- Queen City Ave. heading eastbound onto Cilley Rd. will be detoured via Shasta Street.
Important Notes:
- Please follow direction from posted traffic signs, police details, flaggers and allow extra travel time through the work zone.
- For lane shifts or temporary lane closures during construction, please be aware of new lane markings, barricaded routes, or traffic cones.
- Parking will be prohibited within the construction area.
- Drivers and pedestrians should use extreme caution when traveling past work zones, especially at night or in adverse weather, when visibility is limited.
- Whenever possible, we encourage drivers to plan ahead and avoid the construction area.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to enhance our community’s infrastructure.
Sincerely,
Environmental Protection Division
Department of Public Works
City of Manchester
Crystal Lake Park will be closed to all visitors until further notice due to extensive construction work on drainage and infrastructure improvements throughout the entirety of the park. In the interest of safety, the construction area will be restricted to authorized personnel only at all hours. This work is anticipated to continue through May 10, 2026.
For more information, please contact the Department of Public Works at 603-624-6444.
FSIS Issues Public Health Alert For Frozen, Dinosaur-Shaped, Ready-To-Eat Chicken Nuggets Due To Traces Of Lead
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls-alerts/fsis-issues-public-health-alert-frozen-dinosaur-shaped-ready-eat-chicken-nuggets-due
April 1, 2026 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert for frozen, dinosaur-shaped, ready-to-eat chicken nuggets that may be contaminated with unsafe levels of lead. A recall was not requested because the products are no longer available for purchase. However, FSIS is concerned that some product may still be in consumers’ freezers.
The chicken nuggets were produced on Feb. 10, 2026. The following product is subject to the public health alert [view labels]:
29-oz. plastic bags containing approx. 36 “GREAT VALUE FULLY COOKED DINO SHAPED CHICKEN BREAST NUGGETS” with “BEST IF USED BY” date “FEB 10 2027,” lot code” 0416DPO1215,” and establishment number “P44164” printed on the back of the bag.
These items were shipped to Walmart locations nationwide. FSIS is continuing to investigate this issue.
A special meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen is to be held in the Auditorium of Memorial High School, One Crusader Way, Manchester, NH on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of conducting a public hearing regarding resolutions:
“Appropriating to the Parking Fund the sum of $5,142,275 from parking revenues for the Fiscal Year 2027.”
"Appropriating the sum of $33,804,234 from Sewer User Rental Charges to the Environmental Protection Division for the Fiscal Year 2027.”
“Appropriating to the Manchester Airport Authority the sum of $49,366,765 from Special Airport Revenue Funds for the Fiscal Year 2027.”
“Appropriating to the Manchester Transit Authority the sum of $1,999,838 for the Fiscal Year 2027.”
“Appropriating to the Manchester School District the sum of $234,981,749 for the Fiscal Year 2027.”
“Appropriating all Incremental Meals and Rooms Tax Revenue Received by the City in the Fiscal Year 2027 and held in the Civic Center Fund, for the payment of the City’s Obligations in Said Fiscal Year under the Financing Agreement.”
“Appropriating to the Manchester School Food and Nutrition Services Program the sum of $6,300,000 from School Food and Nutrition Services Revenues for the Fiscal Year 2027.”
“Raising Monies and Making Appropriations of $195,337,885 for the Fiscal Year 2027.”
“Appropriating to the Central Business Service District the sum of $700,000 from Central Business Service District Funds for the Fiscal Year 2027.”
“Continuation of the Central Business Service District.”
“Authorizing the Finance Officer to Make Certain Budgetary Closings for the Fiscal Year 2026.”
In accordance with the procedures established in RSA 44:10 and in satisfaction of any other local, state or federal law that may apply, resolutions will be considered relating to the budget of the City of Manchester for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, authorizing and raising funds for said budget and authorizing expenditures of Sewer User Rental Charges, Manchester Airport Authority Funds, Parking Funds, Central Business Service District Funds, School Food and Nutrition Revenue Funds, and Meals and Rooms Tax Revenues.
The meeting shall also serve as a public hearing upon the proposed Community Improvement Program for the city of Manchester covering the FY 2027 period for the purpose of receiving comment on the proposed activities and satisfying hearing and proposed use requirements of the Community Development Block Grant, the HOME Program, and any other local, state or federal law that may apply.
The proposed FY 2027 Community Improvement Program calls for the appropriation of $51,203,822. Approximately $1,167,500 of which may be requested from federal, state and private grant fund sources through various grant programs; approximately $2,451,529 in Federal Community Development Block Grant program funds and program income, HOME Funds, and HOME Program Income; $45,657,310 from the issuance of short-term notes and general obligation bonds; and $1,927,483 for projects financed through enterprises and fees.
A portion of the Incremental Meals and Rooms Tax Revenue received by the City in the Fiscal Year 2027 and held in the Civic Center Fund will be appropriated for the payment of the City’s obligations in said fiscal year in accordance with the terms of the Financing Agreement. All remaining Meals and Rooms Tax Revenue shall be transferred to the General Fund.
At the public hearing, those wishing to speak regarding any portion of the appropriations or programs will be given one opportunity to speak. Comments will be limited to three minutes to allow all participants the opportunity to be heard.
The aforementioned resolutions and other information pertaining to the FY 2027 budget are available for public inspection on the City’s website at www.manchesternh.gov. Written comments may be sent via email to cityclerk@manchesternh.gov or regular mail at Office of the City Clerk, One City Hall Plaza, Manchester, NH 03101 prior to the hearing or may be submitted to the City Clerk at the hearing.
Manchester, NH – Tonight, Mayor Jay Ruais introduced his proposed FY2027 City budget, outlining a plan centered on affordability, protecting core services, and structural reforms to improve efficiency and accountability for taxpayers.
The proposed plan reflects the City’s continued commitment to fiscal discipline while advancing key priorities, including maintaining a clean and safe downtown, supporting our first responders, and addressing homelessness through a structured, and balanced approach designed to strengthen the continuum from sheltering to housing.
Mayor Ruais released the following statement:
“In tonight’s address, I outlined the significant financial pressures we face, including rising contractual and operational costs, and the difficult decisions required to reduce spending. This proposal meets those challenges head-on, cutting spending in targeted areas, while preserving public safety, protecting core services, and making structural reforms to City government that will save dollars.
The last two budgets passed by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen came in historically under the tax cap, saving Manchester residents millions of dollars in property tax increases. In a time of continued economic pressure our families, residents, and businesses deserve a City government that lives within its means. At the end of every line item in our budget is an individual or family thinking about filling up their car, putting money away for their future, or paying their mortgage.
Manchester residents also expect their City to deliver for them. They expect our employees to educate our kids, answer emergency calls, repair roads, maintain parks, and clear our streets and sidewalks during the winter. We have to strike a balance. We must live within our means, and live up to our responsibilities.
With those folks in mind, we are making necessary and foundational reforms to City government that will improve oversight, efficiency, and save money, while ensuring our taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. From launching centralized purchasing and payroll divisions to strengthening internal auditing and consolidating services, we are building a more efficient and accountable government that will deliver results for our taxpayers.
The plan continues the City’s commitment to public safety by prioritizing investments in our Police and Fire Departments. As we continue negotiations with our two police unions, I am committing dollars, consistent with the cost of implementing the compensation study, to the budget to help address recruitment and retention challenges. It also allocates $1.4 million in bonding for critical radio and communication upgrades, and $200,000 in bonding for fire equipment and protective gear. Additionally, $160,000 is set aside to fund the SAFER Grant, ensuring we can sustain appropriate fire staffing levels in the years ahead.
Included here is a continuation of the balanced approach to funding our schools with an allocation of $3 million. Should this number become final, the Manchester School District will have been allocated $14.0 million in combined City and State funding since I became Mayor, while requested funding was reduced by approximately $12.7 million.
We are strengthening the heart of our City by finalizing the Downtown Cleaning Program and Street Ambassador initiative as a permanent service. Funded through a dedicated downtown assessment, this program ensures a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming environment for our City, at no cost to residents. In just 20 months, the program has already removed over 125,000 pounds of trash and significantly reduced graffiti, delivering clear, visible results.
The proposal also makes targeted investments in the infrastructure residents rely on every day. Nearly $7 million is allocated to road improvements, along with $600,000 for park maintenance, modernization and paving, as well as $300,000 to advance the Hunt Pool redevelopment project and $60,000 for downtown and neighborhood lighting improvements.
Finally, we continue our structured, compassionate, and accountable approach to homelessness. We have responsibly reduced shelter capacity while focusing on the most vulnerable, veterans, the elderly and infirm, and now families and children with this proposal. We are investing our federal dollars across the full continuum of care, from emergency shelter and outreach to transitional housing and permanent solutions, to make homelessness rare, brief, and one-time. This includes support for the Aged and Infirm Shelter, winter warming efforts, and critical funding for outreach and transitional housing organizations. In partnership with community leaders, we are also advancing a transformational project to provide transitional housing for families, helping them move from instability to independence.
As this process now moves to the Board of Aldermen, I look forward to working collaboratively to deliver a final plan that balances the needs of our City, our schools, and our taxpayers.”
The City of Manchester Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Division would like to inform the community that the Sweeney Park Basketball Courts will be closed for a full replacement beginning Monday, March 30, 2026, through Friday, June 26, 2026.
During this period, the courts will be completely inaccessible while contractors remove the existing surface and construct new, upgraded basketball facilities.
Please also be advised that parking on the Walker Street side of Sweeney Park will be limited throughout construction to accommodate equipment and construction vehicles. Visitors should plan accordingly and use alternative parking areas when possible.
We appreciate the community’s patience as we complete this significant investment in Sweeney Park. The improvements will provide a safer, higher-quality playing surface and enhance long-term recreation opportunities for residents.
If you have any questions about the project, please contact the Parks, Recreation & Cemetery Division at (603) 792-5373.
Thank you for your cooperation and support.