Manchester NH Moving Companies

Manchester, New Hampshire

Built upon the banks of the Merrimack River, Manchester, New Hampshire has transformed from a nomadic resting spot good for fishing into a thriving multi-cultural city. Those moving to Manchester will discover a vibrant region with a diversified economy and a growing population.

History:
In the early 1800's, Samuel Blodget saw the potential of the Merrimack River as being a source of transportation and power. He designed a series of canals and locks to allow transportation between Nashua and Concord. In 1810, the areas name was officially changed from Deerfield to Manchester with the vision of being the New Worlds version of Manchester, England. Having a vertical fall of 54 feet in only one half mile the Merrimack River was harnessed to provide power for a blossoming textile industry. Many textile mills were built by various enterprises, but it was not until 1831 that the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company incorporated and Manchester started to grow. In 1838, the Stark Mills Manufacturing Company was incorporated. During the 1950's, the area started to thrive again due to shoe manufacturing but that did not last long as less expensive imports started to arrive in the 1960's. During the 1970s and 80s, the mills were mostly vacant and Manchester was trying to find a new cog in their economic engine. Starting during the 1980's, Manchester started a re-birth as new industries, colleges, and hi-tech started to move in and rent/renovate in and around the Downtown area. Additionally, a large shopping mall "The Mall of New Hampshire" open in the southern part of Manchester. The mall brought many shoppers (and employment opportunities) into Manchester and as it was in "Tax Free" New Hampshire.

Economy:
Once a single-industry town dependent on the textile industry, Manchester has diversified its economy to include manufacturing (more than 200 manufacturing firms are located there), wholesale and retail trade, information processing, and the service industry. More than 85 percent of the work force is involved in sales, finance and service companies. Manchester is considered the major insurance and financial center north of Boston, housing the area's largest savings and commercial institutions. The city is also the northeastern states' principal distribution center. Items and goods produced in the city include knitting and textile machinery, leather goods, electrical and electronic components, automobile accessories, and plastic, lumber, metal and wood products. Manchester's computer and other high-tech industries and its financial and professional services have contributed to the growth of Manchester's economy since the late 1980s. Manchester's labor force is described as industrious and the city boasts one of the best records in the nation in terms of hours lost through strikes.

Tourism:
Begin by heading to the Palace Theatre. The Palace Theatre is a non-profit performing arts center that hosts its own professional company, youth and teen program and presenting acts. The Palace Theatre was built in 1914 and served as a venue for vaudeville companies until 1930. Performers such as Jimmy Durante, Bob Hope, Harry Houdini, The Marx Brothers, and Red Skelton entertained audiences at the Palace Theatre during this era. After several recent years of expansion and growth, the Palace Theatre is now in use 340 days a year. Next, check out the Currier Museum of Art. This local museum is dedicated to exhibiting the history and culture of the mills in Manchester, which where so important to the areas past. Then, it is off to the PRANA Floatation Center. A relaxation facility, PRANA offers a way to achieve total relaxation or a way to heighten all of your senses. It is a way to experience relief from aches and pains and heal your body. The PRANA Floatation Center has five private float rooms. Each room has a shower, a sink and a mirror, and a floatation tank. Enjoy relaxing music for your float, as you relax into this one-of-a-kind experience. Finally, if you are looking for fun for the entire family, head to the SEE Science Center. This science museum offers kids of all ages learning and entertainment through interactive exhibits and captivating displays.

Colleges/Universities:

• Southern New Hampshire University
• Manchester Community College
• University of New Hampshire at Manchester
• New Hampshire Institute of Art

Interesting Facts:

• Manchester is the largest city in the U.S. state of New Hampshire and the largest city in northern New England.
• Inc. Magazine has ranked Manchester the 21st best city in which to do business.