Manchester, NH is a compact, walkable city with a lively arts and craft‑beer scene, riverfront parks, diverse restaurants, and easy access to hiking and lakes—an engaging, comfortable home base you can enjoy for multi‑week assignments and even turn into a longer-term spot.
You’re also about an hour from Boston for big‑city culture, airports, and pro sports, and roughly an hour from coastal Portsmouth for seaside dining and weekend escapes, so small‑city charm comes with plenty of nearby variety.