Why Live in West Side
Manchester’s West Side neighborhood, once a hub for silk mills, now features a mix of historic and modern living spaces, including repurposed buildings that house breweries, theaters, pottery studios, and upscale apartments. The area is known for its charming Main Street and several parks, such as Charter Oak Park and Center Springs Park, offering residents various things to do. The community hosts year-round events, including the popular Manchester Road Race on Thanksgiving Day. Dining options are plentiful, with local favorites like Mulberry Street Pizza, Silk City Coffee, and the upscale Café Aura. Urban Lodge Brewing Co. is a notable spot for live music and social gatherings. For shopping, Market on Main and Stop & Shop are conveniently located, with The Plaza at Buckland Hills just a short drive away.
The neighborhood features a variety of home styles, including Victorian-era farmhouses, cottages, Queen Anne-style residences, Cape Cods, midcentury houses, condos, townhouses, and duplexes. Children in the area may attend Verplanck Elementary, Illing Middle School, and Manchester High School, with Cornerstone Christian School as a private option.
Residents benefit from sidewalks that make walking to local amenities easy, and the area is safer than the national average. Public transportation via CTtransit buses provides access to downtown Hartford, and Bradley International Airport is just over 20 miles away. While the neighborhood offers many advantages, residents may experience noise from the nearby interstate and potential flooding in low-lying areas. The state is also addressing environmental concerns from the old Klock Machine Company Superfund site.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Side a good place to live?
West Side is a good place to live. West Side is considered somewhat walkable and somewhat bikeable. West Side is a suburban neighborhood. West Side has 5 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 10.9 people per acre and a median age of 36. The average household income is $64,700 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 27.6% of residents. A majority of residents in West Side are renters, with 72.6% of residents renting and 27.4% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving West Side can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
West Side neighborhood guide.
Is West Side, CT a safe neighborhood?
West Side, CT is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 6 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in West Side?
The median home price in West Side is $244,900. If you put a 20% down payment of $49,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.67%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,260 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $54K a year to afford the median home price in West Side. The average household income in West Side is $65K.
What are the best public schools in West Side?
The best public schools that serve West Side are:
- Manchester High School has a B+ Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 9:1 and an average review score of 3.8.
- Keeney School has a B- Niche grade, a student teacher ratio of 10:1 and an average review score of 4.5.
- Highland Park School has a C+ Niche grade and a student teacher ratio of 11:1.
What are the best private schools in West Side?
The best private schools that serve West Side are:
What are the most popular zip codes in West Side, Manchester, CT?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near West Side, Manchester, CT?
Home Trends in West Side, CT
On average, homes in West Side, Manchester sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in West Side, Manchester over the last 12 months is $250,000, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$250,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$302,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$115,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$132,787
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$105,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$197
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Last 12 months Home Sales
31
Median List Price
$244,900
Median Change From 1st List Price
-3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
9%