Moving to Manchester, PA: Living in Manchester Guide

Manchester is a small borough in northern York County, about 15 minutes north of downtown York. It was settled in 1814 as the village of Liverpool, renamed and incorporated in 1869, and it still has a main street lined with older homes, a gazebo on the square and a Halloween parade that turned 60 in 2026. Just outside the borough, Manchester Township and East Manchester Township add newer subdivisions and more room.

Manchester suits young families, first-time buyers and renters who want a real small town with a short drive to York, Harrisburg and I-83. It is one of the younger communities in York County, with a median age just under 33, and homes cost less here than the county average. If you want a bigger yard or a newer house, the townships around the borough are worth a look too.

Planning a move to Manchester? Call our York PA & Maryland team at 717-844-5125 or get your price online.

Where Is Manchester?

Manchester Borough covers about 0.78 square miles (roughly 495 acres) in northern York County, Pennsylvania. According to the borough, the land was obtained by John Nickey in 1740, and in 1814 William Reeser divided it into 100 lots, sold them by lottery for $100 each and named the village Liverpool. Because another Pennsylvania town already had that name, it was renamed Manchester and incorporated on August 26, 1869. The borough was formed within the eastern section of Manchester Township, and today it shares traditions like leaf collection and the Halloween parade with neighboring Mount Wolf.

Main Street, Maple Street and York Street are state roads through town. Approximate driving distances from the center of Manchester, based on OSRM route calculations without traffic:

Downtown York: about 7.2 miles, roughly 14 minutes
Harrisburg: about 21 miles, roughly 34 minutes
Harrisburg International Airport (MDT): about 25 miles, roughly 39 minutes
Lancaster: about 29 miles, roughly 48 minutes
Baltimore: about 61 miles, roughly 1 hour 21 minutes
BWI Airport: about 73 miles, roughly 1 hour 37 minutes
Philadelphia: about 105 miles, roughly 2 hours 18 minutes

Harrisburg International is the closest airport with commercial flights. Interstate 83 is a short drive away, which makes the commute to either Harrisburg or Baltimore straightforward.

Manchester Population & Demographics

Manchester had 2,798 residents at the 2020 Census, and the Census Bureau estimates 2,821 as of July 2025. It is young for York County, with a median age of 32.9, and about four in ten households rent. The two neighboring townships are larger, older and mostly owner-occupied.

Measure (ACS 2020–2024 unless noted)	Manchester Borough	Manchester Twp	East Manchester Twp	York County
Population (July 1, 2025 estimate)	2,821	20,061	8,703	473,197
Median age	32.9	42.3	44.3	41.1
Median household income	$77,202	$95,903	$101,635	$84,829
Bachelor’s degree or higher (25+)	23.7%	42.2%	31.0%	27.6%
Owner-occupied homes	59.0%	89.4%	96.2%	76.3%
Median home value	$195,900	$280,000	$255,400	$248,600
Poverty rate	7.2%	7.8%	3.4%	8.4%

For comparison, Pennsylvania’s median household income is $77,971 and its median age is 40.9. Sources: U.S. Census Bureau 2020–2024 American Community Survey via Census Reporter; Census Bureau Vintage 2025 population estimates.

Is Manchester Safe?

We did not find a reliable, current crime-rate source for Manchester specifically, so we are not quoting numbers. The borough is served by the York County Regional Police Department, which posts news, arrests and a crime map on CRIMEWATCH. Fire protection comes from Union Fire Company on York Street, and ambulance service is provided through WellSpan Area Emergency Medical Services. If you have questions about a particular block, the police department is the best place to ask.

Cost of Living in Manchester

Home Prices

Manchester is one of the more affordable places to buy in this part of York County. Zillow’s Home Value Index for Manchester was about $284,400 in August 2026, up about 3.1% from a year earlier. That is below the York County index (about $311,100) and a little below Pennsylvania’s (about $290,400). The Census Bureau’s survey puts the borough’s median owner-occupied home value at $195,900 (2020–2024), which reflects older owner estimates and trails today’s market.

In the borough, expect brick and frame single homes, twins and duplexes built close to the sidewalk, many with front steps and narrow staircases. Newer single-family neighborhoods are mostly in Manchester Township and East Manchester Township.

Rent

About 41% of borough households rent. The ACS median gross rent in Manchester was $1,130 a month (2020–2024), below both the York County median of $1,193 and Pennsylvania’s $1,209. Zillow does not publish a rent index for the 17345 ZIP code, so compare current listings, and remember that rents have risen since the survey years.

Best Neighborhoods in Manchester

Manchester Borough

The borough itself is compact and walkable, with Main Street running through the center past the borough office and the gazebo at the square. Several Northeastern schools, including Orendorf Elementary, Spring Forge Intermediate and Shallow Brook Intermediate, sit on Hartman Street, and the high school is on High Street. It suits families with school-age kids, renters and first-time buyers who want to walk to school, the park or an ice cream stand.

Manchester Township

Manchester Township is the much larger municipality next to the borough, between it and the city of York. With about 20,000 residents, a median household income near $96,000 and 42% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree, it offers more newer subdivisions and larger homes. It suits commuters who want a shorter drive to York. Note that Manchester Township is not one of the municipalities in the Northeastern School District, so check which district serves an address before you buy.

East Manchester Township

East Manchester Township lies east of the borough toward the Susquehanna River and is part of the Northeastern School District. About 96% of homes are owner-occupied, and the median household income is about $101,600. It is a good fit for buyers who want a newer house or more land while staying close to the Manchester schools.

Weather & Climate

Manchester has four clear seasons. The nearest long-term NOAA station, York 3 SSW Pump Station, reports these 1991–2020 normals:

January: average high 41.2°F, average low 21.3°F
July: average high 87.7°F, average low 63.1°F
Precipitation: about 46.5 inches a year, with September the wettest month on average
Snowfall: about 24.6 inches a season, mostly in January and February

Late April through early June and mid-September through October are the most comfortable months to move. Summer moves are fine with an early start. In winter, pay attention to the borough’s snow rules (see our tips below), because a declared snow emergency changes where a moving truck can park.

Things to Do in Manchester

Manchester Community Park

The borough park at 96 South Liverpool Street is open every day from dawn to dusk. It has playground equipment, a tennis court and a basketball court, plus a recreation building with heat, air conditioning and Wi-Fi that residents can rent for parties and events. Starting January 1, 2027, the rental rate is $200 per event.

The Gazebo at the Square and the Halloween Parade

The gazebo at the square is the heart of town. Every fall, the Manchester/Mt. Wolf Halloween Parade, run with the Susquehanna Lions Club, draws crowds; 2026 marks its 60th year. It is the kind of event that makes new residents feel like locals fast.

Gifford Pinchot State Park

Across I-83 in northern York County, this 2,338-acre park sits along PA 177 between Rossville and Lewisberry. Its 340-acre Pinchot Lake is the main draw for fishing and boating, and pontoon boat tours run from spring through fall.

Susquehanna Riverlands State Park

Southeast of Manchester, where Codorus Creek meets the Susquehanna, this 1,044-acre state park was established in 2022. It offers rock outcrop vistas over the river, nearly a mile of riverfront and about 2.75 miles of the Mason-Dixon Trail.

Downtown York and Central Market

About 15 minutes south, York’s Central Market has entrances on West Philadelphia Street and North Beaver Street. Nearby garages offer free parking on Saturdays during market hours, which run from 6am to 2pm. It is a great Saturday-morning habit to start in your first month.

Where to Eat in Manchester

Bobcat Creamery

At 117 South Main Street, Bobcat Creamery is a seasonal spot, open April through October, with 32 flavors of ice cream, sundaes and floats, plus sandwiches and fries and breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays. Owners Brian and Wendy Klinger run it partly as a hands-on business program for Northeastern High School students and give a portion of profits back to the community.

Angelo’s Pizza & Subs

Angelo’s, at 145 Glen Drive in Manchester, specializes in pizza and subs, with gourmet pies alongside the classics. It offers pickup, delivery and online ordering, which is exactly what you need when the kitchen is still packed.

Round the Clock Diner

On the way to York at 222 Arsenal Road, where Route 30 meets I-83, Round the Clock Diner is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is handy for breakfast at any hour after a long moving day.

Jobs & Economy

Most Manchester residents commute to jobs in York, along I-83 or toward Harrisburg. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, York County’s largest employers in the first quarter of 2026 were York Hospital, the federal government, Amazon, WellSpan Health, WellSpan Medical Group, Walmart, York County government, Giant Food Stores, BAE Systems and Kinsley Construction. Others in the top 50 include Utz Quality Foods, FedEx, York International, Harley-Davidson, Church & Dwight and several logistics companies. The Northeastern School District, based in Manchester, ranks 44th.

Harrisburg, about 34 minutes away, adds state government jobs and the rest of the capital region’s employers to the list of realistic commutes.

Schools in Manchester

Manchester Borough is part of the Northeastern School District (also called Northeastern York School District). The district covers about 50 square miles and serves Manchester, Mount Wolf, East Manchester Township, York Haven, Goldsboro, Newberry Township and Conewago Township. It runs eight schools:

Conewago Elementary School
Mount Wolf Elementary School
Orendorf Elementary School (101 S. Hartman Street, Manchester)
York Haven Elementary School
Shallow Brook Intermediate School (213 S. Hartman Street, Manchester)
Spring Forge Intermediate School (100 S. Hartman Street, Manchester)
Northeastern Middle School (Board Road, Mt. Wolf)
Northeastern High School (300 High Street, Manchester)

The high school is known for boys’ volleyball: in 2018 Northeastern won its sixth straight PIAA state title, tying the state record for consecutive championships. For college, York College of Pennsylvania is in nearby York, and Harrisburg-area schools are about half an hour away.

Manchester Quick Facts

County	York County, Pennsylvania
Type of government	Borough
Settled / incorporated	1814 (as Liverpool) / 1869
Land area	About 0.78 square miles
Population	2,798 (2020 Census); 2,821 (2025 estimate)
ZIP code	17345
Area codes	717 and 223 (10-digit dialing required)
School district	Northeastern School District
Police	York County Regional Police Department
Trash and recycling	Penn Waste (borough contract)
Borough office	225 S. Main Street
Nearest commercial airport	Harrisburg International (MDT), about 25 miles

Moving to Manchester: Tips From Our Crew

Know the snow emergency rules. During a declared snow emergency, parking on borough streets is prohibited and cars can be fined or towed. If your move falls in winter, have a plan B for where the truck can sit, and keep a backup date.
State roads get plowed by PennDOT, not the borough. Main Street, Maple Street and York Street are state roads. The borough aims to clear its own streets within 18 to 24 hours after snow stops, so side streets may be slower on the day after a storm.
Mind the new turn restriction. The borough added a no-turn-on-red restriction at the Maple Street and Main Street intersection. It is the center of town, so plan your route in and out accordingly.
Plan for tight stairs in older homes. Many borough homes are twins and duplexes with front steps, narrow stairways and tight turns. We pad railings and door frames and take apart beds and large pieces when needed.
Time your start around school traffic. Three Northeastern schools sit on Hartman Street, and the high school is on High Street. A start after the morning buses pass keeps the truck out of drop-off traffic.
Set up trash service early. Penn Waste is the borough’s contracted hauler. Call them before move-in day so your cans are ready for all those empty boxes, and leaf collection runs from early November into December.
Doing work on the house? Building permits go through the borough’s third-party inspector, and rental properties need signed landlord consent before a permit is issued. Start that paperwork before your move date.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Manchester

How much does it cost to hire movers in Manchester?

The cost depends on the size of your home, how far you are moving, how much packing you need and access at both ends, like stairs, street parking and long driveways. The best way to know is to get a free quote. Call 717-844-5125 and an owner will call you back within 15 minutes between 8am and 8pm, or request your price online.

Is Manchester Borough the same as Manchester Township?

No. Manchester Borough is the small, 0.78-square-mile town of about 2,800 people. Manchester Township is a separate, much larger municipality of about 20,000 people between the borough and York. The borough was originally part of the township before it was incorporated in 1869.

How far is Manchester from York and Harrisburg?

Downtown York is about 7 miles away, roughly 14 minutes. Harrisburg is about 21 miles, roughly 34 minutes, and Harrisburg International Airport is about 25 miles.

Is Manchester a good place for first-time buyers?

For many people, yes. Zillow’s home value index for Manchester was about $284,400 in August 2026, below the York County figure of about $311,100. The borough is young, walkable and close to schools, and its housing includes twins, duplexes and smaller single homes.

Do you do apartment moves in Manchester?

Yes. About four in ten borough households rent, and we move a lot of apartments and second-floor units here. If your building needs a certificate of insurance, we provide it free. We also handle long-distance moves with a binding estimate, a dedicated truck, the same W-2 crew door to door and a guaranteed delivery date.

Move to Manchester With A & M Friendly Movers

A & M Friendly Movers has been family-owned since 2015, and owners Matthew Treharn and Amber Hallaman still answer for every job. Our crews are background-checked, drug-tested W-2 employees, never subcontractors. With our Owner’s Promise, you talk to an owner, not a call center. If anything is damaged, an owner calls you the same day, and claims are resolved in 60 to 90 days. Take a look at our 850+ Google reviews across five locations on our reviews page.

Our Manchester movers handle local moves, packing and unpacking, storage and junk removal, with 5% off for military families and never a rescheduling fee. Call 717-844-5125 or visit our Manchester moving page to get started.

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