Manchester - Pittsburgh, PA

Manchester was originally part of Allegheny City, until Pittsburgh annexed it in 1907. In the second half of the 19th century, growing industry in the surrounding areas led to Manchester's development as a residential district to alleviate industrial and commercial concerns. The neighborhood declined in the 1960s, but renewal programs and efforts by the city helped revitalize it. The Manchester Historic District, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, covers over 50 acres and has 600 buildings, retaining much of the old Victorian architecture originally found there.

Arranging events like a summer House Tour and fall Halloween tour, the Manchester Historic Society promotes the retention and restoration of historic housing in Manchester. You have museums in close proximity to the neighborhood, including the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh and The Andy Warhol Museum. Attend theater shows at the nearby New Hazlett Theater, or head to The Manchester Craftsmen's Guild, which boosts the arts with music programs and jazz concerts featuring famous musicians.

Because Manchester exists as an almost entirely residential area, residents journey outside the area to restaurants. As you follow Western Avenue from Manchester, a cluster of highly-rated restaurants may be reached within a minute from the neighborhood's border on foot.

Nicky's Thai Kitchen brings traditional Thai cuisine to locals on the North Side, and it has earned multiple awards for its excellence. Uniquely set inside a classic old Pittsburgh home, this establishment requires you to walk through a hallway to get to the intimate seating area. On nicer days, many dine on the outdoor patio. Locals appreciate the BYOB policy and rave about the crab rangoon and Pad Thai.

The taste of genuine Southern cooking entices customers at Carmi Family Restaurant on Western Avenue. Indulge in all your favorite comfort foods for breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you go there for breakfast, you have to try the sweet, savory chicken and waffles, one of Carmi's noteworthy specialties. For lunch or dinner, order an entree such as the smothered pork chops with gravy, and add sides of mac and cheese, sweet potatoes, cornbread or other choices. An exceptional soul food spot, this establishment's clean decor and understated R&B music only add to the atmosphere.

Lola Bistro endorses a philosophy of farm to table, and ingredients come from local farmers, ranchers and the chef's own garden. Call in for a reservation as the restaurant draws in many guests. Enjoy the European international cuisine and creative dishes while drinking from your own bottle of wine. The restaurant functions well for a romantic date or special occasion, with an ambiance to match its impressive menu. Be sure to try the restaurant's homemade Russian honey cake for dessert, a local favorite.

After dinner, locals head to clubs and bars for some fun. Benjamin's Western Avenue Burger Bar rotates beers on tap and has outdoor seating, pool tables and televisions to catch the Pirates or Steelers game. Chill out with a relaxed vibe at Monterey Pub, which brings a slice of Ireland to the North Side. Multiple kinds of draught beers, mahogany booths and a cozy fireplace set the mood.

Located minutes from PNC and Heinz Field, you can watch the game or stop in for the game-day specials at Rumerz Sports Bar & Grill. And while it is a sports bar, Rumerz has a dance floor and a DJ four nights a week, making this a great place to enjoy a night of dancing.

Drive through the wide streets of Manchester to easily get where you need to go, whether you travel locally or use nearby highways. Key neighborhood roads include Pennsylvania Avenue, Western Avenue and Allegheny Avenue, while Pennsylvania Route 65 runs along the western portion of the neighborhood. The neighborhood features sufficient free parking for cars, with favorable infrastructure for walkers and bicyclers. Walk or bike on sidewalks, or use the few bike lanes in the area.

For taxi services, use Yellow Cab or the Uber app from your smartphone. The Port Authority of Allegheny County runs the public transportation system, with multiple bus routes making stops in Manchester and throughout the region. This system continues to be particularly useful for those commuting into Downtown Pittsburgh. Residents also ride downtown on the Pittsburgh Light Rail, nicknamed the T, via the nearby Allegheny Station, a station within walking distance from Manchester.

Manchester has attractive outdoor parks where residents spend their free time. At the Manchester Playground, residents make use of the free parking lot, baseball field, two basketball courts and a large playground with swings. Locals go for relaxing walks through paths and garden beds at the Manchester Native Plant Garden.

For a playground, tennis courts, fields, bathrooms and water fountains, visit Manchester Park on Fulton Street. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail provides a beautiful route to get some exercise by walking, jogging or biking for miles by the riverfront; plenty of benches let you rest and absorb the gorgeous views. You can walk your dog on the trail as long as you leash and clean up after him.

One annual event that takes place includes the annual Manchester Community Block Party at the Manchester Playground. A celebration of the neighborhood's residents, the family-friendly activities and games come matched with food and live entertainment. They even let you soak someone at the dunk tanks and win prizes by purchasing raffle tickets.

You won't have to pay too much to live in Manchester, as the cost of living ranks below both state and national averages. Compared to the rest of Pittsburgh, Manchester's neighborhood costs 2 percent less to live in. This lower cost comes from more affordable housing. While Manchester has a range of homes, rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs approximately $502 a month.

Use the buses in the area for $2.50 each way or the light rail for free, as the nearest station to Manchester falls into the "Free Fare Zone." Gas prices in the neighborhood have grown to about 10 percent more than the national average, and the local pubs charge around $5 for a beer.

Just as Manchester does not have any restaurants inside its borders, it also lacks its own stores. While many head into Downtown Pittsburgh for its robust shopping, Manchester's surrounding neighborhoods are just a short walk away and provide stores for eager shoppers. In addition to chain stores and suppliers, the area has a few noteworthy mom-and-pop shops.

On West North Avenue, Moop specializes in handmade and stylish canvas bags, including messenger bags, tote bags, shoulder bags, and backpacks. With just a small, talented team, the company makes each bag in-house every step of the way, and reliable materials ensure that everything bag has been built to last. The business runs largely over the Internet, but Pittsburgh residents can go in to visit at the studio and pick up their online orders.

Giant Eagle provides access to groceries to the local area. The Allegheny City Market also serves the area, specializing in deli foods and produce. The North Side Citiparks Farmers Market opens during the fall and summer, and it sells seasonal specials, fresh produce, meats, cheeses and baked goods.