Kalivas-Union Manchester, NH

Originally home to the Amoskeag Native Americans, Manchester incorporated as a city in 1846, but was settled during the early 1700s. Previously known under a number of other names, including Derryfield and Harrystown, Manchester offered prosperous industry jobs for the railroad and various mills, which drew many immigrants from Europe during the mid-19th century. Shoe and textile manufacturing took over during the last decades of the 1800s. By the early 20th century, the Amoskeag cotton mill employed 17,000 and was the largest mill of its kind. During the 1970s, new industries, including electronics and metal bending, replaced the abandoned mill factories.

Today, technology and manufacturing firms continue to thrive, with many retail and restaurant spaces making their homes within repurposed factories. The nearby SEE Science Center showcases interactive displays for children, and the annual Mahrajan Festival celebrates Middle Eastern cultures and foods.

Restaurant options in Kalivas-Union range from Italian and upscale American fare to Chinese and Mexican cuisine. Many options lie along Elm Street, with other restaurants scattered throughout the neighborhood and surrounding area.

Murphy's Taproom features an extensive menu of pub and comfort food, over 120 beers on tap, and a two-story outdoor deck for events and live music. This classic, Irish-style pub also hosts trivia nights and open jams for musicians. For a thoroughly Irish feast, order the Guinness beef stew, with Guinness-braised beef, potatoes, parsnip, carrots, and turnip in a hearty bread bowl. If you can't settle on a beer choice, try the beer flights featuring four 5-ounce glasses, thoughtfully selected for compatibility.

For a more elegant dining experience, sail over to Mangia Restaurant, an upscale family-owned Italian restaurant showcasing traditional recipes passed down from Old Country. Try classic dishes such as chicken Parmigiana and gnocchi, or order the penne alla matriciana, tossed with pancetta, onion, sliced tomato, roasted garlic and olive oil with a splash of red sauce, for something new. Mangia doesn't serve alcohol, but features a corking service for patrons who bring their own wine.

For a taste of old-school New Hampshire, head on over to Belmont Hall & Restaurant on Belmont and Grove Streets. Belmont serves up fresh Atlantic seafood alongside hearty beef, chicken, and pork dishes. Come in and enjoy breakfast all day long with an extensive menu of American and British favorites. For a taste of everything under the sea, order the fisherman's feast, featuring haddock, clams, scallops, and shrimp.

Common ways to get around the neighborhood include walking, biking, public transportation, and personal vehicle. Public buses provide transportation to downtown and other parts of the metro area. Hailing a cab often proves difficult in the neighborhood, so opt to call ahead. Uber also provides service in Kalivas-Union for ride-shares. Public parking proves free and abundant. Highway 3 runs near the neighborhood, linking the community with Interstate 93.

A very walkable neighborhood, Kalivas-Union residents find it simple to run large percentage of errands possible on foot. The same goes for biking, though few dedicated bike lanes exist. Stick to low-traffic streets for optimal safety.

Kalivas-Union contains over a half-dozen free public parks with many amenities, many of which accommodate leashed dogs. Sheehan-Basquil Park offers a particularly kid-friendly space, sporting a playground, baseball field, and swimming pool in addition to an outdoor skateboarding park. Brownstein Park features expansive fields and some tree cover perfect for a game of pick-up football or soccer. Dedicated to fallen military members, Victory Park features a central circle that houses a large and impressive statute saluting World War II veterans. Stop by in the summer and early fall to browse its farmers market. Discover another series of monuments celebrating the legacy of WWII vets at Veterans Memorial Park. Events occur regularly in this park's green space, including People Fest, the Downtown Film Fest, and the annual Adopt-A-Block fair, a spring clean-up event.

The cost of living in the area sits on par with the city average. Find a one-bedroom apartment in Kalivas-Union for about $800 per month. Bus fare to downtown Manchester costs you $2, while a beer at a local pub runs around $4, with prices a bit lower for basic domestics and a bit higher for premium imports and craft beer. Driving proves slightly more expensive in Manchester than elsewhere, as gas prices run about five percent more than the national average.

Find a variety of retailers in the area, from high-end boutiques to humble storefronts. Van Otis Chocolates specializes in exquisite fudges, chocolates, liquors, gift baskets, and other delicacies. The store fills over 20,000 square feet, including a 5,000-square-foot candy kitchen available for group tours and truffle-making classes. Van Otis is known throughout the area for its masterful Swiss fudge, made with a recipe developed by the shop's first owner during the late 1930s. Gift baskets include but aren't limited to wine baskets and a dark-chocolate-lover's basket.

Those looking for modern women's clothing and accessories peruse Statement, a boutique showcasing contemporary and original designers and fashions. The shop's owner hand-picks every item on the shelves and offers advice and consulting to her clients. The shop offers designer jewelry, handbags, and more alongside its clothing.

Kalivas-Union houses one major grocery store, Market Basket, which features a conventional bakery, produce, deli items, and more. A farmers market featuring over 25 vendors opens on Concord Street from June to October.