Manchester has a long and thriving history of manufacturing and produced extremely sought after silk during most of the 19th century. The nickname "Silk City" was earned after the Cheney family started what became the world's largest silk mill in 1838.

Manchester's economic interests are currently in corporate and commercial enterprise. With numerous shops and services in the town center along with corporate offices and small businesses in industrial parks. One of the region's largest enclosed shopping malls is The Shoppes at Buckland Hills and there are numerous other small shopping centers.

Welcoming suburban neighborhoods showcase single-family homes in many architectural styles and prices. Some houses near the silk mills were converted to apartments and condominiums, and are part of the Cheney Brothers National Historic District. Cheney Hall is home to the Little Theatre of Manchester and the Cheney Homestead, which is a preserved museum.

For more entertainment, there is a locally symphony and The Gilbert and Sullivan Players. Offering nature and science exhibits is the Lutz Children's Museum, as well as an informative museum maintained by the Connecticut Firemen's Historical Society.

With more than 1,000 acres of parkland, Manchester includes the Wickham family estate with walking trails and botanical displays. Thanksgiving Day, the Manchester Road Race draws 10,000 runners which is second to the Boston Marathon in New England.

Manchester has a concrete public education program for its students as well as continuing education classes for adults available in the evening.