It might not be as famous or as large as the ‘other' Manhattan, but this Kansas city still has a lot to recommend it. With a population of just a little over 52,000, the city provides a very favorable environment for small businesses and entrepreneurs. It has built a reputation as a city where young people can come and start a business and flourish, while also retaining the college town atmosphere that put it on the map.Manhattan is the home of Kansas State University. Kansas State has experienced continual growth, expanding to become a school with nearly 25,000 students during the most recent semester. The school also has a strong athletics program, where the Wildcats compete in the Big 12. The program has produced a number of NFL and NBA greats, including current Green Bay Packers receiver Jordy Nelson.
When to Search
Manhattan is a good-sized town with enough apartments to match the demand. However, the size of the university means that students are occupying a very large number of those apartments. Graduating students moving out of town provide the most vacant apartments each year, which makes June a very good time to hunt for an apartment.
Staying in the Know
Applying for an apartment requires that you do two things. First, you need to convince the landlord that you have the means to meet your rent payments. Second, you need to convince them that you're responsible and will take care of the property. Use every means at your disposal to communicate these things to the landlord when applying.
Life in Manhattan
Transportation
KSU has a partnership with the Flint Hills Area Transportation Agency in order to provide shuttles and transportation on campus. There are also busses that run in the city, and to the surrounding communities operated by ATA. The University busses only run weekdays and shut down at 6:00 PM.
Where to play
Sunset Zoo is a wonderful place to go and see some animals. Manhattan Town Center is where most of the shopping in the city is focused. You can also find some quality restaurants there, like Carols O Kelly's for Mexican food, or the Whiskey Creek Steakhouse. There is a neighborhood with a collection of bars just to the south of the University, including Bushwacker, Porter's and Tubby's.
Attractions
Many of the events in Lincoln are tied to the president that the town takes it's name from. The Abraham Lincoln Birthday Celebration that takes place each February is a perfect example. Just outside of Lincoln, you can find the Nebraska Folk and Roots Festival, a music festival that helps to highlight some of the best upcoming local talent in those genres. The Lancaster County Fair is one of the most looked-forward too events in August, as it provides the perfect opportunity for friends and family to get together and enjoy the best of summer in Nebraska.
Dining
Breakfast enthusiasts in Manhattan seem to come up with excuses to head to The Chef as often as they possibly can. People who like Asian flavour have several excellent options in town, including Baan Thai and the Green Tea Sushi Bar. Barbecue is of course a popular option in Manhattan, and Famous Dave’s Barbeque is one of the local favourites. There are also several excellent steakhouses in the city. If you're craving a thick, juicy steak, then try the Whiskey Creek Steakhouse or the Sirloin Stockade. Although neither of these is likely to disappoint, there are still numerous other options in the city if steak is truly what you're craving.
Bars
If you're interested in wine more than any other type of drink, then 4 Olives is worth visiting. They’re the preeminent wine-serving location in town. Bourbon fans can't miss out on the fantastically creative Bourbon & Baker, which combines great bourbon with a tapas style, small plate menu. The So Long Saloon is a casual, fun bar to hang out at if you want a great burger and a beer, and they host a fantastic party during the Kentucky Derby. Mulligan’s is a casual sport pub where you can be sure of always finding the game on a big screen.
Culture
The permanent collection of Kansas State University is housed at the Marianna Kistler Beach Museum of Art. The permanent collection numbers at over 1,400 pieces. There are several other museums in town, but the best is the Flint Hills Discovery Center, a science museum focussed on the local ecosystem. The Manhattan Arts Center is home to some of the best cultural events that take place in the Little Apple. It hosts a huge theatre season full of Broadway musicals, as well as hosting a smaller second stage and an acoustic music series that runs throughout the year.
Events
The Promenade on Poyntz is a fun event where you stroll around Poyntz Avenue and stop at local businesses to snack on local appetizers and try different wines made in the area. It serves as both a celebration of local wines, and as a fundraiser for the Homecare & Hospice Foundation. Kansas is an agricultural state, and agricultural events are always popular, and draw people in from outside the city as well. This is certainly the case during both the Kaw Valley Rodeo and Riley County Fair, and during the Country Stampede, a huge country music festival. At new years, Manhattan has some fun at it's larger namesake expense, with the Annual Little Apple Ball Drop.
Shopping
The major mall in the area is the Manhattan Town Center. A JC Penney and a Dillard’s anchor the mall, and many people come to also enjoy the great restaurants, including an Applebee's and a Chilli’s. However, while the mall is great you shouldn’t overlook the downtown of this thriving little city. Downtown Manhattan is a beautiful, historic district, with stone buildings and landscaping that makes it one of the most beautiful spots in town. Couple that with dozens of locally owned shops and craftspeople occupying the storefronts, and you have a wonderful shopping district to spend your time and money in.
Sports
In Manhattan, sports are all about the Kansas State Wildcats. It seems like everyone in town has some purple in their closet somewhere, and they’re happy to pull it out on game day. Kansas State has been a member of the Big 12 in the NCAA’s Division 1 since 1996. The basketball, baseball and football teams are the most popular sports for spectators in the town, although almost all sports have some fans. Baseball is played at the Tointon Family Stadium, basketball at Bramlage Coliseum, and football at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The programs have produced a good number of professional athletes, including receiver Jordy Nelson of the Green Bay Packers.
Outdoors
The Manhattan River Trail is a great trail to explore if you're new to the city. You can run or bike for many miles while enjoying the river views. There is a stocked fishing lake at Anneberg Park, which is wonderful if you have children that you want to take out for a first fishing experience. The Lake is called Jerry Dishman Lake. Manhattan is also a very cycle friendly city. There are numerous trails throughout the city, and a lot of cycling groups that are always looking for new members. Joining a local cycling group here is a great way to get to know the trails, and some people in the local cycling community when you get to town.