Needs to have restaurants/bars close by.

The reason is obvious, they can't get real jobs with that liberal arts degree so they move where there's the highest density of restaurants, the big city, to be waiters.

But I think I am partial to Manchester based on location and amenities, airport, Whole Foods, restaurants (I am told there are a good amount of nice ones?).

So by "retail condo" you mean like small restaurants, all-state insurance offices type places?  

However, there has been growth and downtown is mostly occupied (I see few empty commercial spaces) with quality restaurants and bars.I haven't been looking at the RE market too closely since I bought my first MF last summer.

Salem is really up-and-coming with the newly built "Tuscan Village" with tons of new apartment buildings, restaurants, and stores being added next to the already-built Rockingham Mall.

I just did a quick drive through there on google maps and it's all chain restaurants and hotels.

Most commercial chain restaurants spec it on their floors for just that reason.

We do have some businesses popping up in the last year or so highlighting the town, ie. craft cidery, winery, couple restaurants, etc. 

The waterfront is growing as we speak with new restaurants, and premium condo's.