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History and hospitality meet in Nashua, inviting residents to join a tight-knit community that offers many amenities while maintaining affordability. A vibrant downtown, parks and recreation, and proximity to Boston are just a few perks of living here.
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Home > Best Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023 > Nashua, NH
Nashua, NH, Is One of the Best Cities To Live in America
Nashua, NH, is a small, eclectic and charming town that is far enough from Boston to feel removed from the hustle of the city — and its cost of living — but doesn’t feel remote. Ranking high in safety and education in our index, Nashua has a ready supply of retail, manufacturing, education, health care and defense jobs, making it a great place to live in the U.S. In addition, the town embraces the arts, with public installations, a volunteer arts services organization, a co-op craftsmen’s gallery right on Main Street, and a Center for the Arts that hosts everything from touring theater to live music and comedy. Additionally, with six college campuses nearby, there’s always a performance, festival or event to attend.
Located at the confluence of the Merrimack and Nashua rivers, there are gorgeous walking and bike paths to explore the beautiful scenery in and around the city. When residents find they need some time away, they’re just 50 miles to the Atlantic Ocean and 20 miles from a regional airport in Manchester that connects them to the rest of the country. The proximity of both cities and gorgeous outdoor space to explore make it difficult to ignore the draw of Nashua.
And if all that wasn’t enough, Nashua offers a variety of great housing options, from cute apartments and condos to townhouses and multiple-bedroom homes. Plus, the average home value in Nashua is $356,203.
Nashua, NH Quality of Life LivScore
How We Calculate Our Data
Nashua, NH Top Categories
Health
Safety
Education
Nashua ranks highest for health, safety and education.
Amenities66
Amenities: things to do for every interest, plus access to parks and healthy food. Sample metrics: Dining Variety, Museums, Sporting Events & Stadiums, Political Engagement
Economy67
Economy: diverse, thriving local economies with strong employment opportunities and income growth. Sample metrics: Industrial Diversity, Unemployment, Income Relative Change
Education72
Education: feature an educated population and high-quality schools at all levels of education. Sample metrics: School Quality, Years of School, College Access
Environment37
Environment: minimize natural disaster risk, have good air quality and reasonable population density. Sample metrics: Earthquake Risk, Climate Suitability Subscore
Health73
Health: positive health outcomes and easy access to excellent healthcare. Sample metrics: Life Expectancy, Doctor & Hospital Access
Housing & Cost of Living52
Housing & Cost of Living: relatively affordable housing for renters and owners, reasonable taxes and an overall modest cost of living. Sample metrics: Tax Rates, Percent Below Poverty Level, Rental & Home Affordability Ratios
Safety73
Safety: relatively low crime rates. Sample metrics: Murder, Larceny
Transportation63
Transportation: drivable, walkable, bikeable and more with short commutes. Samplemetrics: Multimodal Intersection Density, Vehicles Per Household
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Nashua, NH
What is the weather like in Nashua?
There’s a short but beautifully colorful fall in Nashua, a major draw for visitors. Some say it often feels like the weather skips from winter into summer, with cool, wet days giving way to warm and humid weather. The average highs and lows are 80°F and 56°F (summer) and 35°F and 14°F (winter).
Does Nashua get a lot of snow?
The average annual snowfall in Nashua ranges from 50 to 55 inches, and January is the snowiest month.
Does Nashua get a lot of rain?
The average annual rainfall in Nashua is 45 inches, and the summer months tend to have the most rain.
How many sunny days does Nashua get?
Nashua averages 201 sunny days a year.
What are some things to do outside in Nashua?
The Nashua River Trail is a rail-to-trail conversion that runs along the river through downtown and is a great way to see the city. The Nashua National Fish Hatchery’s pollinator garden is a perfect place to stroll and stop for a picnic lunch. Also, the Nashua Silver Knights collegiate summer team takes over historic Holman Stadium in the summer.
Nashua Weather
201 days
Average Annual Sun
45 inches
Average Annual Rain
53 inches
Average Annual Snow
Things To Do in Nashua, NH
What are some free things to do in Nashua?
The city sponsors a whole program of free events called SummerFun that includes yoga in the park, nighttime concerts in Greeley Park, daytime classical concerts at the public library, a farmers market and more. The library also hosts a bevy of free film screenings.
Where do locals shop in Nashua?
With no sales tax, Nashua is a great place to shop. Twill, in nearby Milford, sells fabric and yarn but is much more than the textiles it carries. At home, the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen has a shop in Nashua, where visitors can browse contemporary and traditional fine crafts, including jewelry, pottery, blown glass, fiber arts and wall décor including photography and prints, created by the region’s most talented artisans.
Where should you take a date in Nashua?
Start with some lighthearted fun with candlepin bowling at Leda Lanes before unwinding with drinks at CodeX Speakeasy. The true hidden cocktail bar is worth the work to find it.
What is the best coffee shop in Nashua?
Bonhoeffer’s Cafe and Espresso is a nonprofit, direct-trade coffee shop that roasts its beans in-house. With a big fireplace and decadent breakfast options, it’s the perfect place to while away for some hours.
The Local and State Economy in Nashua, NH
What are the three largest industries in Nashua?
Major industries in Nashua include retail, advanced manufacturing and health care. Major employers include BAE Systems Electronic Systems, Skillsoft and G.T. Advanced Technologies.
What is the sales tax rate in Nashua?
New Hampshire has no state sales tax, and no local sales taxes apply in Nashua.
Does New Hampshire have a state income tax?
Technically New Hampshire does not have a state income tax; however, New Hampshire taxes interest and dividends.
Who are the major health care providers in Nashua?
Some of the major health care providers in Nashua include St. Joseph Hospital and Southern New Hampshire Medical Center.
What colleges and universities are in Nashua?
There are several colleges and universities in Nashua, NH, including Rivier University and Nashua Community College.
Quick Facts About Nashua, NH
- Median Household Income
- $75,547
- Median Home Value
- $355,694
- Average State Property Tax
- $6,036
- Total Population
- 91,710
- Median Rent/Mo.
- $1,304
- Average Commute
- 19.88 minutes
Safe neighborhoods and excellent schools contribute to Nashua’s designation as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Learn more aboutliving in Nashuaor consider othergreat places to live in the Northeast. Another good resource as you consider a move:The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
Continue Reading Best Places To Live in the US in 2023
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