Living in Nashua, NH
Explore Things To Do, Cost of Living, Top Restaurants and More

• 2025 Top 100 Best Places to Live
• 2024 Top 100 Best Places to Live

Thinking of moving to Nashua, NH? You’ve come to the right place! You will find all the details about living here, from insight into the quality of life and cost of living to details about industry and job opportunities to lists of fun things to do.

Why You’ll Love Living in Nashua, NH

This East Coast city is a hidden gem in the southern part of New Hampshire and offers plenty of amenities to keep young professionals and families happy and well-entertained. There is also easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, metro areas like Boston and the regional airport in Manchester. Plus, the city is at the confluence of the Merrimack and Nashua rivers, providing outstanding walking and biking trails where residents and visitors alike can enjoy some of the exceptional scenery in and around the city.

Nashua is a great place to live for plenty of other reasons, too, including safety, education and health, in addition to an array of jobs in those fields. Housing options in this midsize city range from adorable apartments, townhouses and condos to multiple-bedroom dwellings.

The town is all about the arts, with public art installations, a fine arts gallery, live music and theater productions, a symphony, and even more at the Nashua Center for the Arts and the annual International Sculpture Symposium. And due to the six nearby college campuses, residents can find all kinds of events and festivals to keep things lively and fun. Adding to that wealth of creativity is a dazzling array of dining spots for the nearly 91,000 residents to enjoy.

Nashua is a charming city in southern New Hampshire, mixing small-town appeal with urban access. It’s situated along U.S. Route 3, just south of Manchester. The nearest airport, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, is about 20 miles away. When you’re ready to roam, here’s how close you are to some major nearby cities:

• Manchester is just 15 miles north, where you can visit the Currier Museum, explore the Millyard Museum or cheer at Delta Dental Stadium.
• Boston, MA, sits 40 miles southeast, offering the Freedom Trail, Boston Common and the Museum of Fine Arts.
• Concord is about 30 miles north, tempting with the State House, McAuliffe-Shepard Center and lovely White Park.

There’s a short but beautifully colorful fall here, a significant 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.

Many people would describe the local job market as robust and diversified. The city benefits from its proximity to the high-tech corridor of southern New Hampshire, with several technology companies and manufacturing firms, especially in the defense and aerospace industries. Health care, finance and retail are other significant players in the local economy. The city has a reputation as a business-friendly community, making it an attractive place for new businesses and entrepreneurs.

The cost of living in Nashua is higher than the national average. The median home value in Nashua is $396,310, and the average household income is $129,545. 

While New Hampshire has no income tax, residents are taxed on interest and dividends. And, because New Hampshire doesn’t have a state sales tax, no local sales taxes are applied in Nashua.

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New England charm is alive and well in Nashua. This sweet city’s amenities are primarily centered around the historic downtown and Nashua River, and Main Street has more than 100 shops and 35 restaurants, while the tax-free shopping environment attracts visitors from across the region to do some retail therapy at spots like Pheasant Lane Mall and Merrimack Premium Outlets. The arts are alive here, with attractions like the Nashua Performing Arts Center. The city also supports a thriving arts community, with galleries like Bilancia Gallery and events like the International Sculpture Symposium.

Beyond retail and arts, Nashua has many entertainment options. Residents can enjoy local produce and artisan goods at the Nashua Farmers Market, catch a baseball game at the historic Holman Stadium or explore unique attractions like The Butterfly Place in nearby Westford, MA, and the Nashua Historical Society.

Get outdoors in Nashua. The city is primarily centered around the parks and natural landscapes. Mine Falls Park has more than 300 acres and 20 miles of trails along the Merrimack River and is a local favorite for hiking, biking, fishing and kayaking. Greeley Park has ample space for picnicking, tennis and seasonal events, like disc golf. The Nashua River Trail is a scenic spot for cycling and walking and extends into Massachusetts, while the Spit Brook Road Conservation area has scenic hikes and wildlife observation.

For those looking for a more serene experience, the Reflection Garden & Labyrinth provides a sweet spot for meditation, and the Nashua National Fish Hatchery offers insight into fish conservation. Residents can enjoy seasonal activities like ice skating at Roby Park, and dog owners can visit the community-run Nashua Dog Park. 

Eat your way through Nashua, enjoying classic New England fare, international flavors and modern dining experiences. The city has everything from fresh seafood and farm-to-table eateries to cozy diners and fusion restaurants. Local coffee shops like Riverwalk Bakery & Café are the perfect place to start the day, while spots like Surf offer fresh seafood. Martha’s Exchange and Red Arrow Diner are local flavors for those seeking comfort food. Try something more adventurous at spots like Pho Tai Loc.

Beyond its restaurants, Nashua’s beverage scene is bubbling, with local breweries like Liquid Therapy and Omnium offering craft beer selections. Pressed Café is a trendy spot for healthy options and casual brunch, and Stella Blu offers craft cocktails. 

A major bonus for families in Nashua is that New Hampshire has open enrollment policies, allowing families to apply to schools outside their assigned districts, including charter schools. The Nashua School District is the primary public school system in Nashua, and the city is also home to the Academy for Science & Design Charter School, the second-highest-ranked school in the state. Nashua also offers private school options, including 2nd Nature Academy, which focuses on nature-based and experiential learning.