Nashua, NHBest Places To Live in the U.S. in 2023
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.
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
Nashua, NH Top Categories
Health
Safety
Education
Nashua ranks highest for health, safety and education.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Nashua, NH
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).
The average annual snowfall in Nashua ranges from 50 to 55 inches, and January is the snowiest month.
The average annual rainfall in Nashua is 45 inches, and the summer months tend to have the most rain.
Nashua averages 201 sunny days a year.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Major industries in Nashua include retail, advanced manufacturing and health care. Major employers include BAE Systems Electronic Systems, Skillsoft and G.T. Advanced Technologies.
New Hampshire has no state sales tax, and no local sales taxes apply in Nashua.
Technically New Hampshire does not have a state income tax; however, New Hampshire taxes interest and dividends.
Some of the major health care providers in Nashua include St. Joseph Hospital and Southern New Hampshire Medical Center.
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 about living in Nashua or consider other great places to live in the Northeast. Another good resource as you consider a move: The Ultimate Guide To Finding Your Best Place To Live.
