Thinking about moving to Nashua, New Hampshire? Here are the key things to know before you go. College Bound Movers is based in nearby Merrimack and moves families and businesses across Nashua every week, so our team knows the area well. We handle residential and commercial moves, both local and long distance. Here is our local guide to Nashua.
Nashua Quick Facts
Here are the basics on Nashua, New Hampshire at a glance.
- State: New Hampshire, not Massachusetts, which is a common mix-up
- County: Hillsborough County
- Nickname: The Gate City
- Population: about 91,000, the second-largest city in New Hampshire after Manchester
- Settled: 1655, and incorporated as a city in 1853
- Location: southern New Hampshire, on the Massachusetts border, along the Nashua and Merrimack Rivers
- Distance: roughly 45 miles north of Boston and about 20 miles south of Manchester
- Elevation: about 151 feet
- ZIP codes: 03060, 03061, 03062, 03063, and 03064
What Is Nashua Known For?
Nashua is best known as the only city ever named the “Best Place to Live in America” by Money magazine twice, in 1987 and 1997. No other U.S. city has earned the top spot more than once. Money ranked Nashua in its top 50 again in 2016, the only New Hampshire community on that list.
People also know Nashua as The Gate City. The name dates to the 1800s, when Nashua served as a rail gateway to northern New Hampshire and the rest of the state. Its roots run deeper still. Nashua grew up around a busy textile industry, and the old brick mill buildings along the Nashua River now hold lofts, shops, and offices.
One more draw stands out. New Hampshire has no state sales tax and no income tax on wages, so shoppers and workers keep more of their money. That tax advantage, plus an easy drive to Boston, is a big part of what puts Nashua on so many “best of” lists.
Is Nashua a Good Place to Live?
For many people, yes. Those accolades reflect real strengths. Nashua pairs a lower-key New England lifestyle with quick access to Boston jobs and culture, about an hour away.
A few reasons Nashua ranks so well:
- No sales or income tax. New Hampshire does not tax wages or retail purchases, which stretches a paycheck further.
- Strong safety record. Nashua has ranked among the safest cities in the country in national surveys. As with any city, check current local crime data for the specific neighborhood you are considering.
- Good schools and a solid job market. Low unemployment and above-average public schools draw families and young professionals.
- A downtown on the rise. Main Street has restaurants, breweries, coffee shops, galleries, and mill lofts, plus the Nashua Riverwalk along the water.
Like any city, Nashua has trade-offs. Housing costs have climbed with the rest of the region, and winters are long. Even so, the mix of quality of life, safety, and value keeps it popular with newcomers.
Cold Climate
Nashua, New Hampshire has a cold climate with four distinct seasons. Its location in New England and its inland setting shape the weather all year. Here is a closer look.
- Winter: Nashua’s winters are cold and long. Snow usually falls from November through April, with the most in January and February. Daytime highs often reach the 20s and 30s Fahrenheit (-6 to 4 degrees Celsius), and nights drop below freezing. Snow can pile up fast. Many residents ski and snowboard in the nearby mountains and enjoy ice skating and winter festivals.
- Spring: Spring is a transition, with warming temperatures and melting snow. March and April stay chilly, with daytime highs in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit (4 to 15 degrees Celsius). As spring moves on, trees and flowers bloom, and it becomes a great time for hiking and local parks.
- Summer: Summers are warm and often humid. From June through August, daytime highs usually range from the 70s to 80s Fahrenheit (21 to 32 degrees Celsius). It is a great time for hiking, biking, and water sports on the Merrimack River, and parks fill with picnics and gatherings.
- Fall: Autumn is known for stunning foliage as the leaves turn red, orange, and yellow. September and October bring crisp weather, with daytime highs in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit (15 to 26 degrees Celsius). It is a popular time for leaf-peeping, and Mine Falls Park offers great fall hikes.
Downtown District
Downtown Nashua is the heart of the city, with a blend of history, culture, and modern amenities. Its Victorian-era buildings create a charming backdrop for residents and visitors. Along Main Street, you will find dining options that range from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, so there is something for every taste, whether you want a casual brunch or an elegant dinner.
Downtown also hosts cultural events, art galleries, and boutiques that showcase local talent. It is a hub for community gatherings all year, including outdoor markets, concerts, and seasonal celebrations. With its walkable streets and inviting feel, downtown Nashua offers both residents and visitors an engaging urban experience.
Indoor Fun
Since much of Nashua’s weather runs cold, the city has perfected indoor play. There are plenty of ways to stay active without going out in the snow. You can find good family fun at Nuthin’ but Good Times, FunWorld, and SkyVenture.
Nuthin’ but Good Times
Nuthin’ but Good Times sits just outside Nashua in neighboring Merrimack, a short drive from the city. It is a great place to escape the cold. There are no time limits, and you can walk in whenever you want to play without a reservation.
FunWorld
FunWorld at 200 Daniel Webster Highway looks like a castle from the outside, which gets kids excited right away. Inside, you will find over 250 arcade games, indoor amusement rides, a three-story indoor playground, a two-story carousel, bowling, and concessions. You can easily spend hours here. Hours change by season, so check ahead before you go.
SkyVenture
SkyVenture is a great way to beat the cold and enjoy your own indoor adventure. It offers several activities.
- Indoor Skydiving: A strong vertical wind tunnel lets you float on the air, so it feels like skydiving without jumping out of a plane.
- Indoor Surfing: SkyVenture has one of the largest indoor surfing facilities in North America. You ride real boards and build skills you can take to the ocean.
- FishPipe: FishPipe is a unique water ride inside a rotating barrel. Solo riders can run, slide, or try to surf, and groups of two or three tumble together in every direction.
- Rock Climbing: The climbing wall feels close to real rock, so you can build your skills even when it is too cold to climb outside.
Conway Arena
Conway Arena in Nashua is a versatile ice rink and sports facility that plays a key role in the community. It hosts a wide range of ice activities and events.
Public skating is one of the main draws. The arena runs regular sessions, often with music and themed events, so skaters of all levels can enjoy the ice. Families, couples, and individuals all take part, which makes it a popular activity year-round.
Conway Arena is also home to youth and adult hockey leagues and teams. Players get practice time on quality ice, and the arena hosts tournaments that draw teams from the area and beyond. Beyond skating and hockey, the arena hosts community events, fundraisers, and school functions, which makes it a gathering place for all kinds of occasions.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
Nashua has plenty of green space for a mid-size city, and its parks are a big reason residents rate it so highly.
- Mine Falls Park. This 325-acre park sits in the center of Nashua, between the Nashua River and a historic canal. It has trails for walking, running, and biking, plus spots for fishing and paddling. Money magazine called it one of the city’s crown jewels.
- Greeley Park. One of Nashua’s oldest and largest parks, Greeley has open lawns, trails, a playground, and space for picnics and summer concerts.
- Nashua River Rail Trail. This paved trail follows an old rail line for miles, so families can walk, run, or bike away from traffic.
Location
Nashua is a city in southern New Hampshire. It sits along the Nashua River and near the Massachusetts border, in Hillsborough County. That location has shaped its history and its growth.
Nashua is about 45 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts, and about 20 miles south of Manchester, New Hampshire’s largest city. Its closeness to Boston makes it a popular home for people who work in the Boston area but want a quieter, more suburban life.
The city’s spot along the Nashua River was once vital for industry. In the 1800s, the river powered many mills and factories and drove the city’s growth. Today the river still flows through Nashua, and its banks offer scenic areas and recreation.
Nashua’s location is also a gateway to northern New Hampshire and the White Mountains. Within a few hours’ drive, residents and visitors can reach hiking trails, lakes, and ski resorts. That mix of Boston access and northern natural beauty makes Nashua an appealing home base.
Shopping at Pheasant Lane Mall
Nashua is home to Pheasant Lane Mall, the second-largest mall in New Hampshire. The mall sits at 310 Daniel Webster Highway, right on the Massachusetts border, and it spans two levels with about 139 stores. Because New Hampshire has no sales tax, it draws shoppers from both states.
Anchor stores include Macy’s, Target, JCPenney, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. You will also find brands like the LEGO Store, Apple, Sephora, and Hollister, plus a food court and sit-down restaurants. The former Sears space now holds The Nash, a casino with gaming machines, a sportsbook, and a Topgolf Swing Suite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nashua, New Hampshire
What county is Nashua, NH in?
Nashua is in Hillsborough County, in southern New Hampshire.
What state is Nashua in?
Nashua is in New Hampshire, not Massachusetts. It sits right on the Massachusetts border, which is a common source of confusion.
What is the population of Nashua, NH?
Nashua has about 91,000 residents. It is the second-largest city in New Hampshire after Manchester.
Why is Nashua called the Gate City?
Nashua earned the “Gate City” nickname in the 1800s as a rail gateway to northern New Hampshire and the rest of the state.
Is Nashua a good place to live?
Many people think so. Nashua is the only U.S. city named Money magazine’s number one “Best Place to Live in America” twice. Residents point to no sales or income tax, a strong safety record, good schools, and an easy drive to Boston.
Is Nashua, NH safe?
Nashua has ranked among the safest cities in the country in national surveys. As with any city, check current local crime data for the specific area you are considering.
Contact College Bound Movers
Thinking about moving to Nashua? College Bound Movers handles residential and commercial moves, both local and long distance, across Nashua and southern New Hampshire. We also offer full packing services and on-site storage. Contact us for a free estimate on your move to Nashua, New Hampshire.
