North End Nashua - Nashua, NH

Originally settled as a fur trading town, Nashua became a textile manufacturing center during the Industrial Revolution. After that industry collapsed, it took high-tech companies such as BAE, DEC and Oracle to recreate the city as a high-tech boom town. One home remaining from the 1800s, the Abbot-Spalding House, has been restored as a museum documenting life in Nashua over the centuries.

The city of Nashua lays claim to a rich and diverse arts scene, with symphonies and choirs, theater and dance companies and art galleries presenting performances and exhibits all year round. Several festivals also grace the calendar, from a Fairy Tale Festival in July, the Festival of Trees during the holiday season and the Gate City Fall Festival, a blowout with music, parade, costume contest and more.

Residents of North End Nashua have their choice of a slew of excellent eateries, cafes and bistros. Most restaurants cluster in the downtown area around the Nashua River, or along the northern end of Route 101A. India Palace Restaurant serves up the best traditional Indian cuisine in the area, such as saag, masala and tandoori dishes. Check the specials, though, and ask for the "Chicken 65", a favorite dish featuring chicken sauteed in spiced yogurt. The restaurant doesn't always make it, but regulars swear by it.

Nearby on 101A, Yoshimama Sushi specializes in the flavors of Japan, with sushi, noodles and tempura. Fresh ingredients and unique sauce recipes give Yoshimama Sushi a flavor all its own. If you need a little spice, try the Crazy Dragon Maki roll, or cool down with the mellow Crab Wonton or rich Hamachi-Kama.

Martha's Exchange in downtown Nashua combines two unlikely partners, beer and sweets, into one delectable location. Dine in the cafe and order entrees such as Gorgonzola Stuffed Chicken or Jambalaya, then wash it down with craft brews made in-house; Order a sampler if you can't decide between Steeplechase Porter, White Winter Ale or Presence IPA. Wrap it all up with an excursion into the sweet shop for hand-crafted chocolates and candies.

Much of the night life in Nashua takes place downtown as well, with bars and lounges of all stripes. Hear the best local performers at Riverwalk Cafe and Music Bar on the Nashua River. On open mic night, you can join in a jam session or even step up yourself. Riverwalk opens for breakfast as well, so try the muffins after a late night.

The main highway through North End Nashua, Route 3, travels directly into Boston, although some commuters prefer I-93 farther to the east. Mass transit does not provide direct service into Boston from Nashua, so cars are the preferred mode of transportation here. Parking relies on lots for businesses and driveways for private homes. While many New Englanders enjoy cycling, there are no dedicated bike lanes. Even sidewalks, when you can find them, are constructed only on one side of the street. While you can call a cab, they may prove expensive, and Uber does not service Nashua.

At the heart of Nashua, Mine Falls Park brings over 350 acres of forest, fields and wetlands into the middle of the city. Here residents and visitors walk, bike, boat, fish and in winter, cross-country ski. The park also has playing fields for various sports, and leashed pets are welcome.

Greeley Park, in North End Nashua, acts almost as a town common for the city. In addition to sports fields, tennis courts and walking trails, the park provides playgrounds for children and a wading pool in the summer months. The park plays host to the annual Fairy Tale Festival in July. At the bandshell, free concerts and outdoor movies help pass the summer evenings. Again, keep your pets on a leash if you bring them.

To the west, Silver Lake State Park provides a sandy beach on Silver Lake, where visitors can swim, boat, fish or rent kayaks in the summer. This park charges a fee to use the lake, and pets are not permitted.

Many choose North End Nashua for its affordability, since the cost of living averages 22 percent less than Boston. For a one-bedroom residence, the rent averages $1,360 per month. Public transportation does not run to Boston, so residents must rely on their own vehicles, and gas tends to cost 2 percent more than the average national price. For a beer in a pub in Nashua, expect to pay about $5.

Thanks to Nashua's location just north of the state line and New Hampshire's lack of sales tax, the city attracts not only local shoppers, but bargain hunters from Massachusetts as well. Shopping malls and outlet centers line Route 3 north and south of town. Pheasant Lane Mall and Royal Ridge Mall to the south host dozens of nationally-known chain stores and restaurants, from Abercrombie and Fitch to Zales Jewelers. North, visitors reach the Merrimack Premium Outlets, where bargain hunters find reduced prices on designer brands for men, women and children. The smaller Nashua Mall hosts an L.L. Bean outlet store.

Smaller shops and boutiques make their home away from the malls and shopping center. Goodale's Bike Shop caters to casual and avid cyclists alike, selling and servicing bikes and all the gear a cyclist could need, teaching classes and organizing benefit rides.

At Winenot Boutique, sample wines and artisan cheeses, take a class on wine tasting or pick up gourmet foodstuffs for your next party. Knowledgeable staff and a delicious variety makes it a favorite for gourmets and party hosts alike.

For basic groceries, residents of North End Nashua have their choice of several supermarket chains and locations. Shaws and Hannaford run stores here, as does New England favorite Market Basket. And every Sunday morning, the Nashua Farmers Market sets up downtown, providing local produce, fresh artisan bread, and arts and crafts from nearby artisans.