Southwest Nashua - Nashua, NH

Situated at the confluence of the Merrimack and Nashua Rivers, Nashua began as a fur trading town and saw fighting during the Revolutionary War, but gained prominence during the Industrial Revolution for its abundance of textile mills. The Florence H. Speare Museum, run by the Nashua Historical Society, exhibits artifacts and displays tracing Nashua's transformation from mill town to tech boom town. The Abbot-Spalding House, homestead of town father Daniel Abbot, still stands as a museum open to the public as an example of Nashua life in the 1800s.

The Nashua Arts Commission coordinates and promotes the rich cultural scene in town, where theater and dance companies, symphonies and choirs, artists and galleries make their homes. See plays put on by the Peacock Players, listen to a concert from the Nashua Chamber Orchestra or browse work by local artists during the annual Art Walk in October.

Residents of Southwest Nashua can dine at great restaurants every day of the week if they like. Eateries line Route 101A and cluster downtown around the river, but look out for some of these out-of-the-way places. New England chain Weathervane Seafood cooks up fish and chips, clam "chowdah" and other traditional seafood dishes. Come in on Tuesdays for the special, Wicked Cheap Twin Lobsters.

Lilac Blossom serves the best Chinese food in town, according to locals. You can get all your favorites, from crab rangoon to sesame chicken, at two locations in Nashua. Vegetarians won't feel left out when they order the surprising General Tso's Tofu.

Authentic Mexican cuisine at La Carreta Mexican Restaurant includes carnitas, chiles autenticos and alambres kabob. Regular customers rave about the pollo ranchero and insist that La Carreta's margaritas can't be beat.

Most night life in Nashua centers on downtown and along the river. The slate of performers at Riverwalk Cafe and Music Bar features jazz, blues, bluegrass and more, with live music almost every night. Sample craft beers and take in some tunes, or join in on open mic night if you're musically inclined.

Route 3, the Everett Turnpike, connects Nashua with Boston and points north and runs through the eastern part of the town. Most residents of Southwest Nashua use cars for transportation, relying on the numerous public parking lots in town. Getting around Nashua on foot can be difficult since even when present, the sidewalks lie only on one side of the street. New Englanders love cycling and often take to the roads in large groups but must share the road with motorized traffic because no bike lanes exist.

Public transportation does not run to Nashua. Commuters can drive to stations in Massachusetts and ride MBTA from there, but costs can be steep. Uber does not serve Southwest Nashua, and cab companies can be expensive as well.

The city of Nashua maintains many parks for diverse purposes all over town. On the southwest side, Field's Grove provides ball fields, tennis and basketball courts and playgrounds for children. A huge playground adjoins softball fields and walking trails at Roby Park, where winter snows also make for excellent sledding.

Greeley Park, near the center of Nashua, acts as a town common of sorts. Along with the playground, ball fields, trails and such, residents gather here in the summer for free concerts in the bandshell and outdoor movies. A wading pool helps small children stay cool. Each July, the park hosts the Nashua Fairy Tale Festival, with exhibitors, activities and storytellers.

Leashed pets are welcome in Nashua parks.

Many people choose to live in Nashua and commute to Boston because of the difference in costs. Nashua charges no sales tax, and living costs about 22 percent less here than in the city. On average, expect to pay $1,088 per month to rent a one-bedroom residence. A beer in a local pub goes for around $5.

As noted, public transportation does not run from Nashua to Boston. Gas prices average 1 percent higher than nationally.

The lack of a sales tax draws bargain hunters from Massachusetts into Southwest Nashua, which means residents benefit from the large number of malls, shops and outlets here. Pheasant Lane Mall, just short of the state line, contains over 130 stores and restaurants within the one million square feet of shopping space, mainly nationally known chains. Farther north up Route 3, the Merrimack Premium Outlet shopping center houses discount stores for big-name fashion brands, a destination within itself. At the Nashua Mall near the center of town, shop the L.L. Bean Outlet store for deals from the famous New England outfitter.

Southwest Nashua also has access to smaller specialty stores, such as Eastern Boarder, a snowboard and skateboard shop on the south side of town. Pick up everything you need to hit the slopes, from boards to goggles to outerwear.

Lovers of fine brews enjoy Craft Beer Cellar, one of several locations of this local chain. Stop in for a tasting event, speak with the knowledgeable staff, and browse the selection of almost 500 beers from over 120 craft breweries.

For groceries, locals choose from national chains such as Hannaford, Shaws Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, which operate numerous stores in the area, or from New England favorite Market Basket. Get more exotic foods at Global Flavors, an Indian grocery near the Pheasant Lane Mall. Every Sunday from 10 a.m to 2 p.m, shop fresh produce and homemade goods at the Nashua Farmer's Market on the Main Street Bridge.