📍 About ZBW & Nashua
Boston Center (ZBW) is located in Nashua, NH — a vibrant, well-connected city with a mix of urban energy, quiet suburbs, and beautiful natural surroundings. Whether you're single, a couple, or relocating with your family, there’s a great place for you to call home here.
🏡 Where to Live
New Hampshire – Singles & Couples
- Nashua (North End) – Urban vibe, walkable, best part of city.
- Milford – Small-town charm, great restaurants & breweries.
- Merrimack – Affordable, suburban lifestyle with shopping/dining.
New Hampshire – Families
- Hollis – A+ schools, very low crime, upscale rural feel.
- Bedford – Top-rated schools, newer homes, great for kids.
- Amherst – Excellent schools, quiet, safe neighborhoods.
- Pelham – Safe, family-focused, improving schools.
- Windham – Great schools, active community.
- Hudson – Close commute, parks, solid public schools.
Massachusetts – Singles & Couples
- Lowell – Diverse, historic mill town, arts & restaurants.
- Dracut – Quieter alternative to Lowell, suburban & affordable.
- Tyngsborough – Very short commute, suburban feel.
Massachusetts – Families
- Tyngsborough – Good schools, low-key suburban area.
- Dracut – Schools improving, family-oriented vibe.
🚗 Commute Times to ZBW (Nashua)
- 5–15 min: Nashua, Hudson
- 15–30 min: Merrimack, Tyngsborough, Pelham, Amherst
- 30–45 min: Bedford, Hollis, Windham, Dracut, Lowell
🎓 Top School Districts
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌲 Outdoor Activities
- Hiking: Pack Monadnock, Mount Wachusett, Mount Major, Pawtuckaway State Park
- Skiing: Crotched Mountain, Pat’s Peak, Wachusett Mountain (winter)
- Beaches: Hampton Beach (NH), Salisbury Beach (MA) (summer)
- State Parks: Mine Falls Park (Nashua), Bear Brook State Park, Harold Parker State Forest
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Boston, MA: Museums, concerts, theaters, sports (45 min – 1.5 hrs)
- Gyms & Indoor Activities: Evo Rock + Fitness, trampoline parks, Planet Fitness
- Breweries: Able Ebenezer Brewing (Merrimack), LaBelle Winery (Derry)
- Shopping: Pheasant Lane Mall, Merrimack Outlets, local boutiques
✈️ Nearby Airports
- Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT): ~25 minutes – closest major airport
- Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): ~1 hour – full-service international hub
- Nashua Municipal Airport (ASH): General aviation, private flights
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Hollis: ~0.11 violent crimes per 1,000
- Windham: ~3.6 total crimes per 1,000
- Hudson, Pelham, Nashua: Check their local police department websites
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- New Hampshire: No state income or sales tax. Median home price in Nashua: $460,000. Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,600/month.
- Massachusetts: State income tax (~5%) applies. Median home prices: $475,000–$550,000. 1-bedroom rent: $1,700–$2,000/month.
- Groceries: ~6–8% above national average. Milk ~$4.00, eggs ~$3.25.
- Gasoline: ~$3.50–$3.80/gallon (NH cheaper).
- Utilities: ~$180–$250/month for an apartment.
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Downtown Nashua: Great restaurants, riverwalk, festivals.
- Milford Oval: Charming downtown, coffee shops.
- Bedford Village: Upscale, newer homes.
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Cold & snowy. Snow tires recommended.
- Spring: Mild, blooming, rainy.
- Summer: Warm to hot, low humidity.
- Fall: Cool, colorful foliage.
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- No commuter rail in Nashua yet — car needed.
- Boston Commuters: Closest rail is in Lowell.
- Traffic: Some I-93 & US-3 congestion at peak.
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Southern NH Medical Center (Nashua)
- St. Joseph Hospital (Nashua)
- ConvenientMD / ClearChoice MD: Walk-in urgent care.
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Young Professionals: Meetup groups, bars, breweries.
- Families: Town events, rec centers, libraries.
- Church/Volunteering: Very active community orgs.
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Nashua: Surf, MT’s Local, Stella Blu, Pho Tai Loc
- Lowell: Amazing Cambodian and Latino food
- Milford/Merrimack: Breweries, coffee, food trucks
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Training: Expect long days — living close helps.
- Shifts: Rotate between early/swing/mid — use blackout curtains!
- Community: Connect with controllers in Hudson, Nashua, Merrimack.
📦 Moving Tips
- Snow gear: Get snow tires, a shovel, winter coat.
- Rent trucks early: Especially in PCS season.
- Best apartment months: March–May and August.
❓ FAQs
- Is Nashua safe?
Yes. North End and southwest are very safe areas. - Do I need AWD?
Helpful, but good snow tires matter more. - Can I live in MA and work at ZBW?
Yes, but expect income tax & longer commute.