One Of America's Best-Run Cities Is A New England Gem With Shopping, Tasty Eats, And Casino Fun

Well-run cities aren't just beneficial for locals. If you've ever visited a poorly managed town or city, you'll know that this chaos, while somewhat endearing at times, mostly causes stress, which isn't ideal for anyone on vacation. A commitment to safety, efficient transport, and a thriving economy all contribute to making a city more relaxed and easy to navigate. It's why Nashua, a city of just over 90,000 people per 2025 Census data, might be an ideal destination, especially for travelers who appreciate their vacation destinations calm and in proper order. Nashua was ranked America's fifth-best-run city by WalletHub; it also had a high quality of city services score.

A higher quality of life also benefits visitors, who can enjoy the city's prosperity through its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. There's a reason Nashua's shopping is comparable to Boston's (only 45 miles separates them), with three main districts containing numerous local and national retailers. Dining here has also grown from run-of-the-mill chains to clusters of diverse restaurants catering to trendier crowds, while travelers seeking the thrills of table games and gambling also have a few places to scratch that itch. All these big-city offerings pair well with Nashua's surrounding natural and artistic draws.

New England has many inviting destinations, but what makes Nashua such a gem for shoppers is that New Hampshire has zero sales tax. Pheasant Lane Mall, located in South Nashua on the New Hampshire-Massachusetts border, is the most renowned spot for tax-free retailers, home to over 140 shops. These range from fashion brands, such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Hot Topic, and Vans, to tech and jewelry stores, including Swarvoski, Apple, and Pandora Jewelry. Shoppers can dine in a renovated food court at eateries like Buffalo Wild Wings, Red Robin, and Blaze Pizza.

If shopping malls don't appeal, head to Downtown Nashua; it has more of a small-town feel and a lovely riverwalk along the Nashua River. The latter is a 1.6-mile loop route that takes you over bridges, through parks and Cotton Mill Square, past Jackson Falls, and to various downtown shops and restaurants. Shopping feels more local here, thanks to the independent stores. Grave-Troll Games is a hub for lovers of trading cards, tabletop games, and comics. Castro's Back Room has been selling premium cigars since the 1990s, while Nashua Coins & Collectibles, meanwhile, draws in anyone fascinated with the history of currency. Its rare coin collection includes 1970s half-dollars, uncirculated 2020s dollars, and a 1916 barber dime.

You'll also find many retailers along the Amherst Street Commercial Corridor next to Nashua Airport. While it's Nashua's second-largest retail district, it is comprised mostly of malls and plazas. It still has some decent national stores, including L.L. Bean, Hobby Lobby, and The Paper Store. If you ever need a break from shopping, visit Mine Falls Park on Nashua River. It's 30-minute walk from Main Street and has little crowds and miles of trails.

Like many cities, most of Nashua's restaurants, cafés, and bars cluster around downtown. Bonhoeffer's Cafe & Espresso is one of these; it's located on Nashua River's northern side. The cafè roasts its Direct Trade coffee in-house, ensuring the farmers are paid well for their beans. Its food options are also enticing, with sweet waffles, crêpes, breakfast burritos, and various soups and salads on the menu. If you have a sweet tooth, head to Crosby Bakery, a neighborhood joint that's been selling fresh donuts, pastries, and pies since the '40s. Cucina Toscana, on Amherst Street, is the top Nashua restaurant on Tripadvisor at the time of publication. Tuck into authentic Italian dishes with homemade meatballs and sauces.

Good dining is rarely a gamble in Nashua, but the city also has you covered if you fancy taking some risks (at casinos, not restaurants). Gate City Casino is one of the top-rated spots on Google for table games and slots. Test your luck on themed slot machines, play classics like blackjack and baccarat, and participate in tense poker tournaments. The Nash Casino is in Pheasant Lane Mall. It offers over 1,000 slot machines and various table games, including roulette, craps, and pai gow. Entertainment doesn't always come with the risk here; Tuesday trivia nights and live bands engage gamblers and non-gamblers alike.

Nashua is about 48 miles from Boston and about 50 from Boston Logan International Airport, which is America's best to get tipsy while traveling (just saying). Most Nashua accommodation clusters near Nashua Airport or next to Pheasant Lane Mall. You're better off finding a vacation rental if you want to stay closer to downtown. If you fancy a day trip while you're here, cross the Merrimack River into Hudson, New Hampshire; it's also full of tasty restaurants.