Home » News
August 20. 2012 8:04PM
Nashua in top 100 best places to live in America
NASHUA — The Gate City has been named among the top 100 Best Places To Live by Money Magazine. It was the only community in New Hampshire to make the top 100 listing.
The 2012 rankings were announced Monday, with Nashua taking the 93rd spot.
“We have a good community with a diverse school system, and the city is in sound financial condition,” said Kathy Vitale, alderman for Ward 1. “We are progressive, and I think we are doing a good job. But we can always do more.”
Nashua isn’t new to the CNN Money Magazine listings. In 1987 and 1997, Nashua claimed the number 1 spot for the Best Place To Live among small cities in the United States. In 2010 it took 94th place, and in 2006 it ranked 87th.
“It is all subjective anyhow, but it doesn’t surprise me that Nashua was included,” said Vitale. “I think we have a really nice city to live in.”
Criteria taken into consideration when determining the top 100 list includes housing, education, quality of life, financial status, leisure, culture, weather and neighbors. This year, small cities with populations of 50,000 to 300,000 were considered.
In a memo highlighting Nashua’s selection, Money Magazine notes, “Originally built around the textile industry, this 32-square-mile city is now known as the home of high-tech companies such as BAE Systems and Oracle.
“Some Nashua locals make the 50-minute or so commute to Boston for work, but on weekends the traffic often goes the other way, as residents of the big city flock to Nashua’s Pheasant Lane Mall or Merrimack Premium (Outlets) to take advantage of New Hampshire’s no-sales-tax policy.”
Mayor Donnalee Lozeau said Monday that it is a remarkable honor for Nashua to again be selected among the top 100 Best Places To Live, even if it is toward the bottom of the list.
“The way I look at it, and for most of us, we still say Nashua is number one — hands down the best place to live in the United States,” she said. “We are always honored to be recognized for what Nashua has to offer.”
Chris Williams, president of the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, has been in contact with representatives from Money Magazine for the past two months, anticipating that Nashua would rank among the top 100.
He noted the healthy retail sector in the city, along with its many thriving businesses.
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter where you fall on the list, as long as you make the list,” said Williams, adding this is the seventh time that Nashua has been included in Money Magazine’s Best Places To Live for families.
Realizing that the study can be arbitrary, Williams stressed that Nashua should still be proud of its accomplishment, especially since it is the only New Hampshire community included in the 2012 rankings.
“I am confident that Nashua will regularly appear on lists like these. This city, and our state, has a lot going for it,” he added.
The 2012 rankings were announced Monday, with Nashua taking the 93rd spot.
“We have a good community with a diverse school system, and the city is in sound financial condition,” said Kathy Vitale, alderman for Ward 1. “We are progressive, and I think we are doing a good job. But we can always do more.”
Nashua isn’t new to the CNN Money Magazine listings. In 1987 and 1997, Nashua claimed the number 1 spot for the Best Place To Live among small cities in the United States. In 2010 it took 94th place, and in 2006 it ranked 87th.
“It is all subjective anyhow, but it doesn’t surprise me that Nashua was included,” said Vitale. “I think we have a really nice city to live in.”
Criteria taken into consideration when determining the top 100 list includes housing, education, quality of life, financial status, leisure, culture, weather and neighbors. This year, small cities with populations of 50,000 to 300,000 were considered.
In a memo highlighting Nashua’s selection, Money Magazine notes, “Originally built around the textile industry, this 32-square-mile city is now known as the home of high-tech companies such as BAE Systems and Oracle.
“Some Nashua locals make the 50-minute or so commute to Boston for work, but on weekends the traffic often goes the other way, as residents of the big city flock to Nashua’s Pheasant Lane Mall or Merrimack Premium (Outlets) to take advantage of New Hampshire’s no-sales-tax policy.”
Mayor Donnalee Lozeau said Monday that it is a remarkable honor for Nashua to again be selected among the top 100 Best Places To Live, even if it is toward the bottom of the list.
“The way I look at it, and for most of us, we still say Nashua is number one — hands down the best place to live in the United States,” she said. “We are always honored to be recognized for what Nashua has to offer.”
Chris Williams, president of the Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce, has been in contact with representatives from Money Magazine for the past two months, anticipating that Nashua would rank among the top 100.
He noted the healthy retail sector in the city, along with its many thriving businesses.
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter where you fall on the list, as long as you make the list,” said Williams, adding this is the seventh time that Nashua has been included in Money Magazine’s Best Places To Live for families.
Realizing that the study can be arbitrary, Williams stressed that Nashua should still be proud of its accomplishment, especially since it is the only New Hampshire community included in the 2012 rankings.
“I am confident that Nashua will regularly appear on lists like these. This city, and our state, has a lot going for it,” he added.
- Updated: Winning Powerball ticket sold in Fla.; 2, $1M tickets sold in NH - 0
- No more Winni whoppers: Fishing Derby winner will have to take lie detector test - 11
- Learning the way of the gun in Wakefield - 2
- Peterborough's renovated Adams Pool to open in June - 0
- Supreme Court says Manchester man who lost towed car while hospitalized can sue - 4
- Powerball jackpot: Another chance at the (your) golden ticket - 1
- Endowment established for Milford support organization Bridges - 0
- Flags to fly at half-staff Wednesday and Friday - 0
- NH Lottery games debut Mother's Day - 0
Town may have to fix grave error
READER COMMENTS: 2- Two sustained minor injuries in Rochester crash Sunday - 0
- Boat crash in Tuftonboro investigated - 0
- Manchester alderman urges review of police phone use - 12
- Updated: Man fatally shot on Manchester street; neighbors shocked - 1
- Nashua mayor to recommend Bennett for corporation counsel - 0
- Claremont group disputes incinerator plant's permit - 0
- Goffstown artisan gives new face to Wolfeboro tower - 0
- Katie McQuaid's Scene in Manchester: Kiwanis and the kids - 0
- Gate City Musings: Mayor just keeps on spending - 0
Firefighters say casino revenue needed for 'public safety'
READER COMMENTS: 3- Should adultery remain a crime under U.S. military law?
- Yes
- 42%
- No
- 58%
- Total Votes: 641



