Nashua

Once a prosperous manufacturing town that drew thousands of immigrant workers in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Nashua fell into decline following World War II, as many factories shut down or moved in search of cheaper labor. Since the 1970s, however, the metro area has jumped in population, developing into a charming community. In its low-key downtown area, classic redbrick buildings line the Nashua River, a tributary of the Merrimack. Though not as popular with tourists as other communities in the region, Nashua (population 90,000) has some good restaurants and a few major shopping centers.