BAE Systems' location at 65 Spit Brook Rd. houses the headquarters of the company’s Electronic Systems Division, which propelled Nashua to become the top engineering hub in the Northeast. Courtesy photo

NASHUA – The Gate City was recently voted as the top engineering hub in the Northeast by Livability for its plethora of long-term projects and job security.

According to Livability, the accolade was driven by the city’s largest employer, aerospace giant BAE Systems, which provides a combined 3,700 jobs at its locations on Canal Street and Spit Brook Road. The location at 65 Spit Brook Rd. houses the headquarters of the company’s Electronic Systems Division while the location at 97 Canal St. provides design and production services.

Alderwoman-at-Large Alicia Gregg said BAE continues to be a solid anchor for southern New Hampshire’s defense and microelectronics sectors.

“This recognition is a testament to the partnership between our local workforce, our schools and the businesses that continue to invest here,” she said. “Nashua has a long history of innovation, from our roots in manufacturing to the high-tech and defense industries that call the city home. This ranking shows that legacy is still very much alive. Combined with what makes Nashua a great place to live, including no income or sales tax, safe neighborhoods and our trails and parks, this ranking is a strong signal for engineers considering where to plant roots and build a career. We will continue working together as a city to make sure this growth translates into real opportunity for the people of Nashua.”

Sitting atop the list, Nashua surpassed the Massachusetts communities of Waltham, Framingham, Lynn and Cambridge. East Hartford, Conn. was also a top contender and has been home to aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney for more than 100 years.

In 2025, Nashua was named the country’s best city to move to by MRI Software. Also, last year, WalletHub ranked Nashua as the fifth best run city in the U.S. In 2022, it was ranked as the safest city in New England and the second safest in the country.

“Nashua has always been a great place to live and work and it’s no surprise that we made this list,” said Benjamin Clemons, vice president of the Board of Aldermen. “We have great city leaders that put investment into our community as a top priority, listening to residents and businesses alike on their priorities. Things like education, parks and recreation, public works, police and fire and a robust downtown community make Nashua a unique place to do business for any industry.”