Tyngsboro

Right along the New Hampshire and Massachusetts border, the Middlesex County town of Tyngsborough continues to gain popularity for its rural feel and under 40-mile proximity to Boston. The area conjures images of its notorious bright-green bridge that arches over the Merrimack River, which is a major draw here, along with relative housing affordability. “It has a lot of nice neighborhoods,” says local Realtor Andrea Dillon of LAER Realty Partners. “It’s close to Route 3 and less than an hour from Boston, so many people who live in Tyngsborough travel to Boston for work,” Dillon says. Restaurants, shopping options and both private and public education can all be found within a few miles of most residences. Thus, Tyngsborough presents a sense of seclusion in a New England countryside without sacrificing convenience. Outdoor amenities provide recreation for residents of all ages and interests. “There’s something different you can do every week over summers in Tyngsborough,” Dillon says. The Merrimack River, a conspicuous natural landmark that cuts through town, allows for swimming, fishing and boating in certain areas. For a more relaxed day near the water, the Riverfront Park features a playground, a boat launch, dog-friendly trails and rocks for lounging or fishing along the shoreline. Mascuppic Lake stretches 217 acres, where residents can swim near the sandy Tyngsborough Town Beach or pitch a tent at Berry’s Grove Campground. Hikers can head to the Sherburne Nature Center for its 80-acre expanse of trails and paths that lead through a deciduous forest and meadows. Vesper Country Club also sits nearby for golf enthusiasts, while the Butterfly Place botanical garden holds daily exhibit tours, summer camps and weddings. Tyngsborough offers a few local dining options, such as Cazadores Restaurante Mexicano for authentic plates and margaritas. Sullivan Farms has a homemade ice cream counter that serves up dozens of flavors, from Bob’s Chocolate Fudge Brownie to Mocha Chip. For a classic American dining experience, Comets Diner provides comfort food in a retro atmosphere, with cushioned booths and matching swivel bar stools. Businesses, restaurants, breweries and bars become more plentiful farther north on Middlesex Road. New Hampshire imposes no sales tax, so shopping across the border in Nashua is common, with nearby spots including mini malls with major retailers, Market Basket, Target and Costco. The community-centered town hosts plenty of events throughout the year. The annual Tyngsborough Block Party-By-The Bridge brings in hundreds of visitors, where children can visit the petting zoo or ride the mechanical bull, while adults can peruse local art stands or grab a drink from the dozens of vendors. During the winter, Tyngsborough throws the Festival of Trees, where participants can admire decorated firs, drink hot cocoa and listen to live music in three holiday-themed historic buildings. Other winter events include light shows, cookie decorating and raffles. Students can begin their education at Tyngsborough Elementary, which scores a B grade on Niche. The school’s annual Science & Art Expo showcases a myriad of student projects, including around 1,000 art pieces. Tyngsborough Middle, which earns a B grade, and Tyngsborough High, with a B-plus, sit adjacent to each other for an easy carpool experience. The high school boasts a 95% graduation rate and high enrollment numbers for Advanced Placement (AP) math and science courses. The town features the A-plus-rated Academy of Notre Dame, a private Catholic school for prekindergarten through 12th grade. The school ranks in the top 5% for most diverse private high schools in the country and No. 6 in the state by Niche. The academy also offers a before- and after-school program for parents who need early drop-offs and late pick-ups. Many of Tyngsborough’s homes were built in the 20th century, a mix of mostly colonial and Cape Cod styles. As the area becomes more popular, new houses and condos have begun to dot the map. Single-family homes often sit on lots of well over an acre, granting each property a bit of privacy under dense, mature trees. Other pockets of Tyngsborough are more densely populated and connected by sidewalks, making it easier to stroll to a neighbor’s house or go for a morning jog. Single-family homes generally sell between $700,000 and about $1 million, though outliers can fall on either end of the range. Two-bedroom condos and townhouses start lower at about $250,000 and can reach $500,000. Route 3 cuts right through Tyngsborough and flows toward Downtown Boston, about 38 miles away. Interstate 495 also runs just about 10 miles away for father commutes up and down the state. The Lowell Regional Transit Authority provides public transportation routes throughout the area, along with the Boston Express Bus, which heads to the city or to the Boston Logan International Airport, about 40 miles southeast. Next door, Lowell offers the closest commuter rail (T) station into Boston and the region’s major health care hub, Lowell General Hospital.