Finding a place to live in the "Greater Boston" orbit is, honestly, a nightmare right now. If you've spent even ten minutes scrolling through Zillow or Apartment Guide lately, you know exactly what I mean. Prices are climbing, inventory is basically non-existent, and half the "renovated" units you see are just old apartments with a fresh coat of gray paint and some cheap vinyl flooring. This is exactly why people keep gravitating toward Royal Crest Estates NH. It isn't just one single complex; it’s a specific brand of suburban living that Aimco (Apartment Investment and Management Company) has planted in two very strategic locations: Nashua and Nashua’s neighbor, Merrimack.
It’s about the commute. Mostly.
People move to southern New Hampshire because they want the tax advantages—no state income tax and no sales tax—while staying close enough to hit the office in Burlington or Cambridge. Royal Crest Estates NH has managed to position itself as the reliable "middle ground" for people who are tired of Boston prices but aren't quite ready to buy a house in the woods.
The Reality of Living in Nashua vs. Merrimack
Location matters. If you tell someone you live at Royal Crest, they’ll probably ask, "Which one?" The Nashua property is the heavy hitter. It’s located right off Country Club Boulevard, tucked away but surprisingly close to the Spit Brook Road tech corridor. You have companies like Oracle and Dell nearby, which means the demographic is a mix of young professionals and families. It feels established. The trees are tall, the landscaping is mature, and it doesn't have that sterile, "just-built-last-week" vibe that many new luxury builds have.
Then there’s the Merrimack location.
It’s a bit more laid back. Located on Daniel Webster Highway, it’s closer to the Merrimack Premium Outlets and the Fidelity Investments campus. If you work in Manchester but want to stay south for an easier trek to Massachusetts on the weekends, Merrimack is usually the move.
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The buildings themselves? They are classic brick. We’re talking about solid, multi-story structures that offer a level of soundproofing you just don't get in modern "stick-built" apartment complexes. You know the ones—where you can hear your neighbor's phone vibrate on their nightstand. You don't get that as much here. The layouts vary, but you’re generally looking at one, two, and three-bedroom options.
What You Get for the Money
Let’s talk turkey. Rent in New Hampshire has spiked, and Royal Crest isn't "cheap" anymore. Nothing is. However, you’re paying for a massive suite of amenities that actually exist and are maintained.
- The Fitness Centers: They aren't just a lonely treadmill in a basement. They are legitimate gyms.
- Pools: Both locations have them. In the humid New England summers, these are life-savers.
- Tennis and Basketball Courts: People actually use these. It’s a very active community.
- The Clubhouse: This is where the "community" part comes in. They host events, which sounds cheesy, but when you're new to the area, it's a decent way to meet people who aren't your coworkers.
One thing to keep in mind: utilities. New Hampshire winters are no joke. Heating a large apartment can get pricey if you aren't careful, though many units at Royal Crest have seen upgrades to more efficient HVAC systems over the last few years. Always ask the leasing office for a "typical" utility breakdown for the specific unit you’re looking at. They have that data.
Why the "Commuter Rail" Conversation Matters
There’s been talk for literally decades about extending the MBTA Commuter Rail into Nashua. If that ever happens—and it's a big "if" given the political ping-pong in Concord—property values and rents at places like Royal Crest Estates NH will likely skyrocket. Currently, residents rely on the Boston Express bus service. It’s surprisingly clean and reliable. You hop on at the Exit 8 or Exit 7 park-and-ride, and you're at South Station or Logan Airport in about an hour, depending on the hellishness of the I-93 traffic.
Living here means you're playing the long game. You're betting on the fact that Southern NH will continue to be the relief valve for Massachusetts' housing crisis.
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The Management Factor
Dealing with a large management company like Aimco is different than renting from a "mom-and-pop" landlord. There are pros and cons. The pro? Maintenance is usually handled through an online portal and they have a dedicated team. If your water heater dies at 2:00 AM on a Tuesday, someone is coming. The con? There isn't much room for negotiation on rent increases. They use algorithmic pricing models—much like airlines—so the price you see today might be different tomorrow.
Pro Tip: If you're looking to save a bit, try to sign a lease in the "off-season." Renting in November or January is almost always cheaper than trying to move in June when every college grad and family is hunting for a spot.
Navigating the Local Lifestyle
If you move to Royal Crest in Nashua, you're minutes from Main Street. Nashua’s downtown has undergone a massive glow-up. You’ve got places like The Flight Center for craft beer and Surf for some of the best seafood in the state. It doesn't feel like a "boring" suburb anymore. It feels like a small, accessible city.
In Merrimack, life is a bit more suburban-strip-mall-chic. You have the Anheuser-Busch Brewery nearby (go see the Clydesdales, it’s actually cool), and you're close to Horse Hill Nature Preserve for hiking. It’s quieter.
A Critical Look at the Downsides
No place is perfect. Royal Crest is big. Because it’s a large community, parking can sometimes be a trek if you get home late and don't have a reserved spot. Also, while the brick buildings are sturdy, some of the common areas in older buildings can show their age. Aimco has been rolling out renovations, but it's a "your mileage may vary" situation depending on which specific unit you tour.
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Always, and I mean always, ask to see the actual unit you will be moving into—not just the model. The model always looks like a Pinterest board. You want to see the view from your window and the condition of your appliances.
Making the Move: Actionable Steps
If you’re seriously considering Royal Crest Estates NH, don't just wing it. The market moves too fast.
- Check the Daily Rates: Since they use dynamic pricing, keep an eye on their website for a week or two to see how the price for your preferred floor plan fluctuates.
- Visit at Night: A complex can feel very different at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday than it does at 8:00 PM on a Friday. Drive through the parking lots. Is it loud? Is there enough lighting?
- Map Your Commute: Don't trust Google Maps’ "ideal" time. Check the traffic at 7:30 AM on a Monday. That’s your real life.
- Pet Policy Deep-Dive: They are pet-friendly, but there are breed restrictions and "pet rent" fees. Get the total cost—including the non-refundable pet deposit—in writing before you fall in love with a unit.
- Ask About Incentives: Sometimes they offer "look and lease" specials where they waive application fees if you apply within 24 hours of your tour. It’s worth asking.
The Southern New Hampshire rental market isn't getting any easier, but places like Royal Crest offer a sense of stability that’s hard to find in smaller, private rentals. You get a professional management team, a solid roof over your head, and a location that makes a Boston-based career actually feasible without paying $4,000 for a studio in the Seaport. It’s about balance.
Be thorough in your walkthrough. Document everything on your move-in checklist. If you do your homework, these estates offer some of the most consistent living experiences in the 603.