This could be too late, but we live in Haverhill MA, and my wife's family is in Plaistow. Rockingham county would have some good, easy commuting options if you'd rather avoid the city. Draw a trapezoid through Raymond, Chester, Sandown, and Exeter, and that would be my preference if I worked in Manchester. As far as cities go, I prefer Concord to Manchester. It would get you further up towards the Whites (mountains), but a little further from your folks. Nashua is primarily folks who work in MA but want to avoid as many of the taxes as possible.
As a native Texan, I'll say I don't care much for MA, but I love NH. We're trying to get over the state line ASAP, and I can't imagine I'll ever move back. I'm more of a mountain guy than ocean, if that helps understand my POV.
Either way, when you're out and about in the state, stop at the Common Man. It's like Buccees for New Hampshire, but much better in my opinion.
Happy to answer any questions I can about the area.
Live free or die.