It's a very good idea to start living in Derry! According to Wikipedia, Scots-Irish settlers arrived in the area in 1719 and formed a small farming community. The first potato planted in America was planted in the soil in current-day Derry in 1719. The town of Derry was incorporated in 1827 and named after the city of Derry in Ireland. Derry remained a small farming community until after World War II, when it transitioned to become a suburb of Manchester and Boston. People began moving to Derry NH in larger numbers, drawn by its quaint and quiet atmosphere.
Derry today is a dense suburb popular among young professionals. It's a nice place to live, with good schools, top town parks and outdoor destinations, and delicious restaurants. What is Derry known for? Derry is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and convenient location close to major cities. Derry's nickname is "Spacetown," as it was the hometown of Alan Shepard, the first American astronaut.
You should start thinking about moving to Derry NH. But before you pack your bags, you should learn a little about the benefits of living in Derry. Here's what to know about this quaint and friendly community.
Where Is Derry?
Where is Derry, and what county is Derry in? Derry is in Rockingham County, inside the Boston, Massachusetts metro area and the Greater Boston area. It is 42.6 miles from Derry to Boston, and it is 11.4 miles from Derry to Manchester. Downtown Derry is well-developed, while the outlying areas of the town are undeveloped and have large nature preserves and parks. Notable geographic features in or bordering Derry include Island Pond and Beaver Lake. Derry borders Londonderry, Chester, Hampstead, and Windham.
Derry CART is a curb-to-curb service that provides rides inside Derry and between Derry and neighboring towns like Londonderry and Chester. You can book a ride within Derry between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday and between 9:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. You can book rides outside Derry between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.
Rides to medical centers in Manchester are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are no fixed route services in Derry. Interstate 93 runs through the community, providing access to Manchester and other major cities in New Hampshire. Most people moving to Derry NH use Interstate 93.
Derry Population and Demographics
According to the US Census, the Derry population in 2023 was 34,335, up by 3.7% since 2010. Derry has more than tripled its population since 1970. Derry is the most populous community in Rockingham County, and it's the largest town in the state. The Derry population density is 967.9 people living in Derry per square mile.
Notable people living in Derry include Robert Frost, Alan Shepard, and Samantha Brown. Notable Derry demographics include:
- 51.7% female, 48.3% male
- Median age of people living in Derry: 39.7
- Racial and ethnic composition of residents living in Derry: 93.1% White (91.0% non-Hispanic), 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 3.6% two or more races, 1.3% Asian, 1.0% Black or African American, 0.1% American Indian and Alaska Native
- Median household income of people living in Derry: $104,718 (roughly 10% higher than the state median)
- Educational attainment of residents living in Derry: 93.0% of residents older than 25 have graduated from high school, 35.1% have a bachelor's degree
- Foreign-born population of people living in Derry: 4.4%
The median age of Derry is over five years younger than the median age of Rockingham County. The low median age is due to the high number of young professionals living in Derry. 27.6% of Derry residents are between the ages of 20 and 39. Derry is a high-income community. 16.2% of households living in Derry make over $200,000 a year, and only 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line.
Derry is a very safe community to live in. Here are its latest crime rates, according to the FBI in 2022:
- Total crime rate: 945 offenses per 100,000 people living in Derry (67.4% lower than the Manchester crime rate, 16.9% lower than the state rate, 59.3% lower than the national rate)
- Violent crime rate: 120 crimes per 100,000 people living in Derry (4.5% lower than the state average, 67.5% lower than the national average)
- Property crime rate: 825 offenses per 100,000 residents living in Derry (18.4% lower than the New Hampshire rate, 57.8% lower than the national rate)
The Town of Derry Police Department employs 55 police officers living in Derry.
Cost of Living in Derry
The Derry cost of living can be hard to research, so you can use Manchester cost of living statistics and make a rough estimate. The Manchester cost of living index is 114.1, meaning items in the Manchester area cost 14.1% more than the national average. According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four living in the Manchester area would need to earn $119,110 a year to cover their cost of living.
Living in Derry can be expensive, especially if you're moving to Derry NH with children. Child care in the Manchester area costs $2,278 a month ($27,336 a year). Singles and couples living in Derry may be able to enjoy a more affordable cost of living, especially if they rent Derry real estate. While the cost of living in Derry is higher than the national average, it's lower than the cost of living in Portland, Boston, and other cities.
Derry NH real estate can be pricey. According to Redfin, the median cost of homes for sale Derry NH is $445,000, with a median cost per square foot of $286. According to RentCafe, the average cost of apartments for rent Derry NH is $1,941 a month.
Typical Derry* Living Expenses
- 1 pound of white rice: $2.19
- 1 pound of chicken fillets: $4.95
- 1 pound of onions: $1.42
- 1 gallon of gasoline: $3.23
- Average Derry* utilities per month: $218.54
- 1 pair of jeans: $44.00
Source: Numbeo
*Typical living expenses are actually for Manchester
Derry Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Derry New Hampshire
Derry has a few small neighborhoods. Each neighborhood is a wonderful place to live, with close proximity to cultural events and golf courses. Here are the best places for living in Derry.
Peppermint Corner | Quiet and Rural Derry Neighborhood
Peppermint Corner is a rural neighborhood in southern Derry. It's close to the Derry Dog Park, making it a great place to live with furry friends and pets. It's a good place to live if you want a quiet neighborhood that's still close to the city center and major roads, including Interstate 93. The Peppermint Corner real estate market is small, with a few homes for sale Derry NH. However, these homes are newly constructed and spacious, containing three bedrooms and 1,300 square feet. Homes in Peppermint Corner cost around $700,000.
East Derry | Historic Derry Neighborhood Close to Parks and Lake Beaches
East Derry is the oldest inhabited section of Derry. The neighborhood contains historic sites and buildings from the 1700s and 1800s, adding a rustic aesthetic to the community. East Derry is home to a few attractions, including Beaver Lake, Gallien's Town Beach, and Don Ball Park. As with Peppermint Corner, the East Derry real estate market is very small. You can buy ranch-style homes with two kitchens, five bedrooms, and over 3,000 square feet of space for less than $600,000.
Derry NH Weather and Climate
Derry has a humid continental climate, with warm summers and freezing winters. According to Weather Spark, July is the warmest month of Derry NH weather, with an average temperature of 73 degrees and an average high of 83. Temperatures peak in mid-July and then decline throughout the late summer and fall. January is the coldest month of the year, with an average temperature of 25 degrees and an average low of 18. Average lows are below freezing between late November and late March.
Derry receives 35.2 inches of rain and 50.3 inches of snow on average every year. Derry experiences severe weather, including extreme cold and snowstorms in the winter. Storms can drop a foot or more of snow, creating power outages and dangerous driving conditions. The Town of Derry recommends you sign up for NH Alerts, a free service that will give you Derry NH weather warnings from the state government and the National Weather Service.
August is the best month to visit and start moving to Derry NH. The average temperature is 71 degrees, so you can stay comfortable wearing a short-sleeved shirt. Outdoor attractions are open, so you can visit tennis courts, parks, playgrounds, and walking trails throughout the community.
Things to Do in Derry
You have easy access to top things to do in Derry, including parks and stores with modern comforts! Ask someone living in Derry what to do in Derry, and they'll tell you to go shopping. Hannaford is the top grocery store in Derry. You can visit stores like Midgard Hobbies and Games, Ocean State Job Lot, and The Nest Vintage and Home.
Tupelo Music Hall is the top performing arts center in Derry. Tupelo Music Hall is a great place to watch concerts, stand-up comedy performances, and theatrical performances. It's also a good place for dates, as you can order drinks and enjoy shows only for adults.
10 A Street, Derry, NH, 03038, 603-437-5100
LaBelle Winery is one of the top wineries in New Hampshire. It's a romantic winery with an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy wine tastings and meals. You can go on tours of the winery, play golf on a nine-hole golf course, and play 18 holes of mini-golf.
14 NH-111, Derry, NH, 03038, 603-672-9898
Don Ball Park is home to the Splash Pad Derry NH, a top kid-friendly destination open during the summer. The park also contains the largest playground in the town, a baseball diamond, a softball diamond, and two practice fields open throughout the year.
14 Humphrey Road, Derry, NH, 03038, 603-432-6136
Additional Things to Do in Derry
The Town of Derry Parks and Recreation Department oversees parks, trails, and other outdoor destinations in Derry. The department also plans special events and programs, including concerts, judo classes, and senior programs. You can use the Town of Derry events calendar to see when these events will occur.
Derry NH Restaurants
New Hampshire is well known for its jams, jellies, seafood, and wild game. You can try these foods out and many others at Derry NH restaurants, including family-friendly eateries.
The Ricochet is a locally run and casual pizzeria that serves pizzas, calzones, and sandwiches with fresh ingredients. Most dishes cost less than $20, making The Ricochet an affordable place to eat out.
35 Manchester Road #10, Derry, NH, 03038, 603-247-9012
On the Corner Grill is one of the top Italian restaurants in Derry NH. On the Corner Grill is a classy and romantic restaurant that serves lunch and dinner, including classic dishes like risotto and baked ravioli.
418 Island Pond Road, Derry, NH, 03038, 603-952-4636
T-Bones is a family-friendly American restaurant well known for its fresh ingredients. You can order steaks, burgers, seafood dinners, and other classic dishes. It's one of the best restaurants in Derry NH for alcoholic drinks, with dozens of cocktails and wines.
39 Crystal Avenue, Derry, NH, 03038, 603-434-3200
Jobs in Derry NH
According to DataUSA, 12,082 people have jobs in Derry NH, down by 2.1% since 2013. Manufacturing, health care, and retail trade are the three largest sectors for Derry NH jobs. Manufacturing jobs in Derry have median earnings of $98,380 a year. 11.8% of jobs in Derry NH are management jobs, with median earnings of $198,066 a year. The community added over 300 management jobs between 2013 and 2023.
Top employers in Derry include Parkland Medical Center, Pinkerton Academy, and Walmart. According to Payscale, the average salary in Derry is $72,000 a year, with an average hourly rate of $23.46. You can research jobs in Derry NH using Indeed, and you can apply for Town of Derry jobs on the town government's website.
Derry Schools
The Derry Cooperative School District is the official public school district, serving all students living in Derry. The district contains four elementary schools in Derry NH and two middle schools, all of which are in Derry. US News ranks South Range Elementary School as the best elementary school in NH Derry, also ranking in the top 40 elementary schools in New Hampshire. 62% of students at South Range test at or above the proficiency level in mathematics and reading. US News ranks Gilbert H. Hood Middle School and West Running Brook Middle School in the top 100 middle schools in New Hampshire.
Pinkerton Academy is the official high school for students living in Derry. It's a private school, but it has an arrangement with the Town of Derry to serve as its high school. Pinkerton Academy is the largest high school in New Hampshire, with over 3,000 students on a 120-acre campus. Many people start moving to Derry NH so their children can attend classes at Pinkerton. Pinkerton has nearly 30 sports teams and over 60 student-run clubs and extracurricular organizations.
Besides Pinkerton, Derry has no other private schools. It also does not have a college or university. The Derry Public Library is the official public library in Derry, serving all people living in Derry.
Derry Statistics and Information
- County: Rockingham County
- Derry area: 36.3 square miles
- Derry zip code: 03038
- Derry area code: 603
- Derry elevation: 282 feet
- Derry time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC -4 and -5)
- Closest airport to Derry: Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), 8.6 miles from Derry
Derry Map
You can use this Derry map to find top destinations, including Mary Ann's Diner and Derry Plaza!
Start Living in Derry, a Great Place With Modern Comforts
Living in Derry will give you a perfect balance! You can enjoy a quaint life in a spacious home for sale near major cities like Manchester, and great things to do like Tupelo Music Hall.
Moving to Derry NH doesn't have to be difficult. Preferred Movers has a team of the best Derry movers, with a 98% customer satisfaction rate. Call 603-379-2272 for a free estimate now.
