Derry is the county’s most populous community, home to just over 34,000 and growing. It was mainly agricultural until the 1870s, when shoemaking factories became major employers and sparked a building boom. By 1900, more than half of Derry lived and worked within walking distance of Broadway, today’s downtown district. While the last of the shoe factories shut down in 1960, Derry’s rust belt decline ended in 1963 when Interstate 93 opened, turning the town into the commuter community it is today. Angeline Gorham, a Realtor with BHHS Verani Realty Hampstead who has nearly a decade of experience, says most locals commute to employers in Manchester, the bigger city to the north, or Massachusetts. “It’s a small town with a lot to offer, but a lot of people like Derry because of its convenience to Mass,” Gorham says, using the New Englander nickname for the neighboring state.
An aerial view of Downtown Derry showcases a blend of of historic charm and modern energy, with bustling streets, local businesses, and a strong sense of community.
A street scene in Derry captures the town's character, with local shops, historic architecture, and daily life unfolding along its welcoming sidewalks.
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Derry homes sell for above the national median
The New Hampshire Association of Realtors reports the median sales price for single-family homes here is almost $550,000, well above the national median of $406,100. “Derry housing goes from the middle of town, where there are a lot of apartments and houses close together, all the way out to million-dollar lake properties on Island Pond,” Gorham says, observing that waterfront properties on the pond are typically the most expensive in town, given their rarity.
Nestled in the heart of Derry, this single-family home offers a perfect blend of comfort and charm.
From classic New England architecture to modern designs, single-family homes in Derry provide a peaceful retreat with easy access to local amenities and scenic surroundings.
Whether historic or newly built, Derry's single-family homes offer a sense of community, privacy, and the perfect space to call home.
A row of single-family homes in Derry showcases the town's inviting neighborhoods, where classic New England charm meets modern living.
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Downtown is Derry’s artsy, historic center for shopping and dining
Downtown Derry’s historic storefronts are colorful, sporting retro signage and murals by local artists. Even the crosswalk spanning the stretch of Broadway between Derry Feed & Supply and Sabatino’s Italian Restaurant is painted with fruits and vegetables. The crosswalk art honors the Derry Homegrown Farm & Artisan Market, which takes over the nearby greenspace once a week every summer. “It’s a great, small downtown where you can walk to all the stores and restaurants,” Gorham says, noting that it’s Derry’s most walkable area. One of Gorham’s favorite eateries is MaryAnn’s Diner. “It has a good reputation and some history to it; it’s been around forever,” she says of the vintage American restaurant, which opened in 1989. The Derry Opera House, on the west end of downtown, and Tupelo Music Hall, just north, are popular venues for live performances. But the town center isn’t the only cultural heart of Derry; poet Robert Frost’s family farm is on the southwest outskirts, open for tours and lectures/poetry readings.
MaryAnn's Diner in Derry is a classic hometown favorite, serving up hearty breakfasts, comfort food, and a nostalgic diner experience with friendly service and a retro charm.
The Nest in Downtown Derry is full of vintage finds and antiques, unique gifts and locally made goods.
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Recreation from Beaver Lake Beach to events at MacGregor Park
Eleven public parks and greenspaces are scattered around town, from Gallien’s Town Beach at Beaver Lake to community playgrounds and sports fields like Hood Park. MacGregor Park, adjacent to the Derry Public Library, is the downtown green space. It hosts big annual events, like the town’s summer concert series and the Derry Arts Council’s DerryFest, which showcases local dance and music groups with live performances.
A resident of Derry takes her dog for a walk along the Derry Rail Trail, a nearly 4 mile long trail that winds through the town.
During the warmer months, people can enjoy relaxing at Beaver Lake in Derry where you can find a beach and other water activities.
McGregor Park in the heart of Derry, has a war memorial dedicated to all those who served in the wars as well as plenty of green space to relax in.
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Derry Cooperative School District’s Pinkerton Academy offers a college-like experience
The Derry Cooperative School District earns a C-plus from Niche. It comprises nine schools, including C-plus-rated Next, a public charter school established in 2013. While DCSD is known for its small class sizes, with an average student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1, Next’s average annual enrollment of 80 makes for even more intimate classes. C-plus-rated Pinkerton Academy, on the other hand, is the largest independent high school in the United States. “It’s like a college campus,” Gorham says of the 170-acre, 23-building academy. Pinkerton’s Alan B. Shepherd Building is named for one of the town’s most famous former residents, the first American in space. The Pinkerton Players put on musicals at the Stockbridge Theatre Arts & Humanities Center, which also hosts student chorus, band and dance performances. The venue is available to rent for community events, too. The University of New Hampshire’s College of Professional Studies is based in Manchester, northwest of Derry; Southern New Hampshire University is in Salem, southeast.
The Derry Cooperative School Building is the administrative office for the Derry school district.
Pinkerton Academy is a secondary school in Derry serving roughly 3,269 students, making it by far the largest high school in New Hampshire.
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Close access to Interstate 93, limited public transportation
Interstate 93 runs through the west side of Derry, connecting north to Manchester and south across the Massachusetts border. The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is located in Manchester, about 13 miles away. While the town is mainly car-dependent, the Greater Derry-Salem Cooperative Alliance for Regional Transportation, or CART, provides limited bus service. Prescheduled reservations are required for rides around Derry, and direct service to major healthcare facilities in Manchester, such as Catholic Medical Center and Elliot Hospital, are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
The Manchester-Boston Regional Airport offers flights to various destinations around the US.
Highway 93 offers quick access from Derry to Boston and points North.
The Catholic Medical Center in nearby Manchester offers medical and surgical care with more than 26 subspecialties.
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Decline in crime between 2020 and 2023
According to the FBI, Derry saw a decrease in violent and property crime instances between 2020 and 2023. Agency data shows that violent crime counts declined from 47 to 35, while property crime counts went from 301 to 261 during the three-year period.
Nadine has been enthusiastic about listing and selling real estate in the great state of New Hampshire for decades. Nadine has sold through the thriving markets as well as the tough downturns. Her ability to change with the times has been a very valuable asset. There is not too much Nadine has not seen and that is what makes this business so interesting!
Nadine loves helping people make their dreams come true or simply accomplishing their goals. Whether you are a first-time buyer, an empty- nester, an investment buyer or somewhere in between, you will benefit from Nadine’s knowledge and experience.
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