Derry

Derry Borough is a small town In the foothills of the towering Laurel Mountains. A significant player in Pittsburgh's 20th-century railway history, the neighborhood preserves its past with annual celebrations that unite the community.

Prices are significantly lower here than the state average, starting around $20,000 and topping off at $150,000. Buyers will find charming residences with architectural details that hark back to an older time. Romantic Victorians and classic farmhouses mix with sturdy Craftsman designs and a handful of midcentury ranch styles and manufactured homes in Derry Borough. With its timeworn properties and lower price tags, It’s a hot spot for investors. “There’s been a lot of flipping. Real estate agents are very active here,” says Pat S., a 70-year local.

Derry Borough kids attend school within the Derry Area District, which serves almost 2,000 students over 100 square miles. Many students start at Grandview Elementary, rated B-minus on Niche and continue to Derry Area Middle and Senior High, rated B and B-minus. The school campuses cluster together, making life easier for busy families. The average graduation rate for rising seniors is 95%, and many of these kids move on to prestigious higher education institutions like the University of Pittsburgh, Indiana University of Pennsylvania or Penn State.

Derry Railroad Days is the biggest event of the year when the town gathers to celebrate its heritage. Each September, the community puts on a parade, a festival and a "Hobo Picnic" featuring local food vendors and live music. The Derry Area Historical Society also hosts seasonal gatherings, including tours of significant local landmarks and community service activities. Town leaders keep the website up-to-date (along with several Facebook pages) to keep everyone informed. It's also a good resource if you're looking for civic information, like permits, zoning and general resources to help you settle in.

After a long work or school day, locals head to Derry Community Park for fresh air. Pet parents can let the dogs run free in the fenced field or leash them up for a trot around the paved pathway. You’ll often find your neighbors celebrating birthdays under the pavilion and picnicking during warmer months. Lots of official community gatherings also take place here, like the car show. The Derry Community Pool is the go-to during the summer. “Most people go to the state parks when it’s warm. You can fish, swim and camp overnight,” Pat says.

Derry Borough residents have a handful of shops that cover basic needs, including a hardware store, a Dollar General and a pharmacy. Shop N’ Save is your closest grocer at roughly 5 miles away. There are also a few local restaurants when you want a bite to eat. Barkley’s Derry King is this small town’s cheeky answer to the familiar ice cream chain, serving happy locals malted shakes. Among Derry’s many pizza shops, Ianni’s takes first place with its specialty wood-fired pies. If you’re planning a date night, you’re probably heading out of town to Greensburg, 15 miles west, the Westmoreland County seat known for its growing cultural district.

If you’re city-bound, you’ll drive for 40 miles into downtown Pittsburgh, with regular traffic increases 5 miles out. Interstate 376 and Route 30 are your routes in and out of town. Most would consider Derry a car-dependent area, with its rural locality and limited public transit. The Westmoreland Transit Authority buses stop along the main roads for those interested in a car-free commute. Check the daily schedules online. The Arnold Palmer Regional Airport is just south of Route 30, a quick, convenient stop-off for long-distance travel. If you like small-town living and a close community, explore Derry Borough.

Written By

Caeleigh Griffin

Photography Contributed By

Patrick Graham

Video By

Mark Barakat