Derry CDP vs Chicago

Category / Metric	Derry CDP	Chicago
Financial Overview
Median Income	$88,901	$74,474
Unemployment Rate	3%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$356,700	$365,000
Price per SqFt	$null	$261
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,506	$1,507
Housing Cost Index	148.2	110.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.7	103.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	146.4	819.0
Bachelor's Degree+	34%	45.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	43	38

Chicago vs. Derry CDP: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Choosing where to plant your roots is one of life’s biggest decisions. It’s not just about a zip code; it’s about your daily vibe, your financial future, and where you’ll feel at home. Today, we’re putting two vastly different American locales under the microscope: the Windy City titan, Chicago, and the under-the-radar community, Derry CDP (a Census Designated Place in Pennsylvania).

This isn't about picking a "better" city in a vacuum. It's about matching a place to a person. Let’s dive into the data, the culture, and the real-life trade-offs to help you decide where you belong.

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The Vibe Check: Big City vs. Big Neighborhood

First, let’s get one thing straight: this isn't an apples-to-apples comparison. It’s a skyscraper-to-suburb showdown.

Chicago is a global metropolis. With a population of 2.6 million, it’s a 24/7 powerhouse of culture, commerce, and cuisine. Think world-class museums, a legendary food scene (from deep-dish to Michelin stars), iconic architecture, and professional sports galore. The vibe is fast-paced, diverse, and relentlessly energetic. It’s for the person who craves energy, anonymity, and endless options. You’ll find your tribe here, no matter how niche.

Derry CDP (located in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania) is a classic American community. With a population of just 21,668, it’s more akin to a large, self-contained neighborhood. The lifestyle is quieter, community-oriented, and deeply rooted in the everyday. Think local diners, parks, and a pace where neighbors know each other. It’s for those seeking a sense of belonging, stability, and a break from the urban grind. It’s a "live here, breathe here" kind of place, not a "visiting bucket list" destination.

Who is it for?

• Chicago: The ambitious professional, the culture vulture, the foodie, the sports fan, and anyone who thrives on the buzz of a big city.
• Derry CDP: The family seeking a safe, stable community, the remote worker wanting a lower cost of living without total isolation, and those who value quiet, suburban comfort over urban excitement.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?

Let’s talk cold, hard cash. Your income doesn’t exist in a vacuum; its power is defined by what it can buy in your city.

The Cost of Living Table

Category	Chicago	Derry CDP	The Takeaway
Median Income	$74,474	$88,901	Derry residents earn 19% more on paper.
Median Home Price	$365,000	$356,700	Prices are virtually identical.
Rent (1BR)	$1,507	$1,506	Essentially a tie in rental cost.
Housing Index	110.7	148.2	Derry is significantly more expensive for housing relative to the national average.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power

At first glance, Derry looks like a financial winner. A $88,901 median income vs. Chicago’s $74,474 is a 19% raise. But hold on—this is where context is king.

The Housing Index is the key. A score of 110.7 for Chicago means housing costs are 10.7% above the national average. For Derry, a score of 148.2 means housing is a staggering 48.2% above the national average. This is the "sticker shock" moment.

Here’s the math that matters: If you earn $100,000 in Chicago, your purchasing power for housing is slightly better than the national average. If you earn $100,000 in Derry, you’re battling a housing market that’s nearly 50% more expensive than the norm. That $88,901 Derry median income has to stretch much further just to cover a roof over your head.

Verdict on Buying Power: While Derry’s median income is higher, its extreme housing cost relative to the region likely eats up that advantage. Chicago offers more "bang for your buck" in the housing market, despite a slightly lower median income. For a median earner, your dollar feels more powerful in Chicago for securing a home.

Taxes: Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax rate of 3.07%. Illinois has a flat rate of 4.95%. On a $100,000 salary, you’d pay $3,070 in PA vs. $4,950 in IL—a difference of $1,880 annually. That’s a point in Derry’s favor, but the high housing costs likely negate this savings.

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The Housing Market: Buy or Rent?

Buying a Home:

• Chicago: The market is competitive but offers variety. For $365,000, you can find a condo in a vibrant neighborhood, a single-family home in a family-friendly area like Lincoln Park or Ravenswood, or a fixer-upper. It’s a buyer’s market in many areas, with more inventory and price adjustments than in recent years.
• Derry CDP: The median home price is nearly identical ($356,700), but the context is different. In a smaller community, inventory is tighter. That price gets you a standard single-family home in a quiet subdivision. The market here is more stable, less volatile, but can be competitive for desirable properties.

Renting:

• Chicago: Rent for a 1-bedroom is $1,507. This gives you access to a specific neighborhood’s lifestyle—be it the lakefront, downtown, or a hip North Side area. The rental market is vast, with everything from luxury high-rises to vintage walk-ups.
• Derry CDP: Rent is virtually the same at $1,506. For that price, you’re likely getting more square footage and a more residential setting. The rental pool is smaller, so options are limited, but the quality and space per dollar are often better.

Housing Verdict: For renters, it’s a toss-up—similar price, vastly different lifestyles. For buyers, Chicago offers more variety and a more balanced market, while Derry offers a classic suburban home in a stable, if expensive, community.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

This is where the two cities diverge most dramatically.

Traffic & Commute

• Chicago: Commutes can be brutal. The average commute time is 35-40 minutes. The "L" train is a lifeline, but traffic on the Dan Ryan or Kennedy Expressways is legendary. Parking is expensive and a constant headache.
• Derry CDP: Commutes are typically local and car-dependent. You’re likely looking at 15-25 minute drives to work, schools, and errands. Traffic jams are rare. The trade-off? You need a car. Public transit is minimal.

Weather

• Chicago: The data shows an average winter low of 21.0°F, but that’s only half the story. Chicago winters are long, gray, and windy, with significant snowfall. Summers are spectacular but can be hot and humid (90°F+). It’s a city of four distinct, and often extreme, seasons.
• Derry CDP: With an average low of 48.0°F, Derry’s climate is milder, especially in winter. Pennsylvania gets snow, but it’s generally less severe and shorter-lived than Chicago’s. Summers are warm and humid, but not as intensely windy. The weather is a clear, comfortable advantage for Derry.

Crime & Safety

• Chicago: The violent crime rate is 819.0 per 100,000 people. This is a serious concern and requires context. Crime is highly concentrated in specific neighborhoods. Many areas, especially on the North Side and in the suburbs, are very safe. However, the city-wide average is high, and safety varies drastically block by block.
• Derry CDP: The violent crime rate is 146.4 per 100,000 people. This is dramatically lower—nearly 5.5 times safer than Chicago. Derry is a statistically safe, low-crime community. This is a major selling point for families and anyone prioritizing peace of mind.

Quality of Life Verdict: For safety, weather, and manageable commutes, Derry CDP is the clear winner. For urban amenities, cultural vibrancy, and public transit, Chicago is unmatched.

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The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Move?

No city is perfect. Here’s the final breakdown to help you decide.

Winner for Families: Derry CDP

Why: The combination of superior safety (146.4 vs. 819.0 violent crime rate), a more stable and community-focused environment, and a milder climate makes Derry the smarter choice for raising kids. The school districts in the area are generally well-regarded, and the suburban layout is built for family life. You get a backyard, less daily stress, and a true sense of community.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Chicago

Why: If you’re in your 20s or 30s and your career is your focus, Chicago is the place to be. The job market is vast and diverse, the networking opportunities are endless, and the social/cultural scene is unbeatable. You can live car-free, walk to a world-class restaurant, and be part of a dynamic, ambitious community. The higher cost of living (and taxes) is the price of admission for that energy.

Winner for Retirees: Derry CDP

Why: For retirees, stability, safety, and a lower-stress environment are paramount. Derry offers a milder climate (easier on the joints), a safer community, and a more predictable, manageable cost of living. While Chicago has fantastic cultural amenities for seniors, the daily grind, harsh winters, and higher crime rate make Derry the more peaceful and practical choice for a fixed-income retirement.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Chicago

PROS:

• World-class culture, food, and arts scene.
• Diverse neighborhoods with unique characters.
• Vibrant job market across multiple industries.
• Excellent public transportation (the 'L').
• Access to Lake Michigan and stunning architecture.

CONS:

• High violent crime rate (819.0/100k)—requires neighborhood research.
• Harsh, long winters with wind and snow.
• High cost of living and 4.95% state income tax.
• Traffic congestion and parking nightmares.
• Can feel overwhelming and impersonal.

Derry CDP

PROS:

• Extremely low crime rate (146.4/100k)—very safe.
• Milder, more manageable climate.
• Strong sense of community and family-friendly.
• Lower daily stress and traffic.
• Similar home prices to Chicago, but in a suburban setting.

CONS:

• Very high housing index (148.2)—expensive for the region.
• Limited cultural amenities and nightlife.
• Car-dependent; poor public transit.
• Smaller, less diverse population and job market.
• Can feel isolated or "boring" for those used to city life.

The Bottom Line: If your priority is safety, community, and a quieter life, Derry CDP is your winner. If your priority is energy, opportunity, and urban excitement, Chicago is your undisputed champion. Your choice isn't just about a city; it's about the life you want to build. Choose wisely.