Derry CDP vs Houston

Category / Metric	Derry CDP	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$88,901	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	3%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$356,700	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$null	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,506	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	148.2	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.7	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	146.4	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	34%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	43	44

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

You’re staring at two wildly different options. On one side, you have Houston, a sprawling, world-class metropolis where the energy industry hums and the skyline is a beast. On the other, Derry CDP—a small, unincorporated community in Virginia that offers a quiet, suburban lifestyle with a surprising income punch.

This isn't just a choice between big and small; it's a choice between two completely different universes. Are you chasing the hustle and bustle of a major city, or are you looking for a peaceful, high-income retreat? Let’s cut through the noise and break down where you should plant your roots.

The Vibe Check: Big City Energy vs. Quiet Suburbia

Houston is a beast. It’s a place where you can get world-class food, catch a rocket launch, and experience four seasons in a single day (okay, mostly just summer and a brief winter). It’s diverse, loud, and relentless. The culture is a mash-up of Southern hospitality, Texan pride, and international flair. It’s for the ambitious, the foodies, and those who don’t mind a little humidity in exchange for endless opportunity.

Derry CDP is the antithesis of that. It’s a quiet, residential pocket in the Washington D.C. metro area. Think tree-lined streets, a strong sense of community, and a slower pace of life. It’s for those who want to be within driving distance of the nation’s capital and its high-paying jobs without living in the concrete jungle. It’s suburban comfort with a distinctly upscale feel.

Verdict: If you crave anonymity and endless options, Houston wins. If you want a tight-knit community with easy access to the East Coast's power centers, Derry is your spot.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like a Million Bucks?

This is where the rubber meets the road. We’re not just comparing costs; we’re comparing purchasing power. Let’s look at the raw numbers.

Cost of Living & Salary Comparison

Category	Houston	Derry CDP	Winner
Population	2,311,461	21,668	Houston (Scale)
Median Income	$62,637	$88,901	Derry (Higher Income)
Median Home Price	$335,000	$356,700	Houston (Slightly Cheaper)
1BR Rent	$1,135	$1,506	Houston (25% Cheaper)
Housing Index	106.5	148.2	Houston (More Affordable)
Violent Crime (per 100k)	912.4	146.4	Derry (Safer)
Avg. Temp (°F)	59.0	48.0	Tie (Subjective)

The Breakdown:

• Rent: Derry will sting your wallet. At $1,506 for a 1-bedroom, it’s 25% more expensive than Houston’s $1,135. That’s a significant chunk of change every month.
• Buying a Home: The gap narrows, but Houston still edges out Derry. A median home in Houston is $335,000 vs. Derry’s $356,700. However, the Housing Index tells the real story. Derry’s index of 148.2 (well above the national average of 100) means the cost of living, primarily housing, is steep. Houston’s 106.5 is closer to the national average, offering more bang for your buck.
• Salary & Taxes: Here’s the kicker. You earn more in Derry ($88,901 vs. $62,637), but it’s also in Virginia, which has a state income tax (top rate of 5.75%). Houston is in Texas, which has 0% state income tax. A $100,000 salary in Houston leaves you with more take-home pay than the same salary in Virginia. When you combine Derry’s higher costs with state taxes, your purchasing power takes a hit.

Purchasing Power Verdict: For the average earner, Houston offers significantly more purchasing power. The lower cost of living, especially rent, combined with no state income tax, means your money goes further. Derry is for those who can command a high enough salary to offset the higher costs.

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The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Houston (Buyer's Market):
Houston’s housing market is vast and competitive, but in a good way for buyers. With a population over 2 million, there’s a constant churn of inventory. You can find everything from a downtown condo to a sprawling suburban home. The median price of $335,000 is attainable for many, especially with the lack of state income tax freeing up more cash for a down payment. It’s a seller’s market in desirable neighborhoods, but overall, it’s a balanced market with options.

Derry (Seller's Market):
Derry is a small, desirable community in a high-demand region (Northern Virginia). The limited inventory means competition is fierce. The median home price of $356,700 might seem close to Houston’s, but in this market, it likely gets you less house. The housing index of 148.2 screams "expensive." If you’re buying here, you need to be prepared for bidding wars and potentially settling for a smaller property. Renting is also competitive and pricey.

Market Verdict: Houston is the clear winner for buyers seeking variety and value. Derry is a tough market for anyone without a significant budget, especially for first-time homebuyers.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute:

• Houston: Infamous. The city is built for cars, and traffic is a daily reality. Commutes can easily hit 30-60 minutes one way. Public transit exists but is limited. If you hate driving, this is a major dealbreaker.
• Derry: As a D.C. suburb, traffic is part of the package. The commute to D.C. or nearby tech hubs can be brutal during rush hour. However, living in a smaller community might mean shorter local trips. The commute to the city is the real test.

Weather:

• Houston: Think 90°F and humid for a large chunk of the year. Summers are long and oppressive. Winters are mild (rarely below freezing). If you hate heat and humidity, you will struggle.
• Derry: Four distinct seasons. Winters are cold with regular snow (48°F average temp is misleading; that includes summer). Summers are warm and pleasant. You get the full seasonal experience, which many prefer over Houston’s relentless heat.

Crime & Safety:
This is the most stark contrast.

• Houston: Violent crime rate is 912.4 per 100,000. This is significantly above the national average. Like any major city, safety varies wildly by neighborhood, but statistically, it’s a higher-risk environment.
• Derry: Violent crime rate is 146.4 per 100,000. This is well below the national average. Derry is a safe, quiet community where violent crime is rare.

Safety Verdict: If safety is a top priority, Derry is the undisputed winner. Houston requires diligence in choosing a neighborhood.

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The Final Verdict: Which City is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but based on the data and lifestyle, here’s how it breaks down.

🏆 Winner for Families

Derry CDP

• Why: Safety is paramount for families, and Derry’s crime stats are a fraction of Houston’s. The community feel, good schools (typical for Northern Virginia suburbs), and quieter environment are ideal for raising kids. The higher median income also suggests a stable, professional community.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals

Houston

• Why: The sheer scale of Houston offers unmatched networking, career opportunities (especially in energy, healthcare, and tech), and a vibrant social scene. The lower cost of living means your entry-level salary goes further. You can live in a fun neighborhood without being house-poor. Derry is too quiet and expensive for most young professionals not already in a high-paying D.C. job.

🏆 Winner for Retirees

Derry CDP

• Why: Safety, a peaceful environment, and proximity to world-class healthcare (D.C. area) are huge draws. While the cost of living is high, retirees often have fixed incomes, so the higher median income of the area is less relevant. The four-season weather is also preferable for many retirees over Houston’s sticky, year-round heat. (Note: Retirees on a tighter budget might find Houston’s low-tax environment more appealing, but Derry offers a higher quality of life for those who can afford it).

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Houston

Pros:

• 0% State Income Tax – More take-home pay.
• Affordable Housing & Rent – Great value for a major metro.
• World-Class Dining & Culture – Unmatched food scene.
• Major Career Hub – Endless opportunities in multiple industries.
• International Airport – Easy global travel.

Cons:

• High Crime Rate – Requires careful neighborhood selection.
• Brutal Humidity & Heat – Summer lasts for months.
• Traffic & Sprawl – Car-dependent and congested.
• Hurricane Risk – Coastal location brings seasonal storms.

Derry CDP

Pros:

• Very Low Crime – Safe, family-friendly environment.
• High Median Income – Affluent, professional community.
• Proximity to D.C. – Access to power, culture, and jobs.
• Four-Season Climate – Enjoy distinct summers and winters.
• Quiet, Suburban Feel – Peaceful and community-oriented.

Cons:

• High Cost of Living – Expensive housing and rent.
• State Income Tax – Virginia takes a cut of your paycheck.
• Limited Scale – Fewer local amenities; you’ll drive to D.C. for big-city fun.
• Competitive Housing Market – Harder to buy in.

The Bottom Line

Choose Houston if: You prioritize affordability, career growth, and urban energy. You can handle the heat and traffic in exchange for a lower cost of living, no state taxes, and endless things to do. It’s a city of opportunity for those willing to hustle.

Choose Derry CDP if: You prioritize safety, community, and a quiet lifestyle. You have a high enough income to absorb the higher costs and taxes, and you value proximity to Washington D.C. over a bustling local scene. It’s a premium, peaceful retreat for established professionals and families.

The data doesn’t lie: Houston gives you more for your money, but Derry offers a safer, more tranquil existence. Your choice ultimately boils down to what you value more: purchasing power or peace of mind.