Derry CDP vs New York

Category / Metric	Derry CDP	New York
Financial Overview
Median Income	$88,901	$76,577
Unemployment Rate	3%	5.3%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$356,700	$875,000
Price per SqFt	$null	$604
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,506	$2,451
Housing Cost Index	148.2	149.3
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.7	109.5
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.89
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	146.4	364.2
Bachelor's Degree+	34%	42.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	43	31

New York vs. Derry CDP: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

Let's cut to the chase. You're staring down two options that are polar opposites: the concrete jungle that never sleeps versus a quiet slice of New England. New York City is a global icon, a pressure cooker of ambition and culture. Derry, New Hampshire (a Census Designated Place, or CDP, just north of Manchester) is the quintessential small-town America—quiet, community-focused, and unpretentious.

This isn't just about geography; it's about lifestyle, wallet, and what you’re willing to trade for peace and quiet. Grab your coffee. We're diving deep.

The Vibe Check: Concrete Jungle vs. Community Spirit

New York is for the hustlers, the culture vultures, and those who thrive on energy. It’s a city of 8.2 million people where anonymity and hyper-visibility coexist. The vibe is relentless, diverse, and expensive. You’re trading personal space and quiet for world-class museums, 24/7 dining, and a career network you can’t find anywhere else. It’s for the person who wants to feel the pulse of the world right under their feet.

Derry CDP is for those seeking balance. With a population of just 21,668, it’s a tight-knit community where you know your neighbors. The vibe is laid-back, safe, and family-oriented. It’s for the person who wants a yard, a short commute (or work-from-home bliss), and a slower pace of life. The trade-off? You’ll need to drive to Manchester or Boston for major city amenities. It’s not about the hustle; it’s about quality of life.

Who is it for? NYC is for the ambitious young professional, the artist, the foodie, and the nightlife enthusiast. Derry is for the growing family, the remote worker, the retiree, and anyone who values space and community over endless options.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go Further?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk purchasing power. The "sticker shock" in New York is real, but the data reveals a fascinating story.

Cost of Living Head-to-Head

Category	New York	Derry CDP	The Edge
Median Home Price	$875,000	$356,700	Derry
Rent (1BR)	$2,451	$1,506	Derry
Housing Index	149.3 (49.3% above U.S. avg)	148.2 (48.2% above U.S. avg)	Slight Edge Derry

Analysis: At first glance, Derry is the clear winner on housing costs. A median home in NYC costs $875,000 versus Derry’s $356,700—that’s a difference of over half a million dollars. Rent is also significantly lower. However, the Housing Index is shockingly similar. Both locations are in high-cost regions (NYC and Southern NH/Boston metro), which is reflected in the index. Derry is marginally cheaper, but the gap isn't as massive as the raw home prices suggest, because Derry is part of the Boston commuter belt, where prices have been inflated by spillover demand.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power

New York Median Income: $76,577
Derry Median Income: $88,901

Here’s the kicker: Derry has a higher median household income. This is a critical point. It means the population in Derry is, on average, earning more than in NYC, while facing slightly lower housing costs. If you earn $100,000 in Derry, your purchasing power is potent. You can comfortably afford a $356,700 home or a $1,506 apartment with plenty left over for savings, travel, and dining out.

If you earn $100,000 in New York, you’re above the median, but your money is stretched thin. After taxes (NYC has a high combined state and city income tax) and the $2,451 rent for a modest apartment, your disposable income shrinks dramatically. You’ll have access to higher-paying jobs, but the cost of living eats into it.

Verdict on Dollar Power: Derry offers better purchasing power for the median earner. Your dollar stretches further for housing and daily expenses. However, New York offers a higher ceiling for specialized, high-income careers (finance, tech, media) that can offset the costs if you reach the top tiers.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

New York: The Rent Trap.
Buying in NYC is a monumental challenge reserved for the wealthy. The median home price of $875,000 is just the entry point for a condo or co-op, often requiring a 20% down payment ($175,000). The market is fiercely competitive, a seller’s market where bidding wars are the norm. Most residents are long-term renters, facing ever-rising costs and less stability. Renting is the default, but it's a financial sinkhole with no equity payoff.

Derry: The Path to Ownership.
Derry’s housing market is also competitive, driven by the Boston overflow, but it’s far more accessible. A median home price of $356,700 is within reach for many dual-income households. The down payment ($71,340 for 20%) is a significant but achievable goal for many. The market is a seller’s market, but with more inventory and options than NYC. Renting is a viable stepping stone to buying, rather than a permanent state for many.

Winner: Derry for aspiring homeowners. New York is a renter’s market unless you have generational wealth or a top 1% income.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

New York: The commute is legendary. Whether it’s a packed subway, a crosstown bus, or a stressed-out drive, the average commute is 40+ minutes. Traffic is a constant, soul-crushing reality. The city is walkable, but getting in and out is a major time sink.
Derry: The commute is a breeze. For local jobs, it’s a short drive. Many residents commute to Manchester (30 mins) or the Boston metro (1-1.5 hours). The difference is driving on highways versus navigating a city’s gridlock. For remote workers, Derry is a paradise.

Weather

New York (Avg: 50°F): Humid summers (can hit 90°F+), cold, snowy winters, and volatile springs/falls. The weather is a major factor in daily life, from shoveling snow to avoiding subway delays.
Derry CDP (Avg: 48°F): Classic New England. Crisp falls, snowy winters, and green summers. It’s slightly colder on average, with more consistent snowfall. The weather is beautiful but demands a winter-ready wardrobe and a snow-ready driveway.

Crime & Safety

New York Violent Crime: 364.2 per 100k
Derry Violent Crime: 146.4 per 100k

This is a stark, data-driven difference. Derry’s violent crime rate is 60% lower than NYC’s. While NYC is massive and safe in many neighborhoods, the raw city-wide statistic reflects its scale and urban challenges. Derry’s low rate aligns with its small-town, suburban profile. For families and those prioritizing safety, this is a massive dealbreaker.

The Verdict: Who Wins Each Category?

Winner for Families: Derry CDP
With more affordable housing, lower crime, better schools (typically in suburban districts), and a community-oriented environment, Derry is built for family life. The $356,700 home price allows for a backyard and space to grow.

Winner for Singles/Young Pros: New York
The career opportunities, networking, cultural scene, and social life are unmatched. The higher cost of living is the price of admission for the ultimate urban experience. Your $100k salary will be stretched, but the access is priceless.

Winner for Retirees: Derry CDP
Lower cost of living, safety, and a quieter pace are ideal for retirement. While NYC has world-class healthcare, Derry is close enough to Manchester and Boston hospitals. The financial relief from not paying NYC's sky-high taxes and costs is a huge bonus.

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Final Showdown: Pros & Cons

New York

Pros:

• Unmatched Opportunities: World-class jobs in finance, media, tech, and the arts.
• Cultural Mecca: Broadway, museums, global cuisine, nightlife—everything at your doorstep.
• Walkability & Transit: No car needed in most neighborhoods.
• Global Networking: Meet people from every corner of the world.

Cons:

• Extreme Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are astronomical ($2,451 rent, $875k home).
• High Taxes: NYC and NY state have high income taxes.
• Stress & Noise: The city is relentless, crowded, and loud.
• Commuting: Long, stressful, and expensive.

Derry CDP

Pros:

• Affordability: Significantly cheaper housing ($1,506 rent, $356,700 home) with a higher median income.
• Safety: Violent crime rate is 60% lower than NYC’s.
• Space & Community: Yards, local events, and a tight-knit feel.
• Proximity to Nature: Easy access to parks, trails, and New England scenery.

Cons:

• Limited Amenities: Need to drive to Manchester or Boston for specialized shopping, dining, and culture.
• Car Dependency: A car is a necessity for most residents.
• Slower Pace: Can feel isolating if you crave constant energy and stimulation.
• Boston Commute: For those working in Boston, the drive can be draining.

The Bottom Line

This isn't a fair fight; it's a choice of priorities. New York is for those who want to live in the center of the universe and are willing to pay the price in dollars and stress. Derry CDP is for those who want a comfortable, safe, and financially sane life, with the trade-off of being outside the urban core.

If your goal is wealth accumulation and a high quality of life on a median salary, Derry is the data-driven winner. If your goal is unbounded career growth and cultural immersion—and you have the income to support it—New York remains the king.

Choose your adventure.