Derry CDP vs San Antonio

Category / Metric	Derry CDP	San Antonio
Financial Overview
Median Income	$88,901	$62,322
Unemployment Rate	3%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$356,700	$264,900
Price per SqFt	$null	$153
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,506	$1,197
Housing Cost Index	148.2	94.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	104.7	91.9
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	146.4	798.0
Bachelor's Degree+	34%	30.5%
Air Quality (AQI)	43	39

San Antonio vs. Derry CDP: The Ultimate Texas-Sized Showdown

Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're staring down the barrel of a massive life decision: San Antonio, Texas—a sprawling, history-drenched metro of 1.5 million souls—or Derry CDP, New Hampshire—a cozy, wooded community of just 21,668 people. This isn't just a coin flip; it's a complete lifestyle overhaul. One is a fast-paced, sun-baked giant with a serious fiesta spirit. The other is a quiet, four-season New England gem where you might actually hear a pin drop.

So, which one is for you? Grab a coffee (or a sweet tea if you're leaning Texas), and let's break it down.

The Vibe Check: Big City Energy vs. Small-Town Serenity

San Antonio is a city that doesn't sleep. It’s a sensory overload in the best way possible: the smell of sizzling fajitas on the River Walk, the mariachi bands on the plaza, the roar of a Spurs game. It’s a military town, a tourist hub, and a burgeoning tech corridor all rolled into one. Life here is social, loud, and relentless. You'll need a car, you'll sit in traffic, and you'll probably need a siesta after the August sun hits 100°F. It’s for the extrovert, the history buff, the young family looking for endless weekend activities, and anyone who thrives on energy.

Derry CDP is the polar opposite. Imagine tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a pace that feels like a perpetual sigh of relief. It’s quintessential New England: think autumns that look like a painting, Winters with cozy snowfall, and summers that rarely break a sweat. It's a commuter's haven for those working in nearby Manchester or Nashua, but it retains a distinct, sleepy-town identity. You'll know your neighbors, you'll take walks without headphones, and you'll appreciate the quiet. It's for the introvert, the nature lover, the remote worker craving peace, and anyone whose definition of "nightlife" is a quiet evening by the fireplace.

Who is it for?

• San Antonio: The social butterfly, the big family, the culture addict, the heat-seeker.
• Derry CDP: The quiet achiever, the commuter, the four-season enthusiast, the peace-and-quiet seeker.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Paycheck Actually Go?

This is where the rubber meets the road. You might earn more in Derry, but does it stretch further? Let's look at the raw numbers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Category	San Antonio	Derry CDP	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$264,900	$356,700	San Antonio is 34.5% cheaper to buy. That's a massive gap.
Rent (1BR)	$1,197	$1,506	Rent is 25.8% higher in Derry. Sticker shock is real.
Housing Index	94.2	148.2	Derry is 57% more expensive for housing overall. A dealbreaker for many.
Median Income	$62,322	$88,901	Derry residents earn 42.6% more on average.

Salary Wars: The Purchasing Power Puzzle
Let's do the math. If you earn $100,000 in San Antonio, you're in the top tier. Your take-home pay (after Texas's 0% state income tax) is roughly $76,500. Your mortgage on a $265k house is manageable, and your rent is a fraction of your income.

Now, move that same $100,000 salary to Derry. Your take-home pay (after New Hampshire's 5% state income tax—yes, it's flat) drops to about $72,000. But you're now competing for a home that costs $356,700—or renting for $1,506/month. While your income is higher in Derry, the cost of living, especially housing, eats into that advantage. You'll feel the pinch more in Derry, even with a higher nominal salary.

Verdict on Purchasing Power: San Antonio wins for pure dollar stretch. Your money goes further here, especially in the housing market.

The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Run?

San Antonio: It's a balanced market, leaning slightly to a buyer's advantage in some neighborhoods. The inventory is healthier than in Austin or Dallas, giving you some breathing room. You can find a decent starter home for under $300k, but be prepared for competition in the good school districts. Rent is rising but hasn't hit the insane levels of other major metros.

Derry CDP: This is a seller's market. The housing index of 148.2 tells you everything. Demand is high, inventory is low, and prices are steep. Finding a home at the median price ($356,700) is challenging; you'll likely be in a bidding war. Rent is also high for the area, as it's a popular spot for commuters who can't afford pricier towns closer to Boston.

Verdict: If you're looking to buy, San Antonio offers far more house for your money. Derry is tougher and more expensive to crack into.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• San Antonio: Brutal. The city is geographically vast, and public transit (VIA) is limited. The average commute is 26 minutes, but that can easily double during rush hour on I-35 or Loop 1604. You will drive. A lot.
• Derry CDP: Much better. It's a commuter town, so roads are designed for flow to Manchester (approx. 20 mins) or Nashua (approx. 25 mins). The average commute is 28 minutes, but it's more predictable. You can also hop on the Amtrak Downeaster for trips to Boston or Portland.

Winner: Derry CDP for less soul-crushing daily commutes.

Weather

• San Antonio: Hot. Very hot. Summers are long, humid, and consistently in the 90s-100s from May to September. Winters are mild (rarely below freezing), but spring and fall are pleasant. The biggest drawback is the oppressive heat for about 5 months a year.
• Derry CDP: Four distinct seasons. Summers are idyllic (75-85°F), falls are stunning, winters bring snow (avg. 50-60 inches), and springs are muddy. You need a wardrobe for four seasons and a snow blower.

Winner: Subjective. If you hate snow and cold, San Antonio. If you hate oppressive heat and humidity, Derry.

Crime & Safety

Let's be blunt. This is a stark contrast.

• San Antonio: Violent crime rate is 798.0 per 100,000. This is significantly higher than the national average. You must be savvy about neighborhoods; safety varies block by block.
• Derry CDP: Violent crime rate is 146.4 per 100,000. This is below the national average and exceptionally safe. You can leave your door unlocked (maybe).

Winner: Derry CDP, decisively. The safety difference is massive.

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🏆 THE VERDICT: Who Wins Each Category?

Category	Winner	Why
Housing Affordability	San Antonio	Drastically lower home prices and rent. More bang for your buck.
Job Market & Income	Derry CDP	Higher median income and proximity to Boston's economic engine.
Daily Commute	Derry CDP	Less traffic, more predictable routes to major job centers.
Safety	Derry CDP	Crime stats are in a different league. A clear, data-driven win.
Weather (Ease)	Derry CDP	Avoids the extreme heat and humidity of a Texas summer.
Culture & Activity	San Antonio	Endless festivals, dining, history, and big-city entertainment.

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Final Recommendations: Where Should YOU Live?

🏆 Winner for Families: San Antonio
Why? Affordability is king. You can buy a larger home in a good school district for a fraction of the cost in Derry. The city is packed with family-friendly activities (zoos, Six Flags, museums, parks), and the culture is vibrant and welcoming. The trade-off is safety and traffic, but for many families, the math simply works better in Texas.

🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Derry CDP
Why? Safety, proximity, and quality of life. If you're a remote worker or commute to Manchester/Boston, Derry offers a safe, quiet home base without the big-city chaos. The higher median income and access to a robust job market (tech, healthcare, finance) in Southern NH are huge pluses. The social scene is quieter, but that's often a pro for this demographic.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Derry CDP
Why? Safety, four-season beauty, and manageable scale. Retirees often prioritize safety and a slower pace. Derry's low crime rate, scenic autumns, and lack of extreme heat are ideal. While property taxes in NH are high (no income tax means they rely on property taxes), the overall quality of life for a retiree seeking peace is superior. San Antonio's heat and traffic can be challenging for older adults.

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The Pros & Cons: At a Glance

San Antonio

Pros:

• ✅ Significantly cheaper housing (buy & rent)
• ✅ Vibrant culture & endless entertainment
• ✅ 0% state income tax
• ✅ Major airport hub (SAT)
• ✅ Great for large families

Cons:

• ❌ High violent crime rate (neighborhood-dependent)
• ❌ Brutal summer heat & humidity
• ❌ Heavy traffic and long commutes
• ❌ Fewer high-paying jobs outside military/healthcare

Derry CDP

Pros:

• ✅ Very low crime & safe community
• ✅ Higher median income & job access
• ✅ Four-season climate (no extreme heat)
• ✅ Manageable commutes to major cities
• ✅ Beautiful New England scenery

Cons:

• ❌ Expensive housing & high rent
• ❌ Cold, snowy winters (maintenance required)
• ❌ High property taxes
• ❌ Smaller town, fewer amenities & cultural events

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The Bottom Line:
This is a choice between affordability and energy (San Antonio) vs. safety and serenity (Derry). If your budget is tight and you crave a bustling, cultural life, San Antonio is calling your name. If you can handle the higher costs for a safer, quieter, and more balanced lifestyle in a stunning part of the country, Derry CDP is your winner. Run your own numbers, visit if you can, and trust your gut. Good luck.