Derry NH

Derry – Nestled in the heart of southern New Hampshire, Derry blends small-town charm with rich historical roots and scenic beauty. Known as the "Spacetown" for being the hometown of astronaut Alan Shepard, Derry offers a peaceful suburban lifestyle with quick access to outdoor adventures and cultural gems. Whether you're strolling through local parks, enjoying the vibrant arts scene, or diving into New England traditions, Derry is full of welcoming surprises.

• Population: ~34,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; cold, snowy winters and warm, sunny summers (20–85°F)
• Places To Visit: Robert Frost Farm Historic Site, Hoodkroft Country Club, Alexander-Carr Park, Derry Opera House, Beaver Lake
• Top Activities: Ice skating in winter, boating on Beaver Lake, hiking scenic trails, attending summer concerts, exploring historic landmarks
• Famous Food: Maple-glazed donuts from Derry Diner, seafood platters from Lobster Claw II, and fresh-baked breads at Rig A’Tony’s

Derry, New Hampshire is a growing town with a strong local economy supported by healthcare, education, retail, and skilled trade industries. Its proximity to larger cities such as Manchester and Boston helps expand job opportunities for its residents. Below are some of the top in-demand jobs in Derry today.

Top 5 Jobs in Derry, NH

Derry, NH, may be a small town, but it's packed with great spots for students to unwind and have fun. Whether you prefer outdoor activities, good food, or kicking back with friends, Derry has something just for you.

MacGregor Park – A perfect place for students to relax, have a picnic, or even join in on seasonal events. It's a great spot for enjoying some fresh air and camaraderie amidst a busy schedule.

Gallien’s Town Beach – When the weather is nice, this serene beach offers students a great place to swim, sunbathe, and hang out with friends by the water.

The Coffee Factory – A cozy café perfect for sipping a coffee, catching up on some reading, or having conversations with friends. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it a student favorite.

Hoodkroft Country Club – For students who love golf, this is a great spot to play a relaxing round of golf or just enjoy the beautiful greens and surroundings.

Tupelo Music Hall – Offering great live music and events, this venue is perfect if you’re looking to enjoy a night out with friends and experience some local entertainment.

The Pinkerton Tavern – This historic spot combines a rich history with a relaxed setting, making it an ideal place for students to enjoy a good meal and chill vibes.

Frost Farm Gallery – For students interested in arts and crafts, this gallery provides a charming venue for appreciating local artwork and potentially discovering new interests.

Derry, New Hampshire, offers easy access to several respected colleges and universities within a short drive. While the town itself is small, it benefits from its proximity to larger cities like Manchester and the Boston metro area, making it an excellent location for higher education opportunities.

Top Public Colleges & Universities Near Derry, NH

University of New Hampshire (UNH) – Located in Durham, about 45 minutes from Derry, UNH is the state's flagship public university. It offers strong programs in engineering, business, health sciences, and marine biology.

Plymouth State University – A well-regarded public university known for its education, business, and meteorology programs. It's located northwest of Derry and offers a close-knit campus experience.

Keene State College – Part of the University System of New Hampshire, Keene State is known for its liberal arts education, film production, and safety and occupational health programs.

Manchester Community College (MCC) – Just a short drive from Derry, MCC offers two-year associate degrees and certificate programs in areas such as nursing, computer science, business, and automotive technology.

Nashua Community College – Located less than 30 minutes from Derry, Nashua Community College offers affordable, hands-on programs in fields like engineering technology, aviation, and healthcare.

Top Private Colleges & Universities Near Derry, NH

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – A nationally recognized private university located in Manchester, SNHU is known for its online degree programs and strong offerings in business, education, and information technology.

Franklin Pierce University – With campuses around New Hampshire including near Manchester, Franklin Pierce offers flexible programs in healthcare, business, law, and education, both in-person and online.

Saint Anselm College – Located in Manchester, just 20 minutes from Derry, Saint Anselm is a Catholic liberal arts college known for political science, nursing, and the humanities.

Rivier University – Based in Nashua, Rivier offers programs in nursing, education, and psychology with a mission focused on service and leadership in both undergraduate and graduate study.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) – Manchester Campus – Just a short drive from Derry, MCPHS provides specialized healthcare degrees in nursing, physical therapy, and pharmacy, making it ideal for students pursuing careers in medicine.

Derry, NH offers excellent high school options for families seeking quality education. Whether you're looking for strong public schools or outstanding private institutions, Derry provides students with the tools to succeed in college and beyond.

Top Public High Schools In Derry, NH

• Pinkerton Academy – Although it operates as a private school, Pinkerton Academy serves as the public high school for Derry. It offers over 320 courses, including AP and Dual Enrollment classes, and excels in both academics and extracurricular programs.
• Windham High School – Located just outside Derry, this newer high school is known for academic rigor, modern facilities, and a variety of athletic and arts programs.
• Salem High School – Serving nearby Salem, this public high school offers strong STEM and career-focused programs, along with a state-certified culinary arts program.
• Londonderry High School – A short drive from Derry, this high school’s academic achievements, high graduation rates, and robust music and arts departments make it a top choice.
• Timberlane Regional High School – Located in Plaistow, Timberlane serves students in nearby towns and is known for highly rated academics, theater, and music programs.

Top Private High Schools In Derry, NH

• Pinkerton Academy – As a unique hybrid school, Pinkerton combines the resources of a private institution with the responsibilities of a public high school. It offers a college-like campus experience to about 3,000 students.
• The Derryfield School, Manchester – About 20 minutes from Derry, this independent, college-prep school focuses on academic excellence, character development, and leadership skills.
• Bishop Guertin High School, Nashua – A Catholic, co-ed private high school known for its strong academics and values-based education with a wide range of AP and honors courses.
• Trinity High School, Manchester – A well-respected Catholic school offering competitive academics, athletics, and faith-based learning in a supportive environment.
• Mount Saint Mary Academy, Manchester – A private, all-girls high school emphasizing academic excellence, leadership, and personal development.

Derry, New Hampshire is a vibrant community known for its local pride and strong support for regional sports. While the town itself does not host any major professional sports teams, Derry residents cheer passionately for several nearby teams. Located just a short drive from Boston, Derry is within easy reach of some of the most historic and successful franchises in American sports.

🏀 Basketball – Boston Celtics (NBA)

• Boston Celtics – As one of the most iconic basketball teams in NBA history, the Celtics have won 17 NBA championships, tied with the Los Angeles Lakers for the most in league history. Legendary players like Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Paul Pierce, and Jayson Tatum have all made their mark in Boston. Many Derry residents are loyal Celtics fans, often traveling to TD Garden for games.

⚾ Baseball – Boston Red Sox (MLB)

• Boston Red Sox – Hailing from Fenway Park, the oldest stadium in Major League Baseball, the Red Sox have won 9 World Series titles. Famous for ending their 86-year championship drought in 2004, the team has since remained competitive. Stars like David Ortiz, Pedro Martinez, Mookie Betts, and more recently, Rafael Devers have thrilled fans across New England, including many in Derry.

🏈 Football – New England Patriots (NFL)

• New England Patriots – Based in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the Patriots are one of the NFL’s modern dynasties. Under the leadership of head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady, the team won 6 Super Bowl titles (2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, 2018). Derry residents are among the team's most dedicated fans, making game days a big event in households and local bars alike.

⚽ Soccer – New England Revolution (MLS)

• New England Revolution – Also based in Foxborough, the Revolution are one of the original founding teams of Major League Soccer. While they have reached the MLS Cup Final multiple times, they are still in search of their first title. With rising talents and a loyal regional fanbase, the Revolution continue to grow in popularity around towns like Derry.

🏒 Hockey – Boston Bruins (NHL)

• Boston Bruins – One of the “Original Six” franchises of the NHL, the Bruins have won 6 Stanley Cups, most recently in 2011. Known for their tough, physical play style and loyal fans, the Bruins command strong support throughout New England. Players like Bobby Orr, Ray Bourque, Patrice Bergeron, and David Pastrňák have become household names in places like Derry.

Derry, New Hampshire might be a small town, but it's full of charm and history. With its quaint streets and friendly vibe, Derry has more to it than meets the eye. Here are 10 fun facts about this unique New England gem:

1. Birthplace of Alan Shepard – Derry is the hometown of Alan B. Shepard Jr., the first American in space!
2. Pinkerton Academy’s Legacy – Founded in 1814, Pinkerton Academy is one of the oldest private schools in the U.S. and still serves as the public high school for Derry.
3. Robert Frost’s Farm – Famous poet Robert Frost lived and farmed in Derry from 1900 to 1911. His home is now a historic site open to visitors.
4. Oldest Summer Theater – Derry is home to the New England Center for the Performing Arts, one of the oldest summer theaters in the region.
5. A Town of Many Lakes – Derry boasts several lakes and ponds, including the popular Beaver Lake, perfect for fishing and kayaking.
6. Stephen King Connection – Derry, NH inspired the fictional town of “Derry, Maine” in many of Stephen King’s horror stories, including "It."
7. Second Largest Town – Though it feels like a quiet town, Derry is actually the fourth most populous community in New Hampshire that’s not officially a city.
8. “Space Town” Nickname – Because of Alan Shepard’s legacy, Derry is often lovingly nicknamed “Space Town” by locals.
9. A Hub for Aviation – Derry is close to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, making travel easy for visitors and residents alike.
10. Strong Community Vibe – The annual Derryfest, a local celebration packed with food, music, and games, brings the whole town together every September!