Derry, NH 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Nestled in the southern part of New Hampshire, Derry offers a quaint and charming atmosphere that is perfect for retirees. This bustling town provides the perfect balance between peaceful suburban living and an active lifestyle. Residents can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing, thanks to its proximity to the beautiful countryside. Derry's close proximity to Boston also provides easy access to world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Local resources for more information about visiting or moving:

• Visit New Hampshire
• Town of Derry, NH
• Greater Derry Londonderry Chamber of Commerce 
• Derry News 

Affordability and Cost of Living 

The cost of living in Derry is 13 percent higher than the national average. The median home price in Derry is around $415,500, which is higher than the national average but still reasonable considering the town's proximity to Boston. Prices for utilities, transportation, and groceries range from 1 to 21 percent higher than the national average but healthcare is about 17 percent lower than average. Property tax in Derry averages 1.74 percent of the home's fair market value.

There is no sales tax or income tax in New Hampshire, but dividends over $2,400 per person are subject to a 5 percent tax. New Hampshire has some of the highest property taxes in the country. The state of New Hampshire does not impose an estate tax or inheritance tax.

Climate and Geography 

The Derry area sees about 40 inches of rain per year, much of it falling during the months of June or July. Average winter temperatures range from the mid 20s to the low 40s Average snowfall in Derry is 60 inches with the highest chance of snow during the month of January. Summer in Derry is warm and humid with summer temperatures averaging between the mid 60s to mid 80s and around 70 percent humidity.

Derry is surrounded by forests and hills, with the Derry Rail Trail offering opportunities for scenic walks and bike rides. The nearby White Mountains, which offer some of the best hiking and skiing opportunities in New England. Derry is only a short 15 mile drive from the Atlantic Ocean, allowing residents to easily enjoy beautiful beaches and coastal towns. The nearby Merrimack River is also a popular spot for kayaking and fishing.  

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Derry is a wonderful place to live, work, and play, with a variety of recreational activities, cultural events, shopping, and entertainment options to suit a range of interests.

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Hoodkroft Country Club
• Beaver Meadow Golf Course
• Windham Country Club

Hiking, Biking, and Boating

• Rail Trail
• Alexander-Carr Park
• Island Pond Trail
• Hood Park
• Upper Rock Rim Trail

Museums and Historical Sites

• Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site
• Derry History Museum
• Marion Gerrish Community Center & Historical Museum
• Nutfield History Schoolhouse Museum

Performing Arts

• Derry Opera House
• Stockbridge Theatre
• Tupelo Music Hall
• Pinkerton Players Theatre Company

Shopping

• Derry Village Farmers Market
• The Mall at Rockingham Park
• Downtown Derry Marketplace
• Pinkerton Place Shopping Center

Parks and Gardens

• Don Ball Park
• Broadview Farm Conservation Area
• Adams Memorial Park
• Hood Park
• Alexander-Carr Park

Festivals and Fairs

• Derryfest
• Apple Fest
• Winter Fun Day
• Derry Homegrown Farm & Artisan Market

Health and Wellness 

Derry offers a range of options for health and wellness that would be of interest to 55+ active adults. The town is located near several major medical centers, including Parkland Medical Center and Elliot Hospital in nearby Manchester. For those seeking more information on local healthcare options, the website for Parkland Medical Center provides a range of resources, including a physician directory, health library, and patient portal. 

For those looking to keep fit, Derry has several fitness centers, yoga studios, and meditation centers. The town is also located near several parks and trails for walking, hiking, and biking. 

There are several farmers markets within a short distance of Derry, including the Londonderry Farmers Market and the Salem Farmers Market. These markets offer a range of fresh, locally grown produce and other artisanal products. 

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

If you are considering buying a home in a 55+ retirement community in Derry it's a great idea to visit and explore the area. Here's a two-day itinerary to help you get a feel for what the town has to offer:

Day One

Morning:

• Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Grind Rail Trail Cafe, known for their coffee, pastries, and breakfast sandwiches.
• Head to the Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site, the former home of the famous poet Robert Frost. Take a tour of the property and learn about the poet's life and work.

Afternoon:

• Enjoy a round of golf at Hoodkroft Country Club, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
• Visit the Derry Historical Society Museum, which showcases the town's rich history and culture.

Evening:

• Have dinner at Sabatino's North Restaurant, a family-owned Italian restaurant serving delicious food in a cozy atmosphere.

Day Two

Morning:

• Start the day with breakfast at MaryAnn's Diner, a local favorite for classic diner fare.
• Meet with a local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to discuss potential retirement communities in the area.

Afternoon:

• Visit the Taylor Mill State Historic Site to see the remains of a 19th century sawmill and gristmill. Take a stroll along the nearby nature trails for some fresh air and exercise.
• Spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful gardens at the nearby Bedrock Gardens.

Evening:

• Have a final dinner at Fody's Tavern, a classic New England-style restaurant that serves comfort food in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Getting to Derry, NH

Derry is conveniently located near major highways, making it easily accessible by car. The major highways into the area include:

• Interstate 93, which runs north and south through the state and connects to the greater Boston area to the south.
• Route 101, which runs east and west and connects to the New Hampshire seacoast and Manchester to the east, as well as to Keene and the Monadnock region to the west.

For those arriving by air, the nearest major airport is Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), which is located about 20 miles east of Derry. The airport is served by several major airlines, including Delta, Southwest, United, and American, with direct flights all over the world. The airport is the primary hub for Delta, which offers connecting flights to destinations throughout the United States and beyond. Visitors can also fly into Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), which is located approximately 45 miles south of Derry. Logan is a major hub airport, served by numerous airlines with non-stop flights to cities all over the world. From Logan, visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle service to Derry.

For those who prefer to travel by train or bus, the closest Amtrak train station is located in Boston, and the nearest bus station is in Manchester.