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Derry, NH

Frequently asked questions

Derry, NH

Derry is a town in Rockingham County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 34,317 at the 2020 census. Although it is a town and not a city, Derry is the most populous community in Rockingham County and the 4th most populous in the state. The town's nickname, "Spacetown", derives from the fact that Derry is the birthplace of Alan Shepard, the first astronaut from the United States in space. Derry was also for a time the home of the poet Robert Frost and his family.

The Derry census-designated place, with a 2020 population of 22,879, occupies the central part of the town, extending from Derry's downtown in the west to the town of Hampstead in the east. The town also includes the village of East Derry.

Derry is in southern New Hampshire, in southwestern Rockingham County. It is 12 miles (19 km) southeast of Manchester, the state's largest city, and 16 miles (26 km) northwest of Lawrence, Massachusetts. The town is crossed by Interstate 93 and New Hampshire routes 28, 28 Bypass, and 102.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 36.3 square miles (94.0 km²), of which 35.5 square miles (91.9 km²) are land and 0.81 square miles (2.1 km²) are water, comprising 2.26% of the town. Derry is drained by Beaver Brook, a southward-flowing tributary of the Merrimack River. Island Pond is on the southeastern border of the town and drains to the Spicket River, another tributary of the Merrimack. A small section along the northern border of town drains north to the Exeter River, part of the Piscataqua River watershed. The highest point in the town is Warner Hill, at 605 feet (184 m) above sea level, where from the top one can see the Boston skyline on a clear day.

Derry's downtown is located near the town's western border at the intersection of Routes 102 and 28, and the village of East Derry is located approximately 2 miles (3 km) to the east and close to the geographic center of the town. Both areas are part of the Derry census-designated place.

The area was first settled by Scots-Irish families in 1719 as part of the town of Londonderry, as were present-day Windham and portions of Manchester, Salem and Hudson. The town of Derry was formed in 1827 from the eastern portion of Londonderry and was named, like Londonderry, after the city of Derry in Ireland, the Irish word Doire meaning "oak grove". The first potato planted in the United States was sown in Derry in the town's common field in 1719. The town is the location of two of America's oldest private schools, Pinkerton Academy, founded in 1814 and still in operation, and the closed Adams Female Seminary.

Derry places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, offering various resources and initiatives to promote overall well-being among its residents. The town is home to several healthcare facilities, including Parkland Medical Center, ensuring access to quality medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Derry Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include Simply Fit Fitness For Women, Zoo Gym and Breathe CrossFit. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Derry, such as the Windham Rail Trail and Derry Rail Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Derry, NH are Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site, Stockbridge Theatre Arts & Humanities Center, and Derry Dog Park.

Population: 34,248 (2023). ZIP code: 03038. Area code: 603. Elevation: 282 ft (86 m). Area: 36.3 sq mi (94.0 km²).

FAQs

What is Derry, NH famous for?

The town's nickname, "Spacetown", derives from the fact that Derry is the birthplace of Alan Shepard, the first astronaut from the United States in space. Derry was also for a time the home of the poet Robert Frost and his family. These connections to pioneering figures in space exploration and literature add to Derry's cultural richness and historical importance.

What is the ethnicity of Derry, NH?

Derry, NH is home to a population of 23k people, from which 98% are citizens. As of 2022, 5.2% of Derry, NH residents were born outside of the country (1.2k people). In 2022, there were 27.4 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (20.4k people) in Derry, NH than any other race or ethnicity. There were 747 White (Hispanic) and 559 Asian (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Is Derry, NH a good place to live?

Living in Derry offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Derry there are a lot of coffee shops and parks. Many young professionals live in Derry and residents tend to lean liberal.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Derry

Parkland Medical Center

Derry Parks and Recreation Department 

Simply Fit Fitness For Women

Zoo Gym 

Breathe CrossFit

Windham Rail Trail 

Derry Rail Trail

Robert Frost Farm State Historic Site

Stockbridge Theatre Arts & Humanities Center

Derry Dog Park

Data USA

Niche

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