Arlington vs Derry CDP

Category / Metric	Arlington	Derry CDP
Financial Overview
Median Income	$69,208	$88,901
Unemployment Rate	4%	3%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$334,500	$356,700
Price per SqFt	$177	$null
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,384	$1,506
Housing Cost Index	117.8	148.2
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	105.0	104.7
Gas Price (Gallon)	$2.35	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	456.0	146.4
Bachelor's Degree+	33%	34%
Air Quality (AQI)	35	43

Arlington vs. Derry CDP: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

Alright, let’s cut through the noise. You’re trying to decide between Arlington, Virginia, and Derry, New Hampshire (CDP). This isn't just picking a dot on a map; it's choosing a lifestyle. One is a massive, high-energy suburb of D.C.; the other is a quiet, picturesque town in New England. The data paints a stark picture, but the real story is in the trade-offs. Grab your coffee, and let's break down which one is actually worth your hard-earned cash.

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The Vibe Check: Metro Hustle vs. New England Charm

Arlington is the definition of an urban suburb. It’s a concrete jungle of high-rises, buzzing Metro stations, and a population of nearly 400,000. The vibe here is ambitious, transient, and incredibly diverse. You’re not just living near D.C.; you’re in the thick of the political and tech corridor. Think: young professionals in suits, families squeezing in townhomes, and a nightlife that runs later than most suburbs dream of. It’s for the career-driven, the urbanite who wants city amenities without the full D.C. price tag.

Derry CDP is a classic New England town with a population of just 21,668. It’s the "Litchfield" of the data world—quaint, slower-paced, and deeply rooted in community. You’re looking at historic districts, local diners, and a skyline dominated by church steeples, not skyscrapers. The vibe is family-oriented, quiet, and seasonal. It’s for those who value space, silence, and a four-season climate. If Arlington is a sprint, Derry is a leisurely stroll. It’s perfect for the escape artist who wants city access (Boston is ~45 mins away) without the daily chaos.

Who is it for?

• Arlington: The go-getter. The person who lives for the energy, the networking, and the convenience of a major metro. You’re trading square footage for proximity.
• Derry: The homesteader. The person who wants a backyard, a strong sense of community, and a quieter life. You’re trading convenience for space and tranquility.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Really Go?

This is where the rubber meets the road. You need to know your "purchasing power"—what your paycheck can actually buy you in these two very different markets.

First, let's look at the raw cost of living data. (Note: Derry CDP data is specific to the Census Designated Place, which can differ slightly from the broader town of Derry, but it's our best snapshot).

Category	Arlington, VA	Derry CDP, NH	The Insight
Median Income	$69,208	$88,901	Derry has a higher median income, but that’s only half the story.
Median Home Price	$334,500	$356,700	Arlington wins by a hair, but both are in the same ballpark for entry-level homes.
Rent (1BR)	$1,384	$1,506	Derry rents are surprisingly higher. This screams "limited rental inventory."
Housing Index	117.8	148.2	Winner: Arlington. Derry's index is 26% higher, meaning housing is significantly more expensive relative to the national average.
Weather	61.0°F (Avg)	48.0°F (Avg)	Arlington is milder; Derry is colder. This impacts heating bills and lifestyle.

The Salary Wars: The $100k Test
Let’s say you earn $100,000 a year. Where does it feel like more?

• In Arlington: You’re earning $30k above the median. You can afford a nicer apartment, maybe even a small condo. But your income tax bill is a killer. Virginia has a progressive state income tax (top rate 5.75%). After federal and state taxes, your take-home is roughly $72,000. Your rent eats about 23% of your take-home, leaving you with plenty for other expenses, but you’re not saving for a mansion.
• In Derry: You’re earning $11k above the median. New Hampshire has no state income tax and no sales tax. That’s a massive win. Your take-home on $100k is closer to $77,000. However, property taxes are brutal—they fund the state's operations. The effective tax rate can be 1.5% to 2.5% of your home’s value. So, on a $350k home, you’re paying $5,250 to $8,750 a year in property taxes alone.

Verdict on Purchasing Power: It’s a tie, but for different reasons.

• Arlington offers higher public transit savings (no car needed for many) and milder weather (lower heating bills), but the state income tax eats into your paycheck.
• Derry lets you keep more of your paycheck, but higher property taxes and the need for a car (gas, insurance, maintenance) can offset that. The higher Housing Index suggests you get less house for your money here.

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The Housing Market: Buying vs. Renting

Arlington’s Market: It’s a Seller’s Market. With limited land and massive demand from D.C. workers, inventory is tight. The median home price of $334,500 is misleading—it likely represents condos and townhomes. Detached single-family homes in desirable school districts can easily hit $700k+. Renting is popular because it’s flexible, but expect fierce competition for decent units. The Housing Index of 117.8 confirms it’s pricey, but it’s a known quantity for the region.

Derry’s Market: Also a Seller’s Market, but for different reasons. Low inventory and a desire for New England charm drive prices up. The $356,700 median price gets you a single-family home, but it might be an older property needing updates. The Housing Index of 148.2 is the red flag here—it’s significantly more inflated relative to the national average. Renting is actually harder here (higher rent, lower availability) because most people buy. If you’re not ready to commit to a mortgage, Derry might be a tough pill to swallow.

Bottom Line: If you’re a renter, Arlington has more options (though competitive). If you’re a buyer, both are competitive, but Derry’s higher index suggests you’re paying a premium for that New England lifestyle.

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The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

Traffic & Commute

• Arlington: This is the D.C. nightmare. While Arlington itself has excellent Metro access (Orange, Blue, Silver lines), commuting into D.C. or across the region can be soul-crushing. Traffic is legendary. If you work from home, this is less of an issue. If you commute to the Pentagon or D.C., you’re in the thick of it.
• Derry: The traffic is minimal, but the commute is longer. You’re likely driving to Manchester (15 mins) or Boston (45-60 mins). I-93 can be a bottleneck, but it’s nothing compared to the Capital Beltway. For local needs, it’s a breeze.

Weather

• Arlington: Humid summers (90°F+), mild winters (snow is occasional but disruptive). You get four distinct seasons, but the summer humidity is a force to be reckowned with.
• Derry: Classic New England. Cold, snowy winters (48°F average is misleading; it’s 25°F in Jan, 70°F in July). You need a serious winter wardrobe and a snow-ready car. The fall foliage is unbeatable, but winter is long and gray.

Crime & Safety

• Arlington: Violent Crime: 456.0/100k. This is above the national average. While many areas are very safe, the higher number reflects urban density. You need to be street-smart. Property crime is also a concern.
• Derry: Violent Crime: 146.4/100k. This is well below the national average. It’s one of the safest places in the region. If safety is your top priority, Derry wins in a landslide.

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The Final Verdict: Who Wins Each Category?

After crunching the numbers and weighing the lifestyles, here’s the final breakdown.

Winner for Families: Arlington

Why: The data is close, but Arlington’s edge is in education and infrastructure. Arlington Public Schools are consistently top-ranked in Virginia and nationally. The diverse, high-achieving environment is a huge draw. While Derry’s schools are good, Arlington’s system is a powerhouse. The trade-off? You’ll pay more in state income tax and deal with more traffic, but you’re buying into a world-class school district without the insane price tag of D.C. proper.

Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Arlington

Why: It’s not even a contest. Arlington is built for this demographic. The career opportunities in tech, government, and consulting are unparalleled. The social scene is vibrant, from Clarendon’s bars to the food trucks at Whole Foods. You can live without a car, which is a massive freedom (and cost) saver. Derry is too quiet, too family-centric for most young singles. Arlington’s energy is the clear winner here.

Winner for Retirees: Derry CDP

Why: Derry takes this category. The lower violent crime rate (146.4/100k), lack of state income tax, and more affordable property taxes (relative to income tax savings) make it a financial win for fixed incomes. The slower pace of life, four-season beauty, and strong sense of community are ideal for retirement. Arlington’s hustle and bustle, higher cost of living, and traffic are less appealing for those looking to slow down.

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Pros & Cons: The At-a-Glance Summary

Arlington, VA

Pros:

• World-Class Careers: Proximity to D.C. jobs in government, tech, and consulting.
• Top-Ranked Schools: Arlington Public Schools are a major asset for families.
• Urban Amenities: Walkable neighborhoods, diverse dining, cultural institutions.
• Transit Access: Excellent Metro connectivity reduces car dependency.
• Milder Winters: Less snow and ice than New England.

Cons:

• High Cost of Living: State income tax and overall expenses are steep.
• Traffic & Commute: D.C.-area traffic is notoriously bad.
• Urban Crime: Violent crime rate is significantly higher than Derry’s.
• Space: You get less square footage for your money; yards are small.
• Competitive Housing: Both buying and renting are highly competitive.

Derry CDP, NH

Pros:

• Safety: Very low violent crime rate (146.4/100k).
• Tax Friendly: No state income or sales tax (a huge plus for retirees).
• Space & Nature: More land, larger homes, and beautiful New England scenery.
• Community Feel: Tight-knit, family-oriented atmosphere.
• Proximity to Boston: Easy access to a major city without the daily grind.

Cons:

• Harsh Winters: Long, cold, snowy winters require preparation and patience.
• Higher Housing Index: 148.2 means you pay a premium for the locale.
• Car Dependency: You almost certainly need a car for daily life.
• Fewer Job Opportunities: Local job market is smaller; commuting is often necessary.
• Limited Rentals: The rental market is tiny and expensive.

The Bottom Line: Choose Arlington if your career is your priority, you crave urban energy, and you can handle the costs and traffic. Choose Derry if you prioritize safety, space, and a quieter life, and you’re ready to embrace New England winters for the sake of tax savings and community. Your decision hinges on one question: Do you want a career hub or a haven?