Should I move to Derry?

[Trinity]

My family and I are looking at a home in Derry and from all the research I am doing on the area I am getting cold feet. I see drug problems, drinking problems etc. We have alot of faith in God and I dont want my children exposed to illegial activities. Can someone please tell me wether or not the town is a good place to raise 3 children who do good in school and enjoy sports? We are clean people and I want the best for my children, I figured this was the best place to ask.

[hgl]

I moved here in 2000. We have 4 children. Derry hasn't turned out to be what i thought it might have become. I anticipated increased property value with the developement of the area. There is real potential here. I just wish more people here would realize that. Most people are nice, i am sure there are places to avoid much like any town has. On the whole though, i am comfortable leaving my front door open while my wife and i take our youngest for a walk around town or to the playground. Our town has its problems of course. We also have our share of gossips and complainers. I do see though, especially with this last election, there are more wanting to get involved to make it better. That encourages me as i hope it does whoever else might read this. Derry has a rich history and a bright future.

[DeRito]

I have had many chances to LEAVE Derry Borough in my 53 years herein, but have chosen not to. YEs we have problems, and yes there is crime, drugs, and coruption, but bottom line most of the people are great to good people. The ultimate decision is yours, but for me, I am going to remain loyal to my town and continue my years here as the lord will provide for me and mine.

[scope55]

You can live in the school district but not in Derry proper. For example, cooperstown, clover hill, loyalhanna, new alexandria are not bad places to live at all. some nice newer homes in cooperstown area.

[Nathan]

YES! We need to attract more families and working people into the Derry Area. I grew up here and had chances to leave but chose to stay. Why? Because I like it here and despite the few negatives you cited, it's a great place to live. Also, I am trying to make it better place.

Don't listen to the majority of negative people on this website... Most of them like to complain but offer no solutions. A few are trying hard like Chuck DeRito (post above). Others are just armchair generals. Regardless, there are lots of really great people in the Derry area.

One thing that always makes me cringe is the negative way of thinking... "Why Derry?". Instead, we should be saying "Why not Derry?" We need to attract people to our area who are ready and willing to make positive contributions. Not everybody can run for office, but little things like volunteering for a church or charity or helping out with local athletics or whatever goes a long way in enhancing the area for everyone.

[Jim]

Derry is a fine area. Kids will make fun of the school: dairy-air ea butt who cares.

[Derry Res]

My answer to you on this would be NO. Derry is full of problems no matter what part of town you go to. Very High water and sewage rates that keep climbing even higher. Very high taxes for both the school district and the town. Special interest people that seem to get away with things while others are fined. A mayor and town council that does not listen to what the people want. I could go on and on as to why you won't want to live here.

[Third Ward Resident]

Wow, that's a conflicting question....I love my house and my neighbors but I would definitely not leave my door open to go for a walk around the block....Last year alone, we had someone break into one van and 5 months later tried unsuccessfully to steal our other one. While no one has tried to get into our home, I am fearful...

I hear a lot about drugs in our town but I must walk around with rose-colored sunglasses because I don't see it....I think our town could be a great place to live but we need to all work together to make it a better community for our children...

[Trinity]

Thank you all for your opinions, I greatly appreciate it. I am aware that every town has thier share of troubles, there is not "The Perfect Place" anywhere. I just really like the area

[Davidula]

But Mr. Derry himself (aka John Denny) left Derry! what does that say about the borough??

where is he anyways?

[Anther Derry Res]

Davidula wrote:

But Mr. Derry himself (aka John Denny) left Derry! what does that say about the borough??
where is he anyways?

Who cares where he is at! Those Denny's are nothing special and are nothing but as bunch of phonies.

[Davidula]

Anther Derry Res wrote:

<quoted text>
Who cares where he is at! Those Denny's are nothing special and are nothing but as bunch of phonies.

phonies? how so?