Located along the Wabash River, Peru, Indiana is a small city of north central Indiana. With a population of around 11,000 residents, its economy is supported by a variety of industries ranging from the Duke Hospital System to Smithfield Packaged Meats. The city is also known as the tribal headquarters for the Miami Nation and is home to the world’s only remaining manufacturer of steam calliopes – a musical instrument made of large whistles. The steam calliope remains important to Peru because of the area's former role as the winter headquarters for circus acts, like that of Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. Today, Peru showcases this history through its International Circus Hall of Fame and related events. “It’s a town full of good people,” Rebekah Slack of Miles Realty Group says. “And there’s a lot of good that Peru has to offer its citizens and visitors, and there’s a lot of good coming to Peru.”
Peru sits along the edge of the Wabash River.
Peru showcases it's history through its International Circus Hall of Fame and related events.
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Peru housing markets on the rise, but still far below national median
Slack says housing affordability is one of the things that draws people to Peru and one of the reasons many houses don’t stay on the market for too long. “Anything between $100,000 and $150,000 gets snatched up pretty quickly,” she says. The median home price in Peru is $133,000, which is far below the national median. Housing styles in Peru range from Colonial Revivals and cottages to bungalows and saltbox designs. Most homes here fall within the $100,000 to $300,000 range and while home prices remain relatively low, Slack says they are rising a bit. Home prices stagnated in Peru from the mid-2000s to recent years, and they’re now making a “market correction,” she says.
Most homes in Peru fall within the $100,000 to $300,000 range.
Housing styles in Peru range from Colonial Revivals and cottages to bungalows and saltbox designs.
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Peru Amateur Circus Festival celebrates city’s history
While circuses may no longer migrate to Peru for the winter, the city still honors its place in circus history every July with the Peru Amateur Circus Festival and Parade. This eight-day festival features 10 circus performances and over 200 amateur circus performers. “Some of the acts are very daring,” Slack says. “As a mother, I get a little apprehensive watching the kids flip around in the air or walk on tightropes.” There are also carnival rides, vendors, food and a parade. Some years, the festival also includes performances on historic calliopes.
Riverside parks and walking trails, plus Frances Slocum State Forest
A lot of Peru's outdoor recreation is found along the riverfront. At the aptly named Peru Riverwalk Park, a paved walking trail runs parallel to the Wabash River and the site also features a skate park and pickleball courts too. Nearby, West City Park, has a playground and baseball fields. Peru also borders the Frances Slocum State Forest, which features 515 acres of forest landscape. It’s popular with hikers, hunters, anglers and mushroom hunters. There’s also an equestrian trail.
Peru's Riverwalk features pickleball courts.
The skate park at Peru's Riverwalk Park is a busy place on a warm sunny day.
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Coffee shop and pancake house are popular in Peru
Downtown Peru is lively and local businesses, cocktail lounges, cafes and restaurants line its street. Slack says Aroma Coffee Shop and Gabriel’s Pancake House are two popular breakfast spots, while Garden Gate Café is a good spot for lunch. For dinner, she says Legend’s Cocktail Lounge has some of the best food in town, serving up dishes like seafood ravioli, filet kabobs and a wide selection of burgers.
Peru's Garden Gate Café is a favorite spot for locals to grab lunch.
Legend’s Cocktail Lounge has some of the best food in Peru, serving up dishes like seafood ravioli, filet kabobs and a wide selection of burgers.
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Highway access gives Peru quick access to Fort Wayne, Indianapolis
Peru is located near the junction of state highways 24 and 31, which connects to Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, respectively. Fort Wayne International is the closest airport to the city, 55 miles away, and offers flights to Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul and St. Petersburg and Punta Gorda in Florida. Indianapolis International Airport offers additional commercial flights and is 87 miles away. The closest hospital is Dukes Memorial Hospital, in downtown.
Peru Community Schools system offers solid schools for students
Peru is part of the Peru Community Schools system, which earns an overall B rating from Niche. There’s one school for students in prekindergarten through second grade, one school for students in third through sixth grades, and a combined junior/senior high school for grades seven through 12. Peru High School has an 86% graduation rate and a 17:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Peru High School receives an overall Niche grade of B-.
Elmwood Primary Learning Center receives an overall Niche grade of A-.
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Tornados and flooding are risks in Peru
As is common throughout the state of Indiana, Peru does experience its share of tornados. While not as frequent or intense as storms in Tornado Alley, they do occur here. Slack says that its her perception that the southside of the county seems to experience more tornados than Peru. There's also flood risk here. While the construction of the Mississinewa Dam has substantially mitigated the problem, the city's still at risk because of its proximity to the Wabash River. Recent crime data is not readily available for Peru.
Written By
Tanner Harding
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On average, homes in Peru, IN sell after 54 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Peru, IN over the last 12 months is $141,250, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bath home is close to dining and shopping in Peru, and carries the character of a turn-of-the-century build with original woodwork and a built-in cabinet in the dining room. Working transoms, some antique light fixtures, and claw-foot tub in large, main-level bathroom. Main-level laundry area. Abundant natural light coming from vinyl replacement windows throughout. Huge
Motivated Seller!! A Ranch home w/full walk out basement for so much more living space. Home features 3 bedrm on the main level, full bath w/a double sink vanity. Basement has a room some use as a bedrm but the window is not an Ingress/Egress, could be changed to one, but is not currently. Main level completes with Kitchen w/all stainless steal appliances included, Dining room, living room. Step
Welcome to this 1.5 story home offering 3 bedrooms & 1.5 baths. The main level includes a family rm, kitchen, dining room, master bedroom, full bath & a bonus area- providing endless possibilities for a home office, playroom or hobby area. This home offers a newer furnace & hot water heater and a well maintained heat pump/AC. With a little TLC, you can make this your "Home Sweet Home."
***Back on market, due to no fault of seller.*** Want some fabulous country living close to Peru? This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home on over an acre is ideal for a mini farm with a fenced-in portion of the yard, animal hutches, fruit trees, and shade trees. Close to the Nickel Plate Trail & Little Pipe Creek, and with several outbuildings to accommodate a workshop, hobbies, or wheels. New metal roof on
Move right in to a charming home close to the center of Peru! 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, and a large side yard. Features a vintage sink & cabinet in kitchen and a large front porch. Extra room off kitchen could be another bedroom or a large pantry. Full, dry basement. 3-car, detached garage. HVAC about 4 years old.
Welcome home to this bright and well-maintained two-bedroom, one-bath property located in a charming small-town setting. Natural light pours in through the many windows, highlighting the open living and dining areas that provide a comfortable and inviting space for everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen is efficient and thoughtfully designed, offering generous counter space and abundant
Updated, move-in ready, and waiting for you to enjoy the spacious lot and wrap-around porch! Featuring 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, a large, eat-in kitchen, and a main-level laundry area. Painted brick exterior. New flooring, new paint, new lighting; new water heater; and vinyl replacement windows. Motivated seller!
Bring your country living dreams to life with plenty of space for outdoor recreation and indoor coziness on almost 4 acres of privacy! The inside of the stately home is gleaming with refinished wood floors, crown molding, wainscoting, arched doorways, the original front door, and new paint throughout, and abundant natural light from vinyl replacement windows. 3 bedrooms, one on the main level,
This conveniently located 0.71+/- acre residential lot is ready for a home! Situated just west of Peru in the Wabash River Estates this lot offers a storage barn and electric and natural gas hook-up nearby. This property’s prime location offers quick access to the town of Peru as well as access to US-31 which will lead to Rochester to the north or Kokomo to the south.
Welcome home to 506 E Main St in Peru, Indiana...completely remodeled and truly move-in ready. This beautifully updated home offers peace of mind with updated furnace and central air system. Modern finishes shine throughout, highlighted by a stunning gold stainless farmhouse sink that adds a touch of elegance to the kitchen. The home features spacious bedrooms with plenty of room to relax, along
Escape to this Charming, 2010 sq. ft., Spacious 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Ranch Nestled on a Peaceful One-Acre Lot in the Country. This Home Boasts an Open-Concept Design Featuring a Stunning Great Room with a Vaulted Ceiling, and Gorgeous Country Views along with a Family Room Perfect for Gatherings and Everyday Comfort. The Functionality Continues with a Large Basement Offering Ample Storage or
Welcome to this inviting 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offering 1,240 sq. ft. of comfortable living space. The main level includes two well-sized bedrooms, while the third bedroom is located in the basement (no egress window), providing excellent flexibility for a guest room, office, or hobby area. Step outside to enjoy the fenced yard, perfect for pets and play. A spacious deck extends your living and
Welcome to our newly remodeled apartments in Peru, IN! Situated in a convenient location, these apartments offer a comfortable and modern living experience. Each unit comes equipped with a stove, refrigerator, and microwave, making it easy to prepare meals and entertain guests. The stainless steel appliances add a touch of elegance to the space. With the recent remodel, you'll enjoy updated
Nestled in the serene embrace of lush woods and expansive green spaces, Millstone Apartments offers the perfect balance of nature and convenience. Our spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments are designed for comfort and modern living, with big floorplans and natural light.
Wabash River Commons is a new community offering great amenities with views that overlook the Wabash river and is conveniently located right next to the Peru YMCA.
The feeling of home is clearly evident here at Hilltop Ridge. Beautifully landscaped grounds welcome you to this multi-family community. Once inside on of our spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartment homes, you will see patios or balconies for relaxation, expansive bedrooms, convenient washer/dryer hookups, and spacious living accommodations.This is located in the Maconaquah School
Property Id: 913482Are you searching for your new place to live? Just FOLLOW these steps to END YOUR SEARCH. 1. CALL 2. SCHEDULE a TOUR3. ATTEND the TOUR4. SUBMIT a RENTAL APPLICATION(s).5. Wait patiently while we verify it MEETS our BASIC RENTAL REQUIRMENTS such as, an applicant's monthly income MUST BE 3Xs 1 month's rent or an applicant CANNOT have any FELONIES.
Property Id: 496788Tired of living in an apartment with folks above, below, and on the sides of you? Tired of communal areas putting your health at risk in today’s pandemic world? Want to have your own yard? Want to have your own home? Let us assist you in getting you what you want! Call us TODAY at ! WE HAVE the HOME for YOU! Move into a 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom home today and leave the
Property Id: 581442Are you searching for your new place to live? Just FOLLOW these steps to END YOUR SEARCH. 1. CALL 2. SCHEDULE a TOUR3. ATTEND the TOUR4. SUBMIT a RENTAL APPLICATION(s).5. Wait patiently while we verify it MEETS our BASIC RENTAL REQUIRMENTS such as, an applicant's monthly income MUST BE 3Xs 1 month's rent or an applicant CANNOT have any FELONIES.
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