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
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On average, homes in Peru, IN sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Peru, IN over the last 12 months is $139,950, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Cozy & Convenient! Don't miss this quaint brick, 3 bedroom, 1 bath home on a corner lot with a fenced in back yard. Enjoy bright and airy rooms with high ceilings, beautiful woodwork and wood doors. The kitchen boasts beautiful oak cabinets and a newer gas KitchenAid stove. Great enclosed back porch with separate gas heater, perfect for extra living or storage space. With a roof only 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
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
Completely remodeled home with incredible attention to detail! 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths close to shopping and dining in Peru and on a spacious, corner lot! Beautiful engineered hardwood floors and lots of natural light from vinyl replacement windows. Every room gutted and drywalled. New kitchen and appliances. Main level ensuite with large walk-in closet. Main level laundry. Heated and enclosed
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."
Welcome to your private country retreat! This beautiful 4-bedroom, 3 full bathroom home offers the perfect blend of modern updates and peaceful rural living. Step inside to find an updated kitchen and a spacious, inviting living room filled with natural light, perfect for group gatherings. Enjoy spacious bedrooms and extra living area perfect for a rec room or in-law suite. Outside, the property
Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 1-bath home, offering classic character, walkable convenience, and a cozy layout perfect for comfortable everyday living. Home is located in Hospital Hill neighborhood, this home sits just minutes from downtown amenities, parks, dining, and the courthouse square. This home has vintage charm and practical updates. Inside, you’ll find five finished rooms,
Spacious Home in Quiet Willow Creek Subdivision! Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home featuring an open-concept living, dining, and family room space perfect for entertaining. The updated primary bathroom adds a nice touch, while the large kitchen comes complete with a full appliance package. Enjoy outdoor living with a fenced backyard and two storage sheds to accommodate all your needs. Relax
Cute 3-bedroom, 1 bath ranch is located at the end of a cul-de-sac and sits on over .5 an acre that offers the convenience of town but feels like country. Kitchen boasts tile backsplash, tiled floors and full appliance package. Dining room has French style patio doors leading to the newer replaced deck. Attached garage and utility shed gives you room for all the extras. This home is Priced to
Built in 2021, this 2,176 sq ft home sits on 5.161 acres at the end of a long paved lane, offering privacy and scenic views. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and an open-concept layout, the home includes a fully applianced kitchen with walk-in pantry and a laundry room with washer and dryer. Additional features include a 24x40 attached finished 3-bay garage, fenced backyard, 12x20 shed, and a gas
Welcome to this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bath brick ranch offering 2,580 sq. ft. of comfortable living space, tucked away on a beautifully wooded 1-acre lot. Enjoy the warmth and character of the fireplace, complemented by generous living areas ideal for everyday living and entertaining. Unwind in the sunroom featuring a hot tub, or step outside to enjoy two decks, including one covered deck,
Charming 3-Bedroom, 2-Bath Home on over 1.5 Acres! Move right into this well maintained 3-bedroom, 2-full bath home featuring updates throughout. The roof, furnace, A/C, windows, plumbing, and electrical systems are all just 4 years old. Enjoy energy efficiency with spray foam insulation throughout. The home offers an open floor plan with over 1,400 sq. ft. of living space, perfect for family
Spacious duplex offering a total of 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms with basement, with each unit featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. With approximately 3,400 total square feet, this property provides about 1,700 square feet per unit, offering generous living space for tenants or owner-occupants alike. Detached garage is included and ready for your finishing touches or updates. Great opportunity
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: 2420189This newly remodeled 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers many updates, a bright interior, and comfortable living in a quiet, peaceful community. A great fit for anyone seeking a clean and move-in ready space.
Fully Renovated Historic Home with Sunroom & Garage – Flexible Lease OptionsStep into this beautifully restored 1870s two-story home offering nearly 2,000 sq. ft. of light-filled living space with 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Thoughtfully renovated with designer upgrades, the home blends historic character with modern comfort in a way rarely found in a rental.Flexible lease options
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