Peru offers peaceful living in the mountains
Situated high amongst the Green Mountains, Peru offers rural living close to outdoor attractions. The region’s elevation provides crisp air to breathe, something local broker Deke August says used to be a main reason people visited Bennington County. “Doctors used to tell people in New York with respiratory health issues to come here in the summer for the clean air,” says August, Broker for Wohler Realty Group, who’s been selling homes in the area since 1990. Originally called Bromley, the town’s name was changed in the early-1800s as part of an effort to attract more buyers. Needless to say, the name change didn’t work as the town’s population of 578 in 1840 is the largest it’s ever been. The town did eventually attract the attention of developers in the 1930s, who constructed the Bromley Mountain Ski Resort in the south end of town. During the offseason, Peru returns to being a quiet, rustic community in the mountains.
Traditional home styles on large lots
Homebuyers can find older, traditional-style homes like colonials and log cabins sitting along winding country roads. “The outlying areas are discretely developed with protection for a lot of forest around them,” says August. Most houses sit farther back from the roads with long driveways leading up to the property. Homes in Peru can have anywhere between a half-acre to 50 acres of land. Homes typically sell for $300,000 to $600,000, though the town’s largest homes usually go for $1 million to $1.5 million.
Exploring the town’s vast trails, Bromley Mountain Ski Resort
While there aren’t any parks in town, the whole area offers an open wilderness to explore. “Vermont at one time was 80-percent cleared land,” says August. “And now 150 years later, it’s closer to 80-percent forest and 20-percent cleared land." There are several trails in the north end, including the 1-mile Hapgood Nature Trail, the 1.4-mile Snow Goose Trail and the 3-mile Chickadee Trail. Just west of town, The Long Trail is a 21-mile trek to Styles Peak and Peru Peak. The trail also connects to the even longer Green Mountain Club, which runs for 127 miles. And in the south end of town, the Bromley Mountain Ski Resort offers over 45 slopes in the winter.
Highly-rated Stratton Mountain School
Students may start at Flood Brook School, which teaches kindergarten through eighth grade and gets a B from Niche. There aren't any public high schools in the nearest district, meaning Dorset relies on private schooling for later grade levels. The closest independent school, Stratton Mountain School, earns an A-plus and is ranked as one of the top high schools for STEM in Vermont.
Shopping and dining along Main Street
Along Main Street, JJ Hapgood General Store & Eatery offers packaged goods and hot foods. There’s also Bromley Market with baked goods and a deli. Johnny Seesaw’s is a locally owned restaurant with a menu that utilizes Vermont staples. Residents can also drive 10 miles west to Manchester for Shaw’s and Walgreens.
Peru Town Fair in September
The area's biggest event, the Peru Town Fair, is one of Vermont’s most popular festivals. The fair, which has been held since 1978, brings more than 6,000 people to town every year. Held in September, the fair features over 100 local craft vendors, live entertainment and a pig roast.
Commuting via Route 11
Peru is heavily car dependent. Commuters can travel 10 miles west on Vermont Route 11 to get to Manchester. Access to Interstate 91, which runs north to Canada and south to Massachusetts, is 30 miles east. The Southwestern Vermont Medical Center is located 33 miles south, while Albany International Airport is 69 miles west.
Important to Know
Due to Vermont’s unique climate, the state has a mud season that usually lasts from March to June. As the winter snow and frost melts, the area’s dirt is turned into muddy terrain. There are 22 miles of dirt roads throughout Peru, meaning commuters may encounter hazardous road conditions and complete road closures during mud season.
Written By
Logan Soter-Reardon
