Why Live in Perry
Perry is an established and vibrant community located 40 miles from Downtown Des Moines. Known for its recreational and cultural experiences, Perry is flanked by the Raccoon River and boasts multiple parks and 89 miles of bike trails. The Dallas County Conservation's recent grant will connect the Raccoon River Trail with the High Trestle Trail, creating 180 miles of bike trail. Pattee Park, the largest in the area, offers a variety of amenities including sports fields, a skateboard park, and a dog park. Wiese Park features a nine-hole disc golf course, playgrounds, and lighted recreation trails. The walkable downtown area includes several historic listings, such as the Carnegie Library Museum and Hotel Pattee, which features themed guest rooms and a bowling center. Perry hosts the Annual BRR bike ride and a Fourth of July celebration with a parade and fireworks. Local dining options include Mex to You, Tin Pig Tavern, and Bett & Bevs BBQ. Perry's housing includes a mix of architectural styles from the early 1900s, with recent construction adding townhomes, duplexes, and single-family homes. Lot sizes range from 1/8 to ¼ acre, and most homes have garages. The community's largest employer is Tyson, with 1,200 employees, and the Dallas County Hospital is also a significant employer. Perry is served by the Perry Community School District, with Perry Elementary School recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2023. The area is safer than the national average, and most residents use cars for commuting, with the Perry Municipal Airport located 4 miles west of the town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Perry a good place to live?
Perry is a good place to live. Perry is considered car-dependent and somewhat bikeable. Perry has 5 parks for recreational activities. It is sparse in population with 2.9 people per acre and a median age of 37. The average household income is $56,346 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 11.2% of residents. A majority of residents in Perry are home owners, with 40.1% of residents renting and 59.9% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Perry can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Perry neighborhood guide.
Is Perry, IA a safe neighborhood?
Perry, IA is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 5 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Perry?
The median home price in Perry is $180,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $36,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.81%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $940 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $40K a year to afford the median home price in Perry. The average household income in Perry is $56K.
What are the best public schools in Perry?
The best public schools that serve Perry are:
What are the best private schools in Perry?
The best private schools that serve Perry are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Perry, Perry, IA?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Perry, Perry, IA?
Home Trends in Perry, IA
On average, homes in Perry, IA sell after 32 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Perry, IA over the last 12 months is $179,500, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$179,500
Median Single Family Sale Price
$179,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$130
Number of Homes for Sale
10
Last 12 months Home Sales
61
Median List Price
$180,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
6%