First post here. With a population of 10,835, Peru is a small town. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Has anyone dealt with this?
12 upvotes
9 Replies
Melissa B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 7 years. Moved from Raleigh for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Nightlife is limited. Can feel isolated. And weather can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Abigail S.
Can confirm, been here 14 years.
34 upvotes
Maya
glad someone said it
32 upvotes
Austin Brooks
been saying this for years
31 upvotes
Hazel
Bought a house here in 2021 and it exceeded my expectations. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
25 upvotes
Angela C.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 14 years ago from Nashville and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Older homes are where the value is. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Uptown. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in finance. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 14 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: surprisingly good. Tons of options if you like Italian.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
25 upvotes
Austin Bailey
We moved here with our family and I'm still on the fence after all this time. Schools in Greenfield area are decent. Kids love it here.
21 upvotes
Cora M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 7 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into running, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The West side vs the Fairview side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..