Peru, IL Homes for Rent

Peru, Illinois, located 100 miles west of Chicago, is a small town with a population of approximately 10,000. The area has transitioned from its industrial roots to a mix of retail and small industrial businesses, with major employers including the Peru Mall and Target. Homes in Peru range from early twentieth-century bungalows to modern ranch-style houses, with properties spending less time on the market than the national average. The Illinois River, which runs through the south side of the city, offers numerous attractions such as boating, fishing, and walking trails. Residents enjoy outdoor activities at local parks like Starved Rock State Park and Buffalo Rock State Park. LaSalle-Peru Township High School is highly rated, providing quality education for high school students. The downtown area features locally owned shops and restaurants, while larger retail chains are found along Illinois State Route 251. Community events such as the Lock 14 Kid’s Fishing Tournament and Music Under the Oaks concert series foster a close-knit atmosphere. Despite cold winters and occasional flooding risks from the Illinois River, Peru's crime rates are generally below state and national averages. The town is accessible via Interstate 80, with the nearest major airport being General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport, 67 miles away.