Perry, IA

Perry is a small town of around 8,000 people located about forty miles northwest of Des Moines along the North Raccoon River. Established as a railroad hub in the late 19th century, it has retained a historic downtown with brick storefronts, local eateries, and the well-known Hotel Pattee. While the community has long had deep ties to agriculture and meatpacking, many residents today appreciate its quiet pace and reasonable housing costs while commuting into the greater Des Moines metro for work.

ATTRRichc80 / CC BY 3.0

Families in town are served by the Perry Community School District along with St. Patrick Catholic School. Outdoor enthusiasts have direct access to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, an 89-mile paved loop popular with cyclists and walkers that connects several central Iowa towns. Daily essentials are easy to find between local grocery stores, the public library, and neighborhood parks, while specialized healthcare, larger retail centers, and regional entertainment are an easy drive away in the suburbs of West Des Moines.