In the 1930s, infamous criminals Bonnie and Clyde terrorized the nation. But their shenanigans apparently ran in the family, because Clyde's brother Buck and sister-in-law Blanche also engaged in gangster activities. In 1933, Perry business owner Edward Stoner became forever linked to Buck and Blanche because of his car, which was ravaged by bullets in an epic showdown with local law enforcement. Stoner's car was stolen right out of Perry, Iowa.
Since then, Perry has remained relatively calm
In the 1930s, infamous criminals Bonnie and Clyde terrorized the nation. But their shenanigans apparently ran in the family, because Clyde's brother Buck and sister-in-law Blanche also engaged in gangster activities. In 1933, Perry business owner Edward Stoner became forever linked to Buck and Blanche because of his car, which was ravaged by bullets in an epic showdown with local law enforcement. Stoner's car was stolen right out of Perry, Iowa.
Since then, Perry has remained relatively calm. A bustling community with a renovated downtown area, Perry boasts several buildings registered with the National Register of Historic Places. The Carnegie Library Museum, Josh Davis Plaza, and Caboose Park are prides of the community.
Renting in Perry
Perry offers a variety of places for rent, including studio and one-bedroom apartments starting at below-average prices. You may be able to find a month-to-month lease with some snooping around, however, mostly landlords will require a longer-term lease. Larger apartments with more amenities -- such as fireplaces, private balconies, and community pools - cost a bit more. It should not be a problem to bring your pet to Perry, as there is a variety of pet-friendly apartments.
Spring through fall is the best time to go searching for a rental, when the weather is mild and you don't have to deal with the icy and snowy conditions common to winters in Perry. However, the highway department is used to these situations, and generally has roadways cleared quickly after a storm.
Neighborhoods in Perry
Perry is a small town of about four-and-a-half square miles. There are not necessarily distinct neighborhoods, but you will find a proper downtown surrounded by more suburban and rural areas. Apartment complexes available in the area offer a range of apartments, including studio apartments and one-bedroom apartments for rent. House rentals are also available, including those close to the downtown area of Perry and those on the outskirts of town, offering more privacy and a rural atmosphere.
Buck and Blanche may have just been passing through, but you will want to stay in Perry!
Living in Perry
Perry keeps residents engaged year-round with activities including the Bike Ride to Rippey in February, the annual Fourth of July celebration, the Latino Festival and November's Lighted Christmas Parade. Located in Dallas County and considered part of the Des Moines region, Perry is situated along the banks of the North Raccoon River.
The Raccoon River Valley Recreational Trail includes a 33-mile loop of walking trails. The trail head is in Caboose Park, a wonderful place for afternoon picnics. One of the major employers here is Tyson Foods, which operates a pork plant in Perry. Perry is a small town but doesn't lack in terms of shopping, dining, and a sense of community. It's just a 45-minute drive from Des Moines, where residents find even more venues to shop, eat, and entertain themselves.
Weather in Perry is cold in the winter and mild during the summer. January lows regularly dip below 10 degrees, while summers top out around a pleasant 85 degrees. The area gets plentiful rainfall (perfect for the region's crops) at about 31 inches per year. Perry gets almost as much snow, with over 25 inches in an average year. So if you like seasons and precipitation, you'll love Perry!