Can you tell me about Peru? (Mendota, Detroit: for sale, apartment, lease)

[my54ford]

OK, I'm takeing a job in Peru .It pays darn good! close to 6 figures. I don't see a whole bunch of houses or acerages for sale . What about schools or a Y or things for kids to do? I'm bringing a 10th grader and a 6th grader. I'm very concerned about their transition..
Thanks!

[mholzner]

I've lived near the LaSalle Peru area my whole life - so I'd be glad to share some ideas.

LP area is a great place to raise kids. As a mid-20's teacher who moved back here after college - it's a little slow for my tastes - but I think for families it's really a great place. Lots of arts, outdoor, and activities to which you can belong. The schools are pretty good (I don't know much about the elementary systems, but the JH and HS are fine schools). There is a YMCA which has impressive facilities and some activities to which to belong. Over the summer, many ball clubs and summer sports. If your students are art oriented - there are many musical groups to which they can belong. Several community theaters in the area - youth symphony - summer bands, vocal groups, etc. Starved Rock and Mathessian State Parks are minutes away - and great areas to hike, horseback ride, camp, etc. etc.

You mentioned you are concerned about their transition - I'm curious where you're moving from? I think as long as you prepare them for the culture you'll be fine. It's definitely a smaller-town mentality. Not that that's bad - but may be different if you're moving from downtown Detroit . It's a neat area in that it's small town enough that you will know alot of people - but big enough that it offers alot of different things to be involved in. The shopping/commercial area near the interstate has EXPLODED recently and there are more stores being built all the time. (In the last 3 years we've seen 2 Starbucks and a Super-Walmart upgrade - which is huge for this area! ). There is a mall with a movie theatre. Most towns from within 20-30 miles actually come to Peru for entertainment and shopping.

I assume there aren't many houses for sale because people aren't moving away. My dad moved down there about 7 years ago - had to move into an apartment because he couldn't find a house he liked. He ended up moving - and my sister took over his lease - and she recently moved into a house. She has kids 4 and 1 - and moved there from my hometown for work and schools for the kids.

Anyway - Sorry this isn't structured better - more of a rant. But as far as your kids adjusting - as a teacher I've learned that kids moving to a new area anywhere is hard - regardless of where. I think as long as they are prepared mentally for what is ahead - and are outgoing and friendly - they'll be just fine.

Be happy to answer any specifics you have - good luck!

PS Curious - where did you take a job??

[my54ford]

Hey, thanks for the reply. Actually we would be moving from a much smaller community only about 2000 people a couple states north of Ill. The transition I'm concerned with is my high schooler. He's 16, active in FFA,school plays, is the Football team manager, baseball etc. As you can imagine in a small town like we live in now no one trys out for a sport. if you want to play you play, good or bad you play. We don't realy have "cliques" here the jocks are all in the plays and musical and just about all of them are computer junkies and gear heads. My concern is that a larger town will have more seperation in the groups. He will be the FNG and that worries us. My 11 year old is in 6th grade I think she will be able to assimulate allot easier.
Again thanks for your reply.
Todd

[mholzner]

The town I grew up in sounds exactly like that (Mendota - 7000 people). All the jocks were in plays/music and visa versa. LP area is very similar. I think if he has a background of that - he will be able to find a place to fit in. I work with alot of the music students at LP and they are all VERY nice kids who are very welcoming from what I see.

Best of luck - let me know if I can ever help!
Matt

[Manigault]

What a coincidence! I was in FFA in high school in the Bronx. I almost chose it as my life work, too! Future Felons of America.