Spencer was ranked #4 on Realtor.com's 2021 "Top 10 Affordable Small Towns Where You'd Actually Want to Live." Unlike much of Iowa, the rolling farmlands of this northwest corner of the state are dotted with picturesque lakes and wooded shorelines. It is a landscape enhanced by the historic buildings of the downtown area and the city's personable cultural flair. The theme felt by many that reside in Spencer is that it is a great place to live & raise a family, is close to many recreational attractions and offers a small town feel while providing large-city access. Spencer is famous as the home of the Clay County Fair, held annually in September, averaging over 300,000 visitors per year. Only a 15-minute drive away from Iowa's Great Lakes region, Spencer is ideally situated for year-round fun. Residents and visitors enjoy beautiful biking and skiing trails, picturesque campgrounds and terrific bass fishing. In any direction, there is a promising lake nearby. The natural beauty of the town's surroundings combines with the thriving culture to make the Spencer area a first-rate vacation spot. The region is still agriculturally based, and with over 11,000 citizens, Spencer serves as the retail hub for over a hundred miles.