Small-town charm and farmland in Spencer
Spencer, 19 miles south of Ithaca and 43 miles northwest of Binghamton, is a rural town centered around its namesake village with lower single-family home prices than Ithaca. “It’s a nice, quiet community — very small,” says Jean Hill, owner of Tioga Real Estate with over 13 years of experience. “It’s cheaper living — the taxes are cheaper than Ithaca.” Most of the community is rolling hills and farmland, but the village has small-town charm with mom-and-pop dining, annual events and the picturesque Nichols Park. “[It’s] very friendly and peaceful,” Hill says. “The natural beauty is gorgeous.”
Acreage and historic farmhouses available
Spencer offers a wide range of housing with construction spanning from the mid-19th century through modern day. Historic homes are often farmhouses and Colonials, while newer homes from the past 50 years are ranch-style, manufactured or custom-built. In the village, sidewalk-lined streets feature closely set homes with lawns dotted by mailboxes and mature trees, creating a suburban feel. These single-family homes are typically painted in whites or pastels with features like covered porches and driveways. On the outskirts of town, homes are spread along country roads with spacious lots, allowing for additions like barns or workshops. “[There’s] privacy, most of the yards are larger,” Hill says. Prices generally range from $100,000 to about $480,000, depending on a home’s size and features. The median sale price here is $165,000, compared to $475,000 in Ithaca. “They are much lower prices than Ithaca,” Hill says.
Fish and kayak in Nichols Pond
Nichols Park is the town hub for everything from annual celebrations and farmers markets to family picnics and fishing trips. Nichols Pond is a highlight, with crisp blue waters and a striking fountain display. The 8-acre fishing pond is stocked with largemouth bass, chain pickerel and black crappie; there's a boat launch for kayaks and canoes, too. “It’s a nice, pretty pond,” Hill says. A paved path wraps around the pond, which cyclists and morning joggers share. Nearby, Sally Marx Fields features a playground and soccer fields. For a round of golf, the public Hollybrook Country Club offers 18 holes with wooded, hilly views. Second Chance Thoroughbreds is also in town and offers rescued horses for adoption.
Teens explore their passions at Spencer-Van Etten High
Spencer is part of the Spencer-Van Etten Central School District, which Niche rates B-minus overall. Kids may start at the C-plus-rated Spencer-Van Etten Elementary before moving to Spencer-Van Etten Middle and Spencer-Van Etten High — both are rated B-minus. At the latter, teens can explore their interests in extracurriculars like Future Farmers of America, art club and sportsman’s club, where members learn about the outdoors. Kids in kindergarten through 12th grade may also attend the private Baptist North Spencer Christian Academy, not yet rated by Niche.
Groceries and casual eats around Tioga Street
Most of Spencer's shopping and dining are in the village along thoroughfares like Tioga Street. To start the morning, The Country Diner is a laid-back eatery with hot coffee and comfort offerings like ham-and-cheese omelets, chocolate-chip pancakes and home fries. The family-owned diner doubles as an ice cream parlor with over two dozen soft-serve flavors, including cheesecake, German chocolate and maple nut. Nearby, Parkview Pizzeria is the hometown spot for New York-style pizza, footlong subs and finger foods; on Fridays, the pizzeria has fish fry specials. Spencer Fine Food Mart covers grocery needs with freshly baked goods, butcher cuts and pantry staples, while Dollar General stocks household essentials. From June through September, the Spencer–Van Etten Farmers Market is held in Nichols Park with locally sourced produce and homemade items. Nineteen miles away, Owego offers more stores and restaurants, including cafes, bars and a Price Chopper for groceries.
Spencer’s summer calendar
Spencer has a few events throughout the year, but summer is the peak of the community calendar. The Country Diner hosts concerts on its lawn, the Spencer–Van Etten Farmers Market comes to town and there are annual events, like the Spencer Picnic, a 100-year-old tradition with carnival rides, fireworks and a car show. Spencer Community Days is another marquee event, where residents enjoy a parade through town, craft vendors and a chicken barbecue.
Commuter access to Ithaca and Binghamton
The village is sidewalk-lined and bike-friendly, but the town is otherwise considered car-dependent. State Routes 34 and 96 provide access to Ithaca and Binghamton. “Most people probably work in Ithaca,” Hill says. Cayuga Medical Center is 20 miles away, and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a 23-mile drive.
