Van Etten is a sprawling forested community next to Spencer
Centered on a small village with few businesses, Van Etten is mostly undeveloped with tranquil landscapes and lots of space for hunting and hiking. Michele Smith, an associate broker at Re/Max Plus with more than 10 years of experience, explains that many homebuyers are moving out to rural communities like Van Etten for the affordability. “They want more privacy and land,” she says. “Your money goes a lot further out here.” Though Van Etten has a fairly secluded feel, it’s often seen as an extension of Spencer, a neighboring town with more restaurants and some small shops.
Ranch-style homes and farmhouses on spacious lots
Homes are more closely gathered in Van Etten’s small village center, while the surrounding countryside has more secluded full-acre and multiacre properties on narrow country roads. Generally, most homes were built in the early to mid-20th century, including ranch-style homes and farmhouses with wide covered front porches. Some custom contemporary homes have been added since 2000, often with tall windows and large balconies. Depending on the property’s condition and lot size, prices typically range from $100,000 to $450,000. Throughout the community, many homes rely on well water or septic tanks instead of municipal utilities.
Smaller green spaces in Spencer, plus large nature preserves
Though Van Etten doesn’t have public parks, residents can drive a few miles to the neighboring town of Spencer and visit Nichols Park, which has a large pond for fishing and kayaking. Also in Spencer, Hollybrook Country Club has an 18-hole course that’s open to the public. Outdoor sports like hunting are very popular with Van Etten locals, and many residents find properties with acreage so they can hunt on their own land. “If they don’t have their own land, they can lease outdoor hunting rights or join a club,” Smith says. Public nature preserves in the area include Danby State Forest, about 10 miles away, open for hunting, freshwater fishing and cross-country skiing in the winter. Hiking trails through Danby State Forest are connected to the Finger Lakes Trail System, which extends hundreds of miles from the Allegany State Park to the Catskill Forest Preserve.
Agricultural programs at nearby public schools
Spencer-Van Etten Elementary earns a C-plus from Niche. Spencer-Van Etten Middle and Spencer-Van Etten High both earn a B-minus and offer agriculture-focused pathways that prepare students for future careers. The high school’s Future Farmers of America chapter gives students hands-on experience keeping livestock and growing small amounts of produce. Other after-school activities include seasonal sports like football and field hockey, and the Sportsman Club, which allows members to learn trap shooting and other skills.
A few local restaurants in Van Etten and Spencer
Shoe Inn is the area’s only restaurant, serving American fare in a casual bar setting surrounded by scenic rural landscapes. Residents can drive to Spencer for a few small shops, including a hardware store and a Dollar General, along with more dining options, like the Country Diner, a popular spot for breakfast and lunch. Other businesses in the area mainly consist of large farms like Eve’s Cidery, a locally owned apple orchard producing alcoholic cider. For groceries, there’s a Dandy convenience store in the community and a larger Spencer Shur Fine Food Mart about 3 miles away.
Traveling Chemung County and nearby towns
Van Etten is connected to Spencer by state Route 34. Larger towns like Elmira and Ithaca are about 20 miles away. Ctran, the Chemung County transit system, operates an intercity bus route from Elmira to Ithaca that stops in Van Etten. Guthrie Robert Packer Hospital is less than 20 miles and Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is about 25 miles away.
Small community events held during various holidays
Van Etten has several small community gatherings throughout the year, including an annual Halloween trunk-or-treat event at the elementary school parking lot. The annual Masons Car Show is held on the Fourth of July in the countryside north of Van Etten. It features all sorts of vintage cars, a barbecue dinner and a swimming pool.
