Homes for Sale in Spencer, Indiana

Perched along the White River along the edge of McCormick's Creek State Park, Spencer offers home shoppers an enticing blend of village, forest, and farmland. Add into the fact that the city of Bloomington is just miles away, and you have the makings of a nearly idyllic community for those who favor small town living but also the convenience of an urban area for work, shopping, and play.

As the county seat of Owen County, those fortunate enough to live in this lush community need not head off to the city for each and every need. Part of the appeal of Spencer is its sustainability, backed by a historic downtown that is a commercial gem in its own right. It’s not hard to fathom why the welcoming residents of Spencer are so proud of their community and why they love showing it off with well-kept streets and parks and numerous cultural events throughout the year.

If you've set your sights on Spencer, you've made a discerning choice. Whether you intend to live and work in town or commute out of it, its pleasant neighborhoods are perfect for laying down roots. At Tucker we're well aware of the appeal of this charming little paradise and as such have forged the community connections and developed the knowledge base to help our clients explore it to its fullest.    

Spencer Area Homes

While Spencer might come from humble origins, you'll find this verdant community has much to offer when it comes to home shopping. You'll find welcoming neighborhoods set amongst tree-lined streets and groves where both classic and contemporary family homes abound. As the county seat of Owens County, and due to its proximity to Bloomington, economic vitality has helped shape the town, giving it a clean, well-kept look that's hard to resist. Nearer to downtown, you're apt to find many historic homes while on Spencer's outskirts, you'll find larger lots with more privacy.

This means no matter what your preferences, there's a great chance you're going to find it in Spencer. You'll also find yourself conveniently situated when it comes to exploring nearby communities, thanks to the intersection of State Road 46 and State Road 67 in town, the former of which leads directly into Bloomington. 

Shopping and Dining

When it comes to basic necessities, you'll find most of what you need without having to set foot outside of Spencer. General stores, supermarkets, and department stores can all be found in town. Spencer also offers a range of small businesses, particularly downtown, including pharmacies, hardware stores, and service shops. And for those who enjoy dining out, the town features a broad range of eateries, including cafes, pizzerias, grills, and ethnic options.

With all that it offers commercially, it seems a bit unfair that Spencer is also just miles away from one of the best shopping experiences in the state. The city of Bloomington offers a trove of malls and plazas offering large supermarkets, department stores, and national retail outlets. But the real appeal of the city is in its pedestrian-friendly downtown, which is protected from further retail development. There you'll discover an intimate shopping experience backed by hundreds of locally owned offerings including boutiques and specialty stores. Bloomington is also home to both the College Mall and the historic Fountain Mall as well as a seasonal farmers' market hosted at the city hall where you can find locally produced produce and artisanal goods. 

Bloomington likewise offers a fantastic culinary scene. While perusing the city, you'll quickly discover a range of fantastic dining options, perfect for a quick bite or take out, romantic evening, family night, or a meet-up with friends.   

Culture and Entertainment

When it comes time to play, Spencer does not disappoint. Downtown, a classic movie theatre is a popular local favorite, adds to the numerous historic and cultural landmarks in town. Residents also enjoy beautiful community parks that are perfect for picnic as well as its athletic fields for games and exercise. And while multiple major forested parks including Brown County State Park and Hoosier National Forest are nearby, those living in Spencer are lucky enough to have one in their own backyard with McCormick's Creek State Park. There, you can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, river fishing, camping, and make use of numerous indoor recreational facilities.

When it comes time for urban play, Bloomington offers nearly anything you could ask for. Backed by its tens of thousands of college students, this city known as the "Gateway to the Scenic South" offers an enticing ambiance concocted by trendy districts, well-manicured parks, and historic sites.

Within Bloomington you'll find vintage and modern cinemas and many performance arts venues of various sizes. The latter supports the city's thriving community, collegiate, and professional theater scene. A classic example is the Bus-Chum, a renovated 1922 venue that was once a vaudeville theater. Bloomington is also home to an excellent live music culture, featuring both local and touring artists.

The city also hosts multiple popular cultural events throughout the year including music, food, and arts festivals. Those seeking a more personal cultural experience will want to check out some of the museums and galleries hosted in Bloomington.

Careers and Industry

One of the great things about living in Spencer is that for a town its size, it offers surprising economic versatility and stability. Because it is also a county seat, Spencer offers many jobs in both local government and small business. Local farms also offer opportunity in agriculture, and numerous manufacturing companies are located in the area, particularly those producing medical supplies. Local hospitals offer jobs in healthcare, and tourism and leisure openings are plentiful, backed by McCormick's Creek State Park.

For those who don't mind commuting, Bloomington isn't far away either, and you'll find a powerful economy bolstered by the flagship campus of Indiana University. If you intend to commute to work, be sure and let us know! There may be housing options in Spencer that will help minimize your drive time. 

Schools

Public school education in Spencer is overseen by the Spencer-Owen Community Schools Corporation. Primary school students attend Spencer Elementary where they enjoy close personal attention in small, vibrant class settings. Owen Valley Middle School provides education to 7th and 8th Grade students, which prides itself on providing a safe, social experience that builds responsible critical thinkers.

For the final four years of their secondary education, students attend Owen Valley High School. This innovative institution offers numerous advanced placement courses as well as dual-credit offerings run in conjunction with Purdue University, Indiana University, and Ivy Tech Community College. The school operates a career center, Hoosier Hills, in Bloomington where students can get high-tech instruction in fields ranging from auto service to design to information technology. Adding to the a diverse curriculum that is focused on life sciences, engineering and technology, human services, and arts, students are privy to many extracurricular activities to round out their experience.

If you have any questions about this excellent public school program or are interested in private school options, Tucker is here to help with that as well. We offer the benefit of numerous community connections to help you decide if a move to Spencer is right for you and your family.