Clermont, IA

Set in the rolling hills of the Turkey River Valley, Clermont is a quiet northeast Iowa community best known by its nickname, Brick City. You will notice that heritage right away in the vintage red-brick storefronts and historic houses that give the town its classic Midwestern charm. Life here moves at a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities for canoeing, fishing, and hiking along the river and throughout the surrounding countryside.

ATTRJim Roberts / CC BY-SA 4.0

The town's most prominent landmark is Montauk, an elegant 19th-century hilltop estate that overlooks the valley and once belonged to Iowa Governor William Larrabee. Today, Clermont pairs that heritage with practical small-town amenities, including a library housed in the restored historic school building and outdoor recreation at Heritage Farm Park. With local students attending the North Fayette Valley School District, it is a welcoming option for anyone looking for a peaceful lifestyle in a scenic rural setting.