Fayette, IA

Set among the rolling hills of northeastern Iowa, Fayette combines the charm of a friendly small town with the perks of a university community. Home to Upper Iowa University since 1857, the town of roughly 1,200 residents enjoys college athletics, theater productions, and campus events that bring extra energy to everyday life. It creates a welcoming atmosphere where historic brick buildings, quiet residential streets, and a tight-knit neighborhood feel come together naturally.

Nature lovers will find plenty to do right outside their front door. The Volga River flows right through town, and just minutes away sits Volga River State Recreation Area, offering nearly 5,800 acres of wooded trails, fishing spots, campgrounds, and equestrian paths. With local favorites like Klock's Island Park providing easy river access for paddling and weekend picnics, Fayette is an appealing spot for anyone seeking scenic surroundings and a relaxed pace of life.