$134,460Average Value$128Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes For Sale
Continuing Tom Watkins' legacy of kindness
In Northwest Springfield, the suburban neighborhood of Tom Watkins gets its name from one of the area’s most beloved residents. The former president of Citizens Bank and member of the board of education was known for his kindness as he helped struggling small businesses and farms survive the Great Depression. His legacy lives on in the name of the neighborhood, the local park and an elementary school. The neighborhood’s motto, “Out of many, one,” can be found on signs all over Tom Watkins, serving as a reminder for neighbors to take care of each other the same way Watkins did. Kayla Chatman, Secretary of the Tom Watkins Neighborhood Association, has witnessed it firsthand. She says, “Freshwater Church meets at Williams Elementary School, and they both work together to help the community. There was a time when a kid’s family needed a kitchen table so he could do homework, and they got one for him. They are just willing to do whatever is needed for the sake of the kids.”
The Tom Watkins neighborhood is nestled in north west Springfield.
Tom Watkins is an older and well established neighborhood in Springfield's west side.
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Modest single-family and manufactured homes
The neighborhood’s homes are tucked away into pockets of trees and looping streets where early and mid-1900s styles like ranch-style homes and Cape Cods are common. Some homes feature their original character, while many others have more modern upgrades. Two-bedroom homes are often priced in the low $100,000s, while three-bedroom houses run in the high $100,000s. If they’re renovated, they can range from $200,000 to $250,000. The neighborhood also has several manufactured housing communities with rentals. And no matter where one lives, there’s always a friendly neighbor nearby. “People sit on their porches and talk to each other and say ‘hi’ as they’re walking down the sidewalk,” says Chatman, “Even the (neighborhood police) officer assigned to our area has said that’s something they always see and that it’s beautiful and unique.”
A cape cod style bungalow is finished with local field stone in Tom Watkins.
Homes in Tom Watkins sit tightly in neat rows throughout the neighborhood.
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Historic Route 66 turned main strip for local shops and restaurants
Once a stretch of the famed Route 66, Kearney Street is one of the neighborhood’s main strips for local shops and industrial businesses. Timeless Treasures Flea Market is a popular retailer with rows of knick-knacks and home décor from different vendors. Down the street, Greene County Freight & Food Sales is a large warehouse that offers damaged food and other products at discounted prices. Kearney Street intersects with Kansas Expressway, where more grocery stores and big box retailers, such as Walmart, Big Lots and Hobby Lobby, do business in the Town & Country Shopping Center. This area has mostly national chain restaurants, while back on Kearney, there are more local spots like Purple Burrito, known for its California-style Mexican food. There’s also Foxhole Bar and Grill, where locals go to hang out until 1 a.m. dancing to live music, singing karaoke, and playing pool or darts.
Kearney St forms the northern boundary of Tom Watkins and is part of the Historic Route 66.
Shopping and dining options abound just across from the Tom Watkin's neighborhood.
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Disc golf at Tom Watkins park and playtime at The Library Station
Tom Watkins Park is the neighborhood’s one green space and is one of four Springfield parks with a disc golf course. Chatman says many families walk to the park, which offers a big open field with scattered trees in the middle, surrounded by a walkway that leads to basketball and tennis courts, a playground and a pavilion. Down the street in the Town & Country Shopping Center, The Library Station elevates the library experience with a fun train-themed play area for kids.
Residents can flex their disc golf skills at Tom Watkins Park.
Tom Watkins residents find the information they are looking for at The Library Station.
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Community events put on by neighborhood association and local church
The Tom Watkins Neighborhood Association frequently holds events at the community park. Common events include potluck picnics, summer concerts and trunk-or-treating on Halloween. Chatman, who attends Freshwater Church, says the church will also host block parties and cookouts in the park. The neighborhood association also keeps the community updated with monthly newsletters so they never miss out on the fun.
Aerial view of Tom Watkins Park
Fire Station No. 5 is located along Tom Watkins northern boundary.
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Recent renovations and ongoing upgrades at local schools
Though Watkins Elementary School is nearby, students in the neighborhood actually attend Williams Elementary, which gets a C grade from Niche. In 2021, the school welcomed the Boys & Girls Club by adding the O’Reilly Unit, a $1.3 million project that provides before- and after-school care. Students go on to middle school at Reed Academy, which gets a B-minus and is on track to be rebuilt by 2026. Meanwhile, Hillcrest High, which gets a C, wrapped up a $35 million renovation in 2021, adding a new four-story classroom wing.
Students at Williams Elementary have access to a newly constructed media center and library.
Hillcrest High School has been home to many successful athletic teams through the years.
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A 4-mile drive to Downtown Springfield
Kansas Expressway leads to Downtown Springfield for a 4-mile drive. Commuters can also get around Springfield by taking a City Utilities Transit bus. For longer trips, Interstate 44 is less than a mile away, stretching northeast and southwest through Missouri.
Bus stops line Kearney Street along Tom Watkins' northern edge.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Great .80 acre lot in NW Springfield! Located close to shopping and restaurants. Good access to I-44 and Kansas Expressway. Buyer to do due-diligence on zoning, utilities and lot size.
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath home tucked away in northwest Springfield! You'll love the inviting curb appeal, complete with a cozy covered front porch perfect for morning coffee. Step inside to find a spacious living area that flows right into the kitchen, making entertaining a breeze. The main level offers two comfortable bedrooms and a full bathroom, while upstairs you'll find a
This cute little home could easily be turned into a 2/1. Multiple new and remodeled homes surrounding this home. Come make this little gem your own.180ft deep lot allows for potential expansion!
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Shirley Franklin,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,075
Median Age
35
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$31,963
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$40,448
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
83.5%
College Graduates
10.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
1%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
54.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
45''
Average Winter Low Temperature
25°F
Average Summer High Temperature
89°F
Annual Snowfall
21''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
29/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
10/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
