When Eaton coal miners accidentally discovered natural gas in 1876, the foul odor and loud noise were so startling that the miners believed they had breached the ceiling of hell. Having not yet learned about natural gas as a valuable resource, the fearful townsfolk quickly capped the hole. Soon enough, though, Indiana’s first commercial gas well was established in Eaton in 1886, kick-starting the state’s natural gas boom that lasted a little over two decades. Today, Eaton offers a laid-back pace of life in a rural setting. “Eaton has people who’ve been there for eons and eons,” says Brenda Ragland, a real estate agent with Property House. “It’s one of those communities where you go and relax. Family is a pretty big deal — after they grow up, the kids mostly stay around here.”
Century-old bungalows and midcentury ranches
Some of Eaton’s oldest farmhouses and bungalows date back to the late 19th century, but buyers can also find midcentury ranch-style homes. Homes in the heart of town often sit on compact lots that predate the invention of cars, so detached garages, driveways and street parking are standard. Attached garages are more common in homes built after 1950. Fixer-uppers range from $15,000 to $50,000, while smaller homes or those in need of updates tend to cost between $50,000 and $75,000. Most homes fall between $80,000 and $180,000. Properties on the outskirts of town typically run between $200,000 and $325,000 on larger lots that can span multiple acres. Inventory and turnover are low, and it’s rare for homes to stay on the market for more than a week.
Students can earn two years of college credit at Delta High School
Delaware Community Schools Corporation serves the area. Kids can start at Eaton Elementary, which receives a B-plus from Niche, before heading to Delta Middle School, rated B. Delta High School, which receives an A-minus, was rebranded to reflect the district’s dedication to college readiness. “It’s technically the University of Delta High School,” says Steve Hall, former district superintendent. “Our teachers follow college syllabi, and our students, if they pass and get a C or above, get credit. We have kids who earn 40 to 45 credits before they graduate and enter college as sophomores.”
Youth league sports at Danny Howard Park
Locals rally around youth league sports, which pick up during the summer months thanks to the Eaton Baseball and Softball Association. Kids of all ages compete on the ball diamonds of Tarinna Morris Field at Danny Howard Park, which also features a basketball court, a pavilion with picnic tables and space for open play. Norsemen Park offers ample green space alongside a playground and a gazebo. Book lovers head to the volunteer-run Eaton Public Library, which requires a paid membership to access materials. Albany Golf Club is open to the public and is less than 15 minutes away.
Mornings at Riverbend Depot, evenings at Green Diamond Junction
Riverbend Depot is a no-frills coffee shop known for fresh donuts, warm biscuits and gravy, and specialty drinks. Green Diamond Junction serves up sandwiches, burgers and “The Big Larry,” a gargantuan hand-breaded tenderloin. Pizza King is a Hoosier staple with a location in town, as is Mississinewa Tavern, alocal dive bar with classic pub fare, live music and karaoke. A Dollar General on the outskirts of town has essentials, but most locals head to Muncie for groceries and more shopping options about 10 miles away.
Churches and community groups host events
Faith plays a major role in the lives of many Eaton residents. Houses of worship host community events and offer support through ministries like food pantries, clothing closets and support groups. Eaton Church of God sponsors local events like the annual Fourth of July fireworks show and the annual Eaton Extravaganza 5k walk. Residents gather for family fun during Eaton Community Day at Grace and Mercy Full Gospel Church. The Eaton Baseball and Softball Association hosts events like the Memorial Day car show and pancake breakfast. Locals celebrate the start of ball season with an opening day parade in late April.
Muncie and I-69 are within a 20-minute drive
Drivers can reach Interstate 69, IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital and the heart of Muncie within 20 minutes. Route 3 connects to the Muncie Bypass, which forms a semicircle around the city. A set of train tracks runs through town, but it rarely affects traffic. Additionally, the Ox Industries paper mill in town can sometimes produce a sulfur-like odor.
Lindsay is a lifelong resident of Howard County. She graduated from Western High School and has a Bachelor's degree in Business Marketing from Indiana University of Kokomo. Since 2002, Lindsay has served her clients in real estate by sharing her expertise and experience which enables her to provide sellers with the knowledge to maximize the value of their home and buyers in finding the perfect home for their families. Helping her clients find their dream home is one of the highlights of Lindsay's career. Being married with 3 children, she knows the importance of finding the perfect home to fit your families' needs.
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.
