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.”
Downtown Eaton is a compact area with a small number of businesses.
Older homes line a residential street in Eaton.
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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.
An older farm house occupies a corner lot in Eaton.
A ranch style home shows a more modern housing option in Eaton.
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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.”
Eaton Elementary School has an average enrollment of around 250 students.
Delta Middle School has an average enrollment of around 600 students.
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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.
Eaton is home to the Danny Howard Memorial Park.
A large pavilion offers covered gathering for Eaton residents at Norsemen Park.
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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.
Riverbend Station is a local restaurant offering take out and drive thru.
Pizza King in downtown Eaton is a local favorite.
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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.
Eaton Church of God offers a number of outreach programs for the community.
Local sports figure prominently into daily life in Eaton.
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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.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
Photography Contributed By
Kenyon Gerbrandt
Video By
Pasha Chichagov
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Kelly Church,
an experienced agent in this area.
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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On average, homes in Eaton, IN sell after 37 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Eaton, IN over the last 12 months is $150,000, up 43% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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