$136,092Average Value$132Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes 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.
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Here is your chance to own one or several lots in grandfathered in platted subdivision of Highland Acres. This lot has direct access to farm road 137. According to Greene County these lot sizes are grandfathered in and the buyer will be responsible for adding well and septic. Buyers to do their own due diligence on any specifics about the lot or building by checking with Greene County planning
Charming Cottage in Northwest Springfield! This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home offers an inviting open-concept layout that connects the living, dining, and kitchen spaces—perfect for modern living. Laminate floors add warmth and easy maintenance. The shared bathroom features a double vanity, and both bedrooms offer comfortable space. Updates include a new roof and mini-split system installed in 2022.
Here is your chance to own one or several lots in the platted subdivision of Highland Acres. A few of these lots will need to have a road put in by the buyer prior to building if they do not have direct road access to farm road 137.These lots sizes are grandfathered in and it is Buyers responsibility to do due diligence about building or installation of well & septic on lot. Buyers to do due
Fully renovated and move-in ready! This charming 3 bed, 1.5 bath home blends the character of a 1942 build with the peace of mind of a complete 2024 overhaul. Nearly everything has been updated, allowing the next owner to simply move in and enjoy. Major improvements include a new roof, HVAC system, electrical, water heater, insulation, drywall, trim, doors, windows, siding, and flooring. The
Build your dream home Lot 1 in the NEW PHASE TWO of Lawless Pass! Enjoy country living with stunning views, close to Fellows Lake and easy access to Springfield. Paved roads, underground electric, Springfield schools. Other Lots available!
Build your dream home on Lot 13 in the NEW PHASE TWO of Lawless Pass! Enjoy country living with stunning views, close to Fellows Lake and easy access to Springfield. Paved roads, underground electric, Springfield schools. Other Lots available!
Updated residential property featuring a newer roof, updated vinyl windows, and central heating and air conditioning. Interior upgrades include newer flooring throughout and fresh paint. The large kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher and an electric stove. Functional layout with a large, level backyard. Located in North Springfield with quick access to local amenities and main roads. Move-in
Well priced Investment property available, ready to rent or remodel. Large detached garage. Great location just off of Kansas Expwy in Northwest Springfield. Don't miss this opportunity to grab a property with this price per SQ ft. A bona fide offer shall include a fully signed Conflict of Interest Statement.The Commerce Trust is a Corporate Trustee which has never resided in the residence
If you've been waiting for a home that actually makes sense at this price point, this is the one to see first. Homes offering this amount of square footage and level of improvement are rarely available in this range. At 1,834 sq ft, this home delivers space, function, and meaningful updates — not compromises. The layout includes 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, a second living area, and a dedicated hobby
Cute, cozy, and move-in ready — this 2-bedroom gem offers incredible value with a long list of recent updates. Enjoy peace of mind with a new roof (Dec 2024), new porch railing, fresh interior paint, and mostly newer windows and flooring throughout. The home also features a new back door, updated A-coil in the HVAC, new piers in the crawlspace, and newer siding for added durability and curb
SELLER OFFERING UP TO $5000 IN CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE with acceptable offer!!!!!! Down Payment Assistance options available! Fresh, bright, beautifully remodeled... and ready to welcome its next owner. So much is new! HVAC, roof, siding, windows, added attic insulation, flooring, soft-close cabinets, countertops, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, and stainless steel appliances. The updated
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