$339,643Average Value$151Average Price per Sq Ft70Homes For Sale
Inspiring landscape views beside Lake Kampeska and Pelican Lake
South Dakota’s flat-topped hills, lakes and rock features have long inspired landscape artists hoping to capture the majesty of the Great American Plains. One such artist was Terry Redlin, a native of Watertown, South Dakota, inspired by his hometown’s natural features: Pelican Lake to the south, Lake Kampeska directly north and the Big Sioux River flowing through it all. “That’s probably the biggest draw, the local lakes,” says Jim Pieper of JP Real Estate, who grew up in the area. Today, much of Redlin’s art is displayed in the Redlin Art Center, a museum on the eastern outskirts of the city. With a population of around 22,000 people, Watertown is one of the state’s most populous areas; it’s still growing, and the local government has invested in improvements to the city’s infrastructure and central business district. “We’re an up-and-coming community,” confirms Pieper, adding that Watertown even got its own semi-pro hockey team—the Shamrocks—in 2024. Along with its picturesque landscapes and ever-expanding list of attractions, prospective buyers are attracted to the city’s proximity to Interstate 29, which leads directly to Sioux Falls. “It’s really a great place to raise a family,” says Pieper.
Terry Radlin Art Center is a favorite to enjoy art in Watertown.
There are many big box options for shopping and dining in Watertown.
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Sale prices below the national median
Those looking to put down roots in Watertown will find a range of housing options, from quaint, early 20th-century cottages to single-story mid-centuries. The city’s oldest homes date back to the late 1800s and sit on compact, gridded lots closer to downtown, but there are also late ‘90s and early 2000s options in outlying subdivisions. The most common architectural styles, according to Pieper, are ranch-style houses and split-levels. The median sale price for a single-family home in Watertown is close to $355,000, which, although higher than most cities in South Dakota, is still significantly lower than the national median of $420,000. “We have the Lake Area Technical College in the area. It’s a two-year trade school that really keeps our market strong. A lot of students rent within the community, and then the people that would normally rent are buying homes,” says Pieper. “Inventory is low.” Although lots are gridded and relatively compact, streets here are still quiet; Watertown’s violent and property crime rates are lower than both national and state averages.
There are many architecture styles throughout the Watertown community.
There are many varities of homes found in Watertown.
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Lakefront recreation, ice rinks, community gardens and more
Watertown’s main appeal—and even its name—is derived from its proximity to features like Pelican Lake and Lake Kampeska, which offer year-round recreational opportunities like fishing, ice fishing and boating. There’s a 27-hole golf course, a shooting range and over 20 public parks of varying sizes throughout Watertown, the largest of which is Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park & Campground. It has its own beach, boating docks and several picnicking shelters, sometimes reserved for family reunions or birthday parties on warm days. Rustic recreational trails in Forsberg Park lead through protected nature areas, and Jackson Park has a disc golf course. Watertown residents can also rent out community garden plots, attend open skates in the Prairie Lakes Ice Arena—home of the Shamrocks—or take swim lessons at the Family Aquatic Center on 3rd Street. Prairie Lakes Wellness Center, a new addition to the community, has indoor gym equipment, a basketball court and a regular schedule of fitness classes.
Prairie Lake Ice Rink is a great place to spend the afternoon skating with friends in Watertown.
Pelican Lake is a great place for ice fishing in the winter months in Watertown.
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Bramble Park Zoo, The Goss Opera House and annual events
Over 100 species of animals call Watertown, and specifically Bramble Park Zoo, home. Founded in 1912, the zoo is open throughout the year and hosts educational programs, Sippin’ Safari Nights for adults and annual free days sponsored by Midco. In November, the city’s downtown is decorated with twinkling lights prior to the Holiday Light Parade, and the Optimist Club turns Stokes-Thomas Lake City Park into a “Winter Wonderland.” The Goss Opera House hosts Dinner & A Movie nights, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra performances, and more throughout the year, and families can learn about local history at the nearby Codington County Heritage Museum. Other annual events include Cookin’ on Kampeska, held over a July weekend also in City Park. According to Pieper, “They have food competitions, you know—who’s got the best ribs or whatever that might be—and they bring entertainment there as well.” The Sandbar, a restaurant that looks out onto Lake Kampeska, also has live music shows during the summertime.
Bramble Park Zoo is a great place to spend the afternoon in Watertown.
Gross Opera House is a historic building in Watertown and now hosts Maverick's.
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Brewery hopping and retail along Broadway Avenue
Shopping and dining options in Watertown are primarily concentrated along Broadway Avenue and between 1st Avenue South and 1st Avenue North. Close to 20 buildings throughout the city belong to the National Register of Historic Places, and many, like the Codington County Heritage Museum and Old Watertown Post Office, are found downtown. Streets are lined with everything from casual pizza joints to sushi restaurants, and brewery hopping is a popular local pastime. There are also big box retailers, grocery stores, and plenty of fast food restaurants along 9th Avenue to the south.
Watertown Brewing Company in downtown Watertown is a great place for the newest IPA.
Historic downtown Watertown has many dining options such as Downtown Sushi.
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The Watertown School District and the Lake Area Technical College
Area students can enroll in the Watertown School District, home of the Watertown Arrows, which has an overall B-plus grade from Niche. There are seven schools and approximately 3,800 students within the district, and Watertown High School has a graduation rate of 95%. Watertown is also home to the Lake Area Technical College, which has been connecting students with career opportunities since 1965, and the city’s regional library has book club opportunities, STEAM workshops for middle schoolers and adult writing classes.
Students love attending Lake Area Technical College in Watertown.
Lake Area Technical College is a great place for students to learn the trades in Watertown.
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Area manufacturers and I-29 to Sioux Falls
“If people are looking for a community to go to with jobs, this is the one,” says Pieper. Watertown is home to large-scale manufacturers like Terex-Utilities, Crenlo and more, and it takes around an hour and a half to drive the 100 miles to Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city. I-29 makes for easy commutes, but public transportation is limited. Watertown also has its own regional airport that offers flights to larger hubs like Denver and Chicago, and medical care is accessible at Prairie Lakes Hospital.
Terex Utilities is a major employer in the Watertown area.
Interstate 29 is the closest major highway available for Watertown Residents.
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Written By
Sara Caskey
Photography Contributed By
Kevin Franz
Video By
Ennis Warlick
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ruth Parkhurst,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Watertown, SD sell after 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Watertown, SD over the last 12 months is $290,250, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
A wonderful opportunity to live in a highly desired area! This move-in-ready 3-bedroom, 2-bath home has been thoughtfully maintained and features recent updates to the water heater, central air, and furnace, offering comfort and peace of mind from day one. The property includes a 12×12 shed for extra storage and a spacious area ideal for adding a garage, giving you room to expand as you wish. Lot
You will feel right at home the moment you walk into this well-kept home located in a perfect NE location. New class 4 impact resistant shingles in 2024 provides a discount on your insurance! Spacious foyer landing leading to a beautiful main living space that features a new gas fireplace and updated flooring. The spacious kitchen features a pantry, providing plenty of space for your kitchen
Enjoy lake living with this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering 90 feet of shoreline and endless potential. The home features a large, open living room filled with natural light and scenic lake views, creating a welcoming space for everyday living or entertaining. Appliances are included, and a kitchenette in the basement adds flexibility for guests, extended living, or recreation space. Major
Great opportunity to own a brand new nearly complected two bed two bath twin home in the valley view addition. This home offers a large master suite with soon to be tiled shower stall along with 9' tall ceilings makes this a must see twin home. The open concept gives you plenty of room to be in the conversation no matterif your in the kitchen, dining room or living-room.The kitchen has
This beautiful townhouse has been completely remodeled! It features all high-end upgrades! Open kitchen/Living room area is great for entertaining! Upgrade listAdded duct work to the registers throughout the home (summerwood homes were not built with duct work connected to registers) 2022 New furnace with a damper on the furnace so you can control the upstairs and the main floor separately
This triplex is completely remodeled with, new roof, siding, wiring sheetrock, flooring, cabinets, appliances, to name a few. There are two units now rented the 3 bedroom upstairs rents for $1200 monthly plus they pay utilities, lower one bedroom rents for $800 monthly both in leases. The lower 3 bedroom unit can be rented out for $1200 a month or you can live there and rent out the other two to
This lot offers excellent commercial frontage on E 19th St. at the intersection of Park View Trail which is a primary entrance to the Dakota Commons residential subdivision. The intended use, subject to zoning approval, would be neighborhood business. See photos for two documents which show plat dimensions, easements, and locations of sewer and water utility lines. Future use, improvements and
This lot offers excellent commercial frontage on E 19th St. at the intersection of Park View Trail which is a primary entrance to the Dakota Commons residential subdivision. The intended use, subject to zoning approval, would be neighborhood business. See photos for two documents which show plat dimensions, easements, and locations of sewer and water utility lines. Future use, improvements and
This home is elegant on the outside and inside and is ready for a new owner. The home has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and had extensive remodeling with fresh paint on the interior, replaced living room window,new shingles, deck, patio, garage was insulated and sheeted, new gas furnace installed in garage and newer gas furnce and c/a in the house, There is a new 12' x 24' storage shed for all the
Every detail has been thoughtfully updated in this stunning 3-bedroom 2- bath home, completely remodeled in 2022. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Kampeska from a beautifully refreshed interior featuring a modern kitchen with quartz countertops and backsplash. New appliances. Both bathrooms have been fully renovated with elegant vanities, contemporary sinks and custom showers.Designed with
Nearly New 2 bed 1/bath twin home with attached two stall garage. If your looking for affordable living look no further. This home has 9 ft ceilings, big island, subway tile backsplash open concept and comes with newer refrigerator, stove,dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer.The owner is a licensed realtor.
Very Nice Recently remodeled 3 bed 2 bath single wide mobile home in Country view mobile home park with a garden shed. The home has newer kitchen cabinets, sink, countertops, flooring plus new shingles in 2017 and new windows in 2019. It comes with newer stove, refrigerator, dish washer, microwave, washer and dryer. A Park and lake acces are close within walking distance. Buyer must be approved
Come check out this beautiful cozy cabin located right on Lake Kampeska! With just over 80 ft of Lake frontage, this home is ready to go to make memories all summer long. The home features a large 2 stall attached garage, 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. This property will not last long, schedule your private showing today!
Brand New 16' x 80' singlewide mobile home in Southview mobile home Park lot rent is $395 a month. The mobile home has a open floor plan with a good size island and the coveted kitchen pantry and includes new kitchen appliances. There is a one year manufacturers structual warranty and it is constructed with 2 x 6 walls and tied down on concrete slabs, seperate warranties on appliances (range,
Build your dream home on this spacious 2-acre lot near beautiful Lake Pelican, in a fast-growing, highly desirable neighborhood. Enjoy the rare combination of city utilities & modern conveniences with the quiet privacy & open feel of country-style living. With plenty of room for a custom home, this property offers flexibility & long-term value in an area that continues to see strong growth. Just
The Oaks, where homes are made, is now leasing Studio, 1-Bedroom, and 2-Bedroom apartments. Each home comes with modern finishes and the convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer. Rent also includes water, sewer, and trash.Our community features a secure entry system, spacious common areas perfect for entertaining, and two fitness centers designed for busy lifestyles. Located just a 5-minute
Discover Watertown’s newest affordable community offering beautiful 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom homes. This brand new property features modern interiors, great views, and high quality amenities, all at comfortable, budget friendly rates. Enjoy fresh construction, stylish finishes, and a welcoming place to call home.
Wilkeshire Apartments are located in the perfect area of Watertown, SD. Living here, you will have easy access to the shopping centers, lakes, parks, golf courses, restaurants, schools, while still living in a quiet, peaceful neighborhood. You’ll love being a part of this beautiful community.
Welcome to The Plains Apartments in Watertown, SD! Our community offers a range of amenities to enhance your lifestyle. Stay active in our fitness room, pamper your furry friends in the pet spa, and let your pups run free in the on-site dog park. Enjoy the convenience of included internet and gather with neighbors in the clubhouse. Experience comfortable living at The Plains Apartments.
Welcome to Generations on 1st in Watertown, SD! Our apartment community offers controlled building access for added security and peace of mind. Say goodbye to hauling trash down flights of stairs with our convenient garbage chute access. Enjoy a smoke-free environment both inside the building and on the grounds. Elevators make moving in and out a breeze, while in-unit washer and dryer units and
Marketplace offers unique one and two bedroom apartments. The rooftop patio is a great place to gather and enjoy the outside. Each unit has smart deadbolt access providing easy and secure access to the apartment. High speed internet access in each unit. A pet wash station, garbage chute, modern window coverings, in-unit washer/dryer, quality cabinetry, and stainless-steel appliances are just
Archer Flats in Watertown SD feature BRAND NEW studio, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments and 2 bedroom townhomes. This beautiful property has everything youve been looking for modern finishes, new appliances and premium amenities. Archer Flats is also pet friendly
Welcome to the Lofts at Willow Creek in Watertown, SD. Our apartments are designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. Each unit features a washer and dryer. For those with furry friends, we are a pet-friendly community. We understand the importance of security and convenience, which is why we offer keyless unit entry for all apartments. Most units come with an attached, heated, and
One & Two Willow Creek has created a precedent for luxury living in Watertown by combining modern aesthetics with comfortable housing elements. Offering six unique luxury living spaces to choose from along with unique and opulent apartment options. Each unit has been designed with modern and high quality interior elements.
This is a beautiful and spacious unit located in a property made up of townhomes on a private drive. Located in the Northwest part of town, in a quiet neighborhood. Single owner and property manager, responsive to maintenance requests and takes care of lawncare/snow removal. All modern appliances included as well as central air and heat. Pet friendly with additional fees and some restrictions.
Call Wayne, our Property Manager, for details regarding this apartment that will be coming available for June 1st. This apartment will go quickly because of the reasonable rent and location to Tech School. Convenient living for students because it is right across the street from Lake Area Technical College. Apartments are very basic, however, we pride ourselves in keeping the buildings clean
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