$339,026Average Value$156Average Price per Sq Ft90Homes 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
David Shelton,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Watertown, SD sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Watertown, SD over the last 12 months is $298,450, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Check out this beautifully maintained condo that checks every box! Updated vanities, fresh finishes, and a thoughtfully cared-for interior make it move-in ready the moment you arrive. This condo features a brand-new deck and a sliding glass door that leads you to a gorgeous view! Have peace of mind with an HOA that covers snow removal, lawn care, condo insurance, and some utilities! With grocery
This well-maintained Ranch home sits on an awesome corner lot kitty corner from Harper Park and is ready to just move on in! There are 4 bedrooms (one non-conforming) and 2 full bathrooms. Main level you will find 3 bedrooms, a full bath, huge living area, nice sized eat-in galley kitchen, dining room with space for a hutch if desired. Patio doors lead to a solid maintenance free deck with a
Nice 3 bedroom 2 bath 2016 16 x 76 Schult mobile home located in Southview mobile home court. The lot rent is $400 a month. Buyer needs to be pre approved by the park.
Brand new 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath 2 story home with a walk-out basement and attached 2-car garage. This beautiful house has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms on 2nd floor, 1/2 bath in laundry on main and 2 bedrooms, 1 bath in the newly finished basement.
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, newer shingles, deck, patio, garage was insulated and sheeted, newer gas furnace installed in garage and newer gas furnace and c/a in the house, There is a new 12' x 24' storage shed for all
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 beautiful well maintained home is move in ready! With a spacious primary bedroom with a walk in closet, vaulted ceilings in the living room, and a large eat-in kitchen, this house is ready for new owners! Subject to buyer's being accepted to mobile home park. Lot rent is $340
Stunning acreage featuring a 4900 sq ft home with 5BR and 6BA sitting on 4.25 acres only a few miles outside of Watertown. This place features 3 living rooms, 3 fire places, a sunroom, a huge master bedroom including a master bath with both a Jacuzzi tub and huge Onyx shower, and a large walk in closet. The man cave features a bar, wine racks, room for 2 fridges, big enough for a pool table, juke
This is a 28' x 72' double-wide mobile home in Pelican view trailer court that is anchored and sits on concrete cylinder foundation. The home is very well kept and offers 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms plus a wide open kitchen area plus a formal dining area. The home features a very spacious master that is sure to please. The outside is really well kept with a huge yard and two garden sheds plus a
ACREAGE Alert!!! This could be the one you have been waiting for as this 4680 sq ft 4 bed (basement bedroom non conforming)4 bath beutiful home sits off a paved road close to Watertown.The home features a huge master bedroom with 2 walk in closets and 2 sinks in the master bath along with a jetted tub. There are two more large bedrooms on the main with walk in closets and a jack and jill bath for
Check out this beautifully maintained condo that checks every box! Updated vanities, fresh finishes, and a thoughtfully cared-for interior make it move-in ready the moment you arrive. This condo features a brand-new deck and a sliding glass door that leads you to a gorgeous view! Have peace of mind with an HOA that covers snow removal, lawn care, condo insurance, and some utilities! With grocery
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
Beautiful split-level home in Northridge development. This well maintained home has 4 bedrooms and 3 baths along with a 3 stall garage. The main floor has a master bath and 2nd bedroom plus a nice size living room, kitchen and dinging area with a patio door out to a large freshly stained deck. The lower level has two more bedrooms and a 2nd family room. There is a parking pad next to the garage
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
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
Welcome to The Lofts in Watertown, SD, where convenience meets modern living. Our controlled building access ensures your safety and security, while the elevator makes moving in a breeze. Each unit has a dishwasher and in-unit washer & dryer for added convenience. Stay connected with high-speed internet access in each unit. Breathe easy in our smoke-free building and grounds. Keep your car warm
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.
dNow available: a comfortable 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home located in a quiet neighborhood. This home offers a practical layout with plenty of living space, making it a great option for anyone looking for a clean and functional place to call home.The property features three bedrooms, one full bathroom, a spacious living area, and a kitchen with room for everyday use. Outside, you'll find a
Welcome to the Ambassador apartments! This mid level unit has all of the necessities, coin operated laundry facilities, on and off street parking, and storage spaces for each unit. Lawn care and snow removal is provided for you. Heat and water is included in the rent. Tenant will pay all other utilities.Call Citi-Wide for a showing today!
Welcome to the Circle Place apartments! This updated upper level unit has all of the necessities- dishwasher, microwave, and washer/dryer in unit, plus a single stall detached garage. Tenant pays all utilities. Management takes care of snow removal and lawn care. Come check out this spacious unit!
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