Watkins is a quiet rural town with its own baseball team
Not many communities of just over 100 residents have their own semi-professional baseball team, but Watkins, roughly 25 miles west of Cedar Rapids, does. The Watkins Mudhens, who've been playing for over a century, are one of the primary sources of entertainment in this Benton County locale. Branching out from a series of gridded streets among the cornfields of East Central Iowa, this small town has multiple single-family home options, but residences are close together, providing a close-knit feel. “It's just a peaceful bedroom community,” says John Kuester, president of The Watkins Savings Bank, a Watkins native who has lived in the town for over 50 years. “There are good people in town, and it feels like home.”
Different home styles to pick from that sell quickly
Homes in Watkins range from $100,000 to $500,000 and include ranch-style, Saltbox, Four Squares, and Farmhouses. Pricing is based on different factors, including size, condition and age. Homes also move faster, spending 34 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. Homes typically have smaller lot sizes and large oaks accenting lawns. Properties with large acreage and farms can surround Watkins. Kuester says the community attracts a mix of younger families and retirees.
A century-old baseball team and the local church are gathering spaces
The centry-old Watkins Mudhens play their games at Davis Park on the southern end of the community. According to Kuester, the team mainly fields college students and former players. It typically plays other semi-professional outfits in the state. It also plays an annual doubleheader against local rivals, the Norway Bandits, during the Fourth of July.
St. Patrick Catholic Church is Watkins’ only house of worship and was built in the 1800s for the region’s Irish settlers. On St. Patrick's Day, the church holds a special mass and a potluck.
Green spaces near Watkins include the Gunderson Wildlife area, which has game hunting, fishing, and hiking trails. Hannen Lake, 10 miles west, has boat launches, a public beach, and camping areas. Events in downtown Cedar Rapids are 25 miles east.
Pupils attend the Benton Community School District for public school
Students can attend the Benton Community School District, rated B-minus on Niche. They can start at Atkins Elementary School, which earns a B-minus, but only goes up to third grade. Pupils then move on to Norway Intermediate graded B, for fourth through sixth grade. Benton Community Middle School and Benton Community Senior High School both have a B-minus, with the high school offering classes in personal finance.
Dining and shopping options are outside of Watkins
Dining spots are outside the community and primarily local. The Youngville Cafe, northwest of Watkins on U.S. Highway 30, serves soups, sandwiches and baked goods but is only open part-time. More restaurants are south in Marengo, including DK’s Eatery, which offers breakfast items, burgers and sandwiches.
Marengo also has a Big G Food grocery store and other retailers. The Westdale Town Center, 19 miles east in Cedar Rapids, has more big-box retailers and department stores.
Storms and flooding can be present along with rail noise
According to flood maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, several areas are at risk of flooding, especially along Prairie Creek on the southern end of town. Severe storms and tornadoes can also be factors. The rail line that cuts through Watkins does cause noise.
U.S. Highway 30 and 26th are the main road connections
Due to the absence of public transportation options, Watkins is car-dependent. The town’s main thoroughfare, 26th Avenue, connects to U.S. Highway 30 and leads to Cedar Rapids. East Iowa Airport is 18 miles east. Compass Memorial Healthcare in Marengo is 11 miles south.
