Small western Oklahoma town offers low cost of living and plenty of community activities
Clinton is the kind of small Oklahoma town where Friday Night Football is religion and everyone turns out for the holiday parades. The city, home to about 8,500 people, sits along Historic Route 66. The low cost of living and friendly people are some of Clinton’s biggest draws. “We have a lot of entertainment and recreation places,” says Julia Caldwell, president of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce. Monthly farmers markets, spacious parks and “quaint” eateries all add to the charm of the town.
The city was carved out of Indian Territory in the early 1900s, shortly before Oklahoma became a state. It served as a hub in the western part of the state during its early days, due to Route 66 and multiple rail lines that came through it. Today, the school district and hospital are among the biggest employers. Food and beverage manufacturers, as well as the local casino, are also a large part of the Clinton economy.
The city of Clinton, with around 8,500 residents, is along Historic Route 66.
The Lucky Star Casino in Clinton plays a major role in the city’s economy.
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Affordable homes in Clinton
The median price in Clinton is just under $140,000, significantly lower than both the national median of $400,000 and the $250,000 median in Oklahoma City. Ranch-style homes built between the 1960s and 1980s are common, though some bungalows dating to the 1920s are also available.
Affordable and well-kept ranches are available for locals in Clinton.
Beautiful, spacious traditional homes are available throughout Clinton.
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High school football champions and a new middle school on the way
Clinton Public Schools, which has a B-minus on Niche, serves about 2,100 students. The high school football team, the Clinton Tornadoes, is one of the best in the state. “We have 17 gold balls,” says Caldwell, referring to state championships. A new middle school is currently under construction and is expected to be complete by the end of 2025.
Nance Elementary School provides education in the Clinton area.
The Clinton High School offers the Clinton area a dynamic learning environment.
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Concerts and sports at McLain Rogers Park
The city maintains more than a dozen parks. McLain Rogers Park is especially popular. It has two playgrounds, volleyball and basketball courts and a mini golf course. The park’s amphitheater hosts the annual summer concert series. The Acme Brick Park Fitness Center offers programs for youth and adults and has an indoor walking track, racquetball courts and batting cages.
Foss State Park is about 14 miles west of Clinton and offers opportunities for hiking and horseback riding as well as fishing and boating in Foss Lake. Water-Zoo is a large indoor water park that features a retractable roof that opens when the weather is nice. It has waterslides, a lazy river and wave pool.
McLain Rogers Park in Clinton has a well maintained play set for kids to enjoy anytime.
About 14 miles west of Clinton, Foss State Park provides hiking opportunities.
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Downtown dining and events
Frisco Avenue is Clinton’s downtown, and features boutiques, independent bookstores and a coffee shop. S&D Drug is a pharmacy and electronics store with a diner in the back. Split Decision is a bowling alley and grill. The city also has several Mexican restaurants that are local favorites. A Homeland supermarket is a block from downtown.
The city hosts Friends on Frisco monthly from April through October. “We close off the street and do live music and food trucks, and all the stores stay open late,” Caldwell says. The event includes a farmer’s market.
The state’s official Route 66 Museum is also located in Clinton.
Cafe Downtown Clinton is a popular gathering place and restaurant for locals.
Fresh groceries are available daily at Homeland in Clinton.
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Improvements along the interstate and numerous churches
Interstate 40 runs through Clinton. Construction will soon begin at Exit 65 along the interstate that will make on-and-off access easier and create more opportunities for businesses to locate along the highway, Caldwell says. The interstate connects Clinton to Oklahoma City, about 80 miles east, where residents can find big city amenities and access the nearest airport, Will Rogers International.
Clinton is served by more than 30 churches of various denominations. The city also has its own hospital, Clinton Regional Hospital, which has 75 beds.
Typical Oklahoma weather and declining property crime
Clinton has typical Oklahoma weather, with long hot summers and extreme seasonal transitions. “Last week it was 8 degrees and an ice storm, and today it’s going to be 80 degrees,” Caldwell says on a day in late February. Tornadoes are a threat in the spring.
Incidents of property crime have been on the decline over the last five years, with 2024 numbers about half of those reported in 2020, according to data from the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation. Crimes against persons have held steady during the same period, with just under 140 incidents reported in 2024.
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