Oklahoma railroad town with healthy industrial roots
Named for a historic fort now on illustrious Route 66, El Reno is one of the westernmost towns in the Oklahoma City metro area. The city of 17,000 is also the seat of Canadian County, the fastest-growing county in the state. The upward trajectory began in the late 19th century, when railroad expansions brought hundreds of jobs to the area. Oil fields and manufacturing help the modern industrial landscape remain robust about 30 miles from Oklahoma City. “A lot of people who live here also work here,” says city planner Taylor Burt. “Most people don’t commute to the city, which is awesome.”
Many homes in El Reno were built in the early 20th century.
El Reno's newly constructed homes subdivisions have sidewalks for evening walks.
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Crossroads of the Chisholm Trail and Route 66
El Reno sits at the crossroads of Interstate 40, U.S. Route 81 — the former Chisholm Trail — and Route 66. The Route 66 connection fuels a healthy tourism industry, creating multiple jobs in retail and hospitality. Oil drillers and operators maintain a strong presence, bolstered by numerous pipe manufacturers and supply companies. I-40 is the quickest option for the 30-mile drive to Oklahoma City and Will Rogers World Airport, the largest in the state.
The world famous Route 66 goes through downtown El Reno.
Many visitors see downtown El Reno and visit the many Rt 66 stops along the way.
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Home of the fried onion burger
"When I first got here, I said, 'This is the cutest little downtown I’ve ever seen,'” Burt says. “Little niche shops, boutiques, a coffee shop, a bakery — and they’re all locally owned.” The city’s signature dish is the fried onion hamburger, a staple of the downtown diner scene. During the Great Depression, local restauranteur Ross Davis added shredded onions to his beef patties to make the burgers appear bigger. The flavor-packed results made such an impact that El Reno now hosts a Fried Onion Burger Day Festival every May, with live entertainment, a car and motorcycle show, and, of course, a burger-eating contest. Other restaurants and shopping centers gather near the I-40 corridor south of downtown.
Grab an Oklahoma burger at world famous Sid's Diner.
Downtown El Reno is full of unique murals and art pieces.
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Modern homes from $225,000 to $400,000
The median home price in El Reno is $195,000 — low even compared with Oklahoma City’s, which is already well below the national median. Some of the city’s oldest homes gather in the streets south and east of downtown, and Crimson Lake Estates is a new development featuring modern builds by LGI Homes. Cozy bungalows start at $100,000 to $150,000, but plenty of new construction is priced in the $225,000 to $400,000 range. Vacant lots in Banner , a rural neighborhood on the southeastern outskirts, might cost $300,000 to $350,000.
Many mid century homes still retain that classic appeal.
The area around Lake El Reno is a fast expanding.
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Gothic architecture distinguishes El Reno High School
Students attend schools in the El Reno Public Schools district, which has a Niche grade of B-minus. The El Reno High School building is an imposing brick structure that includes elements of Late Gothic Revival-style architecture, with a flat roof and twin cylindrical towers.
Teens of El Reno attend El Reno High School.
Kids can be pirates at Lake El Reno's playground.
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Boat races on Lake El Reno
Lake El Reno covers a surface area of 170 acres and is surrounded by walking trails, a swimming beach and an ATV park. The lake is also a popular spot for boat races, fishing and camping. The Heritage Trolley Express, Oklahoma’s only rail-based trolley, runs through downtown on Saturdays during spring and summer, giving riders a unique perspective on the city.
Go fishing at Lake El Reno.
Let the kids run around on the playground at Lake El Reno.
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El Reno crime rates and water concerns
According to data reported to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, crime rates in El Reno trend lower than in Oklahoma City but are typical for the state. Violent crime occurs at about half the rate of property-related incidents.
The city has grappled with water treatment issues over the past few years. City officials have acknowledged the problem, and renovations on the pipe system and water treatment plant are underway. As evidenced by the 2013 storm, tornado activity is also a concern. Anyone who saw 2024’s “Twisters” watched El Reno’s water tower topple over as a tornado tore through town in the blockbuster sequel. While a real-life 2013 twister inspired the sequence,
The Canadian County Free Fair
In addition to the onion burger festival, El Reno hosts the Canadian County Free Fair. The August celebration dates to 1914 and features a carnival, live entertainment, tractor pulls, horseshoe contests and livestock shows.
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Shellie, a proud native of Oklahoma City, has been serving the metro area since obtaining her real estate license in 2010. After transitioning from her previous career as an account executive in sales and marketing, where she represented national food brands, she joined Keller Williams. When she experienced the joy of helping others through her passion for real estate, Shellie discovered her true calling and what others say she was born to do.
Since 2012, she has earned top production awards every year, successfully closing hundreds of transactions and building a reputation as a trusted real estate advisor. With sharp negotiation skills, creative problem-solving, staging solutions, and a commitment to excellence, Shellie ensures her clients receive exceptional service.
As a full-time REALTOR®, she values integrity, authentic communication, and innovative solutions in every transaction. Staying ahead of market trends and continuing her education enables Shellie to offer the best guidance in a dynamic industry.
Outside of real estate, Shellie embraces all the things she loves about Oklahoma City. Married to the love of her life since 1999, she and her husband have raised two daughters, now 25 and 20. In her free time, she explores interior design, cherishes moments with family and lifelong friends, and enjoys the outdoors.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
