Like many cities in Oklahoma, Enid benefited from the oil boom that sounded off across the state in the early 1900s. Around the same time, companies like General Mills and Pillsbury opened mills and grain elevators in the area, earning Enid the nickname “The Wheat Capital of the U.S.” Now the state’s ninth-largest city and seat of Garfield County, Enid is 70 miles north of Oklahoma City and home to 51,000 residents. It’s also the site of Vance Air Force Base, which draws 1,400 service members and their families. “Vance Air Force Base is really what keeps Enid going,” says Vickie Schroeder, Realtor with Cobblestone Realty Partners. “That and the kids’ sports teams.”
Enid welcomes visitors and patrons from all around.
A variety of industries provide employment and economic growth for Enid.
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Enid’s local industries
The military base employs over 1,000 civilians, but it’s only one pillar of the Enid workforce. Johnston Seed Company, a grain processing and storage operation, has been in business since the town’s founding in 1893. Enid is also home to the corporate headquarters for Atwood Distributing, a farm and ranch supply store chain with more than 70 stores throughout the region. Health care workers find jobs at INTEGRIS Health Enid or St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center. Other area employers include Koch Fertilizer and Tyson Foods, which operates two plants and a distribution center in the eastern part of town.
Routes 412 and 81 intersect in the center of Enid, allowing for easy commutes in all directions. Stillwater Regional Airport, about 45 miles away, offers two daily departures to Dallas-Fort Worth, and Will Rogers World Airport, the state’s largest airport, is a 70-mile drive. Enid Transit offers curb-to-curb ride-share service, with riders encouraged to schedule a day in advance.
Overhead plane noise is common due to Enid's proximity to Vance Air Force Base. Additionally, trains regularly pass through town, which can sometimes lead to long waits at railroad crossings.
Vance Air Force Base is one the largest employers in Enid.
The Union Equity Elevator Z in Enid is one of the largest grain elevators in the world.
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The distinction between East Enid and West Enid
Locals tend to divide Enid’s architectural landscape between east and west. Homes on the east side are generally older, while neighborhoods on the west side typically offer newer construction. One exception is the Waverley Historic Preservation District that spans 24 blocks west of downtown. The collection of nearly 300 buildings includes a number of Craftsman bungalows and Queen Anne cottages from the early 20th century.
The median home price for Enid is $175,000, well below the national median of $407,000. Small investment properties are priced around $40,000 to $75,000, and starter homes generally cost $100,000 to $175,000. Many well-maintained older homes are priced at $200,000 to $350,000, but most recent builds and larger properties sell for $400,000 to $600,000.
North-central Oklahoma is subject to sultry summers and cold, snowy winters. Spring thunderstorms are common and can lead to tornadoes, so it’s crucial to purchase insurance policies that protect against wind and storm damage. According to data reported to the FBI, rates of violent and property-related crime generally trend higher than state and national figures.
Many older homes in Enid have been restored and well maintained.
New homes line a residential street in Enid Oklahoma.
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Museums and parks evoke Enid’s history
One of Enid’s most popular parks evolved around a watering hole on the Old Chisholm Cattle Trail, and several other parks also have fishing ponds and lakes as their central feature. Sports complexes are scattered throughout the park system, a tribute to the town’s dedication to youth sports. Leonardo’s Children’s Museum and Adventure Quest is home to the world’s largest community-built outdoor playground and an array of interactive exhibits designed to stimulate young minds. Down the street, wagons and Western film sets are displayed at Simpson’s Old Time Museum. The Railroad Museum of Oklahoma is also nearby, featuring an extensive collection of model trains and railway memorabilia.
Residents in Enid enjoy the kid friendly activities at Leonardo's Children's Museum.
Residents in Enid take part in organized sports played a numerous complexes around town.
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Enid Downtown Historic District
Downtown Enid encompasses several blocks and thrives on the “shop local” concept. “We don’t have a lot of chain stores, but we do have a lot of locally owned businesses — boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops,” Schroeder says. Some boutiques and breweries sit in buildings that are part of the Enid Downtown Historic District, named to the National Register of Historic Places due to its Art Deco and Colonial Revival architecture.
Downtown Enid remains an important and active part of community life.
Enid Brewing Co. brings residents and friends together for a night out.
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Access to the county’s top-rated school district
Enid Public Schools, the city’s primary district, earns a Niche grade of B-minus. Families on the east side might send their kids to Pioneer-Pleasant Vale Public Schools, which earns an A-minus as the top-rated district in Garfield County. Enid is also home to several private Christian schools, and the city is home to around 100 churches.
Enid High School is home to the Plainsmen.
Oklahoma Bible Academy is a private Christian school located in north west Enid.
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Symphonies and Shakespeare in the Park
The Gaslight Theatre hosts numerous shows throughout the year, including a summertime production of Shakespeare in the Park, and the Enid Symphony Orchestra is the oldest symphony in Oklahoma. The Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center chronicles the local history of the Land Run of 1893, highlighted during the Cherokee Strip Days event in September. Since 1932, local music students have competed in the Tri-State Music Festival, a springtime tradition that includes a carnival and a parade. Enid’s Main Street program sets up events like First Friday concerts and holiday celebrations held downtown. The Enid Lights Up the Plains Festival recently featured the world’s largest fresh-cut Christmas tree.
Incoming water supply from Kaw Lake
In 2020, the city began constructing 70 miles of pipeline connecting Kaw Lake to a pump station in Enid. When completed, the pipeline will transport 10 million gallons of water every day, providing water to the city for the next 40 to 50 years. Due to construction delays for the water treatment plant, the estimated completion date has been extended to September 2025.
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.
