Oak Grove

On the southern bank of the Oklahoma River lies Oak Grove, and despite its name, its streets are actually more shaded by towering sweetgums than by oaks. Regardless, it’s not so much the trees that draw homebuyers here. Eric Avalos, a Realtor with Metro First Realty of Edmond, says most folks are interested in this part of town for its location and competitive home prices: “The cost of houses and land here is a bit lower than in other areas of Oklahoma City, which is incredible when you think about how close you are to downtown and Stockyards City. It’s really starting to get the attention of investors and flippers.”

Oak Grove’s 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s era two and three-bedroom cottages start at $33,000, well below the median for the city. Avalos notes that while in nearby neighborhoods, home prices “can range from $95,000 all the way up to over $270,000,” it’s possible to “get an even better deal on property in Oak Grove right now.” Avalos acknowledges that while there are some vacant lots available, where homes that have fallen into disrepair have been torn down, many homeowners and investors prefer to renovate rather than raze. “They recognize the place’s good bones,” he says. Realtor Clint Lawson, of Pioneer Realty, agrees, noting that to many of his clients, the character of the homes here is worth preserving. “Houses start to get into the low $100,000 range when they’ve had more updates, and we’re seeing more of that here,” he says. For a three-bedroom Minimal Traditional-style home built in the 1940s, featuring new windows throughout, freshly refinished original hardwood flooring and new kitchen appliances, you can expect to pay close to the $130,000 mark.

Originally one of the commuter neighborhoods for the meat packing plant workers of Stockyards City, less than 2 miles east, Oak Grove’s popularity today is still due in part to its proximity to OKC’s cowboy district. “People from all over Oklahoma and Texas and Kansas come to this part of the city to sell their cattle every week, just like they’ve been doing for a hundred years,” says Avalos. Armour and the Oklahoma National Stockyards Company have been at home here since 1910, and weekly live auctions still take place at the world’s largest feeder and stocker cattle market every Monday and Tuesday. Oak Grove residents commute to Stockyards for more than work today. “You don’t have to be a real cowboy to shop there. Lots of regular people like to go there for the Western-style cowboy clothes,” laughs Avalos. He adds that Stockyards is also home to “the best, most popular steakhouse in town.” Cattlemen’s, OKC’s oldest continually operating restaurant, is so well-known for its steaks that it’s drawn the attention of presidents and movie stars.

Oak Grove’s proximity to downtown, less than 6 miles away, is also a significant draw. Avalos observes that with easy access to the city’s public transportation system and a plethora of employment opportunities nearby, “being so close to downtown has opened a lot of infrastructure access for the homeowners and renters” in southside OKC.

Students in Oak Grove are served by schools in the Oklahoma City Public Schools system. Many attend Mark Twain Elementary, Taft Middle and Northwest Classen High School. As one of just two schools in the district with an Academy of Health Sciences, Northwest Classen draws students from across the city. The program provides work-based, hands-on learning experiences to participating students, designed to prepare them for careers in the health and healthcare sectors.

With its enviable location and remarkable home prices, it’s no wonder that Oak Grove is tempting more and more homeowners to put down roots.

Written By

Megan Quintin

Photography Contributed By

Lindsey Torres

Video By

Jessica Johnson