Oliver Park South

On the south side of the Oklahoma River, less than 2 miles from Calle Dos Cinco in Oklahoma City’s historic Capitol Hill, lies Oliver Park South. Realtor Clinton Lawson, with Pioneer Realty, says, “It’s an older neighborhood, and very diverse.” He notes that its location is the primary draw: “Oliver Park South is in the heart of southside OKC, close to all the great Hispanic grocery stores and restaurants, which people love and are really looking for when they’re looking to live around here.” He notes that with Capitol Hill’s popular multicultural district on 25th Street, or Calle Dos Cinco, just a mile and a half north, this neighborhood is about as close to the cultural heart of the southside as you'll find. “That’s where they have a big festival in October every year for Hispanic Heritage Month,” he says, referring to Fiestas De Las Americas, which kicks off the month every year with a big parade, tons of food, live music and dancing. Lawson: “This is just a really good location, close to everything that makes the southside so unique.”

You’ll find mostly Craftsman-inspired Minimal Traditional and ranch-style homes in Oliver Park South. Many were built in the late 1920s, but some are as new as the mid-1980s. Lawson observes: “These houses are going pretty quick right now, the market is really hot.” He notes that the neighborhood is especially appealing to investors at the moment. “People are really spreading this way, and the city is pouring money into the area, too, which makes it very attractive to investors, whether they’re interested in flipping the house to sell or flipping it to rent.” Lawson acknowledges that most homes are trending toward renovations instead of demolition, citing the homes’ character as the deciding factor between the two routes. “These older homes have more personality than new construction, so if it can be flipped instead of torn down, they’re flipping it,” he says, noting that as a result, the neighborhood has kept much of its original character in the midst of its revitalization.

Homes here typically sell for between $60,000 and $150,000, well under the median for the wider metro, which hovers closer to the low $300,000 mark. For a two-bedroom, two-bathroom wood siding-clad cottage, built in 1928 and featuring new vinyl tile flooring throughout, new kitchen appliances and original tiling in the bathrooms, you can expect to pay around $85,000. “As homes are renovated, they’re usually expanded. A lot of them were originally these little one or two-bedroom homes, but folks are making them bigger now to accommodate for larger families, families in different life stages, that kind of thing,” Lawson observes, noting that homes with additional bedrooms tend to fall on the upper end of the price spectrum.

Oliver Park South students are served by schools in the Oklahoma City Public Schools system. Many youngsters between preschool and fourth grade attend Cesar Chavez Elementary, while older tweens attend Wheeler Middle School between fifth and eighth grade. Teens attend Capitol Hill High School for grades nine through 12. The red brick, turreted Capitol Hill High School building has overseen the education of generations of local students since it opened its doors in 1928. Today, students can apply to participate in one of two specialized programs Capitol Hill High offers: the Academy of Engineering and the Academy of Arts. Both academies offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the two fields through internships and experience-based curricula. Lawson notes that it’s Capitol Hill’s athletics that really shine, though. “Soccer-wise, they’re great,” he gushes, noting that locals from around the southside flock to the pitch on game days to cheer on the Redwolves.

For their groceries, residents can stick close to home by visiting Supermercados Morelos or La Michoacana Supermarket. Both grocery stores are within 2 miles of Oliver Park South, on 59th Street. Just over a mile and a half west, there’s your local Walmart Neighborhood Market, too. After running errands, stop by La Oaxaquena Bakery & Restaurant for a treat—either sweet or savory. The popular eatery is less than 2 miles northwest of home, at the corner of Olie Avenue and 29th Street. Lawson notes: “You can’t drive two blocks in this part of town without finding a great restaurant. This is where everyone in the city comes for great Mexican food.”

Written By

Megan Quintin

Photography Contributed By

Elizabeth James

Video By

Francesco Basti