Pryor Creek is a northeast Oklahoma employment hub
Pryor Creek, also known as Pryor, is a northeast Oklahoma town nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks between Tulsa and Northwest Arkansas. The community traces its roots to 1898, when it was incorporated as part of the Cherokee Nation. The U.S. Postal Service shortened the name in 1909 to avoid confusion with the nearby community of Pond Creek. Today, Pryor Creek is the county seat of Mayes County and has grown into a regional employment hub that is home to the third-largest industrial park in the United States.
Google highlights about 80 firms that operate out of Mid-America Industrial Park
The Mid-America Industrial Park was established in 1960 and has become the anchor of the regional workforce. Nearly 80 firms operate out of the 9,000-acre facilities. The park is conveniently located along U.S. Highway 69 and includes its own airport and rail line. “Mid-America has a lot of major players, and the fastest-growing company there would have to be Google,” says Mike Epperson of Lakeland Real Estate, located just outside Pryor Creek. The region also continues to support traditional economic drivers such as agriculture and farming, and boasts its own medical center, Hillcrest Hospital.
Housing in northeast Oklahoma is "very affordable"
The community offers an eclectic mix of single-family housing options. Several of the offerings, including older ranch-style homes, contemporary, brick-built homes and large custom homes, sit on spacious lots. The newest homes incorporate a mix of traditional and modern designs. Small homes built in the 1950s also can be found. Residential settings range from established non-HOA neighborhoods to gated communities. Sidewalks, driveways and attached garages are common features throughout. Prices typically range from the mid-$100,000s to the high-$600,000s. “In general, it’s very affordable,” Epperson says. “Northeast Oklahoma is not the kind of place where you pay high prices per square foot. If you get closer into town, you might pay a little more per square foot, but nothing significant enough to make you not want to buy there.” Homes with attached land are available in outlying areas. “There’s still enough land around Pryor that it’s easy to purchase a 20-acre tract or more,” Epperson says. Homebuyers should be aware that the region is susceptible to tornado damage, especially in the spring. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are generally mild.
Downtown district has been revitalized
The intersection of U.S. Highway 69 and State Highway 20 forms the center of commercial activity. Known respectively as Mill Street and Graham Avenue, the two thoroughfares are filled an array of boutique shops, businesses and restaurants. “The downtown district has had a fair amount of renovation over the past couple of years,” Epperson says. Established destinations such as Rust N Lace Mall stans out among the district’s vintage shops. Downtown is also home to the Rabbit Gallery, which showcases authentic Native American art. Farther south is a Walmart and The District, a contemporary multi-use development that offers shopping, dining and entertainment.
Whitaker Park and Lake Hudson are premier recreational destinations
The community boasts several parks and recreation centers, and the surrounding waterways offer plenty of outdoor recreation. Whitaker Park is the amenities-filled jewel of the community. The picturesque, 24-acre green space features a splash pad, a skatepark, athletic courts and a fishing pond. The nearby Pryor Creek Recreation Center offers more amenities, including a pool and gymnasium. A baseball and softball complex hosts youth and church league competitions on its 12 fields. The Grand River, which is the name for a branch of the nearby Neosho River, and Lake Hudson are nearby attractions popular with boaters, anglers, kayakers and more. “Lake Hudson is considered one of the best fishing lakes in northeast Oklahoma,” Epperson says. “It’s relatively quiet. Other lakes around here have the reputation of being party lakes, but Lake Hudson is not that.” Pryor Creek Golf Club features an 18-hole public course. Pryor is also home of the Rocklahoma music festival, a three-day event that features dozens of acts. It drew an estimated 100,000 visitors when it debuted in 2007.
High school known for academics and community involvement
Pryor has its own school district, which earns a B-plus from Niche. The district comprises five schools – three elementaries, a middle school and a high school. All are rated either B or B-plus. “The high school has a fairly good reputation for academics and community involvement,” Epperson says. Minorites make up more than 30 percent of the population, and Niche gives the district an A for diversity.
Highways connect residents to Tulsa, Northwest Arkansas
With two highways intersecting in the heart of town, residents have easy access to regional travel. Highway 20 provides the quickest route to Tulsa and its international airport about 45 miles away. U.S. Highway 412 just south of the community connects residents to Tulsa and Northwest Arkansas.
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