Downtown Oklahoma City has evolved into several districts: The Arts District, The Business District, Bricktown, Automobile Alley, and Deep Deuce. For detailed information visit downtownokc.com. Bricktown was once a major warehouse district and the original site of the city, Bricktown is a growing entertainment district in downtown Oklahoma City. It is home to the AT&T Bricktown Ballpark and the navigable Bricktown Canal, and is one of the most popular destinations in the state.
Other attractions include the Oklahoma Land Run monument, numerous bars and dance clubs, casual and fine dining restaurants, retail shops including Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, a Harkins movie theatre, a Marble Slab Creamery, hotels, and live music venues.
For complete information on Bricktown visit bricktownokc.org.
The face of downtown Oklahoma City has changed dramatically
over the past several years, thanks to an extensive Urban Renewal program. New
construction and major renovation projects have brought new life to the center of the city
and noon musical events and arts festivals attract people from all quadrants of the city.
Beneath the downtown complex is the Metro Concourse, a network of
underground tunnels and skyways. The Concourse is one of the most extensive, all-enclosed
pedestrian systems in the country and connects dozens of restaurants and retail shops to
hotels, office buildings and the Myriad Convention Center.
The Myriad Gardens, in the heart of downtown, was initially inspired by
Copehnagen’s Tivoli Gardens. Landscaped hills, gardens and watercourses are enhanced
by the unique Crystal Bridge, a huge glass and steel structure conceived as a greenhouse
teeming with exotic plants from all over the world.
While Oklahoma City is known for its sunshine, there are plenty of
activities when the sun goes down! A popular evening destination is Bricktown, a warehouse
district just east of downtown. This historic area is the site of unique restaurants,
clubs, retail shopping, outside concerts and festivals, and the new Southwestern Bell
Bricktown Ballpark.
The downtown area is also the home of a major medical complex and teaching
facility associated with the University of Oklahoma.
Professionals who work downtown and prefer to limit their commuting time
will find a wide selection of available housing from modern condominiums to large
historical homes that have been beautifully restored. Majestic trees, many of which were
planted at the time of statehood, decorate the side streets of neighborhoods in this area. (top)
North Oklahoma City boasts a number of residential areas.
It is also home to Nichols Hills and the Village, two sub-divisions with their own police,
fire department and municipal government. Professionals who work downtown and prefer to
limit commuting time will find a wide selection of available housing, condominiums and
restored historic homes in this area, which has greatly benefited by the city’s new
highways.
This area offers two independent, college preparatory schools providing a
stimulating community of learning for the qualified student. These two schools are
Heritage Hall and Casady and they prepare the foundation for a child’s future.
Education includes pre-school (ages 3 & 4) through the upper school grade 12. (top)
This area of Oklahoma south of the Canadian River and Moore
forms the southern boundary of this vast metropolitan area. Benefiting economically from
the General Motors Assembly Plant and a wide variety of major firms, the area has
continued to grow at a steady rate. In fact, southwest Oklahoma City has grown at a rate
almost twice that of the other quadrants. It even has its own Chamber of Commerce and
local merchants are extremely aggressive and proud of their businesses.
Employees at the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center (FAA) and Will Rogers
World Airport find it convenient to live in this part of Oklahoma City. South Oklahoma
City Community Hospital is the source of comprehensive medical services for the residents
of Moore, Norman, Midwest City and Del City in addition to a large number of communities
between Oklahoma City and the Texas border. A private hospital completely supported by the
community, South Community was recently renovated at a cost of $20 million establishing it
as a regional health care center.
Residents of South Oklahoma City and Moore have a head start on fans that
are driving to Norman to attend Sooner football games. The University of Oklahoma is only
20 minutes away, an easy drive for commuters. South Oklahoma City Community College is
also located in this area just off of I-44.
Twenty years ago, Edmond was a sleepy little college town.
Today, it is a prosperous community of approximately 66,000 people. Known as "the
place" to live by those who want to get away from the traffic and noise of a larger
city, the homes in Edmond vary from acreages, new homes, wooded homesites, condominiums
and single family dwellings. Many drive the 15 or 20 minutes to downtown Oklahoma City
each day, combining the convenience of small town living with the benefits of big city
services. Edmond is accessible from all major highways, including I-35, US 66 and US 77.
I-40 is only ten miles away.
Municipal services, including water, sewer and sanitation, are all
operated by the city and have a large capacity for future growth. Police, fire, civil
defense and the parks and recreation programs are generously funded to provide excellent
services for Edmond residents. Building codes are strictly enforced to insure quality
construction of all homes in the area.
Residents benefit educationally from the University of Central Oklahoma,
the Oklahoma Christian College and an excellent public and private school system. For
entertainment, there are various golf clubs and tennis facilities. Lake Arcadia has
complete boating and recreational facilities and a host of other attractions. Enterprise
Square, USA, is the creation of some of the nation’s top designers, writers,
economists and educators and is a revolutionary hands-on showcase of the American Economic
System. A fascinating exhibitions center, it is designed to entertain and explain
principles of free enterprise.
Edmond’s population includes more than its share of doctors, dentists
and health care specialists. The newly remodeled 99 bed hospital is equipped to take care
of almost any medical emergency. Numerous industrial and commercial companies are also
located in Edmond, including Fleming Foods, Fife Corporation, Ralston Purina and Pepsi
Cola.
Home of Tinker Air Force Base and the General Motors
Assembly Plant (with approximately 6,000 employees), Midwest City and Del City serve as
major retail and service centers for eastern Oklahoma County. The Air Logistics Center,
located at Tinker Air Force Base, is a major employer in the community.
Just five miles east of downtown Oklahoma City, these neighboring
communities were founded in the early 40’s with a short but growth-oriented history.
Tinker Air Force Base, located adjacent to these two suburbs, is Oklahoma’s largest
single employer.
Rose State College, with an enrollment of more than 12,000 students, is
located in Midwest City and an excellent Vo-Tech center offers a wide variety of training
to area residents. There are more than 14 park and recreational sites with sheltered
picnic areas, Olympic size swimming pools, lighted softball fields and top golfing
facilities. Lake Stanley Draper and Thunderbird Lake are both within minutes of the city
limits.
Six miles west on U.S. 66 past Bethany lies Yukon, a city
of approximately 22,000 people. Founded in 1891 by farmers of Czechoslovakian descent,
Yukon’s cultural heritage still leaves its mark on the community today. On the first
Saturday in October, the annual Czech Festival attracts hundreds of visitors who want to
help preserve and share the old Czech customs and folk dances, as well as the traditional
foods that are renowned for their taste. Arts and crafts, parades and souvenirs all add up
to one of the top rated events in the state of Oklahoma.
Yukon’s city government has traditionally provided a cooperative
climate for land development and excellent community service facilities. This has
benefited the community in terms of attracting new businesses, especially taking into
consideration largely because the costs of real estate development are lower than in
neighboring areas.
Located near Oklahoma City’s western boundaries, Warr
Acres and Bethany each support their own police and fire departments. Warr Acres is
located in the middle of the Putman City School District while Bethany has its own school
system and is home of Southern Nazarene University. Several residential areas in these two
suburbs feature newer, contemporary homes. However, the majority of neighborhoods are
between 20 and 40 years old. Large shade trees create a pleasant atmosphere in these older
sections.
Lake Overholser is only a few miles west via U.S. 66 and provides an ideal
spot for boating, camping and enjoying picnics with family and friends.
The area is popular with people working at Will Rogers World Airport or
the FAA as well as for those employed in the industrial park several miles south of these
communities.
Mustang is a community of 12,000 people and is well
respected for its excellent school system and community spirit. In this small town
atmosphere, "personal attention" is the key to success from many local
merchants.
At least two major jamborees are scheduled each year. Mayfest Celebration
is a one-day arts and crafts festival sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce. Western
Days in September is a week-long event honoring the heritage of Mustang’s early
founders. Western Days includes parades, dances and arts and crafts festivals that draw
area residents, culminating in a big rodeo and chili cook-off.
