Our Neighbors Anyone who has ever seen Bixby’s open fields and green spaces will sing the city’s praises as a pleasant, peaceful place to visit and live. Bixby households have a median annual income of just over $83,000, according to the U.S. Census. New housing developments are keeping with the city’s population growth as Bixby continues to be one of the fastest-growing communities in the state. The Bixby Public Schools system is well-rounded in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. Classes in agriculture, foreign language, and vocational and technical education also are available. The 114-acre Bentley Sports Complex is one of the most all-encompassing youth parks in Oklahoma, featuring baseball, softball, soccer, rodeo grounds, a playground and splash pad. Walking paths nearby connect to trails along the Arkansas River. People from surrounding communities come to Bixby each year to participate in its festivals. Green Corn Festival, held by the Bixby Optimist Club for decades, is a local favorite with a youth talent show, parade, eating contests and plenty of grilled corn. The Bixby Rotary BBQ ’n Blues Festival draws equally large crowds with barbecue pork, beef and chicken.
Broken Arrow It may not be Portland, but Oklahoma has its own “City of Roses” in Broken Arrow, the second largest city in Tulsa County. Shortly after the city’s founding at the turn of the 20th century, civic leaders urged citizens to adorn the streets with rose bushes in order to beautify the dusty, frontier landscape. Now, the city has honored its history with the creation of the Rose District, a pedestrian-friendly cultural center in downtown BA for those seeking great art, local music and unforgettable dining experiences. One of the Rose District’s grandest attractions is the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center. This 1,500-seat venue hosts local professional shows
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and touring performers, in addition to all of the concerts and productions put on by Broken Arrow Public Schools’ fine arts program. Broken Arrow Senior High School is the largest high school in Oklahoma, aside from virtual charter schools. It has a history of athletic excellence and is home to the Pride of Broken Arrow, one of the foremost competitive marching bands in the country. One of Northeastern State University’s three campuses resides here, which offers health science, education and business among its degrees to more than 3,500 students.
Jenks While Jenks has access to many of the amenities of a larger city, it’s full of the personable charm, hospitality and a quaint atmosphere typical in small town USA. One can get a taste of this just strolling down Main Street, shopping for treasures in its many antique shops, or chatting with friends at local cafes.
The Jenks Public School system is widely recognized as one of the best in Oklahoma and has been the recipient of the prestigious Malcolm Baldridge Award for quality and organizational performance excellence. In addition, Jenks High School is known for its strong athletic programs, and has one of the most heated high school football rivalries in the country with Union, in what is known as the Backyard Bowl Series. Jenks has a booming housing market with many contemporary homes. Residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful sights, as well as the shopping and dining opportunities at Riverwalk. The South Lakes Golf Course serves golfers from the city and the nearby communities, and hikers take advantage of the trails at nearby Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area, which connect to Tulsa’s 80-mile trail system. Jenks is home to many original festivals, including the Jenks Herb and Plant Festival, which features gardening and lifestyle vendors, as well as live music and food purveyors.
Fishing at Jenks’ Veterans Park
JENKS: MICHELLE POLLARD; BA: BROKEEN ARROW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Bixby
