Our Neighbors

Bixby

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.

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

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 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.

Owasso

Northeast of Tulsa is the friendly and thriving city of Owasso. Tulsa’s Port of Catoosa is just a short drive away. American Airlines, Macy’s Distribution Center and Whirlpool Corp. are Owasso’s largest employers. Owasso has a bevy of shopping options, from large retailers to one-of-a-kind specialty stores. It is home to a wealth of dining options and a great early education system as well, making it an ideal place to start a family. Owasso is home to three golf courses. Bailey Ranch Golf Club, a 400-acre public course, features creeks, lakes and native grassland. The Owasso Golf and Athletic Club, an 18-hole course on about 145 acres, hosts the annual Lindsey Cup Finals tournament. The Patriot Golf Club was named by Golfweek as one of the nation’s top modern courses in 2017. With incredible vistas from atop cliffs, the club hosts the annual Patriot Cup Invitational tournament during Memorial Day weekend, benefiting the nonprofit Folds of Honor.

Sand Springs

Founded in 1908 by philanthropist Charles Page, Sand Springs is a bustling community with nearly 20,000 residents. Located within a short drive to Keystone Lake and just a stone’s throw away from the Arkansas River, Sand Springs is an idyllic location for those who love to fish or spend a day out on the water. Home to the 1,360-acre Keystone Ancient Forest, 500-year-old cedars and 300-year-old post oak trees thrive in the preserved wilderness area. More than 80 species of butterflies can be seen in the forest, as well as eagles, deer and bobcats. Keystone State Park is another scenic spot full of fun for the whole family. Nearby Osage Casino and the Canyons at Blackjack Ridge golf course provide entertainment if you’re looking to get away for the weekend. In the springtime, Sand Springs

Broken Arrow’s Taste of Summer is an annual tradition. celebrates its annual and ever-popular Herbal Affair and Festival, one of the largest gatherings in celebration of gardening, herbs, and outdoor arts and crafts in the state. In the meantime, check out the Sand Springs Cultural and Historical Museum, a prime example of art deco architecture from the 1920s that preserves and promotes the city’s heritage and arts. Sand Springs’ economy is proudly based on promotion of small businesses; however, they also are home to Webco Industries, one of North America’s largest suppliers of industrial tubing products. With state-of-the-art early childhood education programs, the city’s largest employer is Sand Springs Public Schools.

Sapulpa

Sapulpa was founded as a trading post in 1850 by Chief Sapulpa of the Kasihta tribe. Fifty years later, oil was discovered just six miles away, and the resulting economic boom put the town on the map. The town has a history of a thriving manufacturing industry and became well-known regionally as a producer of brick and glass. Perhaps best known of its local companies was Frankoma Pottery, famous for its distinctive use of local red clay. Within a nine-block area encompassing Sapulpa’s downtown, 90% of the buildings were constructed from 1905-1952. Many of these were designed by Belgian architect Joseph Foucart, who also worked on several notable buildings in Guthrie, Oklahoma. The Sapulpa Historical Society and Museum contains information about this and other elements of the town’s cultural past, and is located in the 1910 Wills Building. To the delight of Route 66 enthusiasts, the heart of Sapulpa contains several miles of the original two-lane road. The annual Route 66 Blowout car show and festival entertains tourists and locals with vintage cars, family-friendly activities, and great dining.