The railroad boom that rode into Oklahoma at the turn of the 20th century spurred the rise of communities like Ada. This town 80 miles southeast of Oklahoma City has maintained a population of around 17,000 for several decades, though locals claim this number might be misleading. “Ada itself is small, but it has a lot of little towns that surround it, with a lot of farms and ranches and large tracts of land,” says Amie Ellis, a Realtor with McCraw Realtors. Ada is the seat of Pontotoc County and the headquarters of the Chickasaw Nation, which is known for its strong community outreach program. “There’s a large Native American population in the surrounding area, and they give back to the community,” Ellis says.
The early 20th-century railroad boom in Oklahoma helped communities like Ada grow.
Ada has a large Native American population that actively gives back to the community.
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Performance venues in Ada’s Arts District
The iron horse sculpture kicking up its hooves in Ada’s Arts District exemplifies the city’s reputation as a place “where the West meets the South.” Native history and traditions take center stage at the Chickasaw Nation Arts & Humanities Division in the Arts District. Visitors to the Ada Arts and Heritage Center can peek at historic photos and local artwork. The McSwain Theatre hosts live music, comedy acts and family-friendly shows. Collections by local and nationally renowned artists are on display at the Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center, which houses performance venues and a television studio.
The Chickasaw Nation Arts & Humanities Division in Ada highlights Native history and traditions.
Ada locals enjoy live music, comedy, and family shows at the McSwain Theatre.
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Ranches with acreage on Ada’s outskirts
Ada’s median home price of $215,000 is low by Oklahoma standards and much lower than the national median of $407,000. Starter homes might cost $100,000 to $200,000, but most ranch-style and contemporary builds are priced in the $250,000 to $400,000 range. Kings Road is known for grand estates costing $500,000 to $800,000. Large ranches and estates on the outskirts of town typically command prices from $750,000 to $900,000.
Though crime rates vary significantly from year to year, they’re generally low compared to Oklahoma City’s. A spate of recent droughts has increased fire danger in the area, so potential buyers should take heed when purchasing homeowners insurance. The city also has a history of tornadoes, with a record number of twisters touching down in 2024.
Well-maintained Tudor Revival homes are a common sight in the Ada area.
Homes in Ada with plantation-style designs cost between $500,000 and $800,000.
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Niche grade of B-plus for Ada City Schools
The 2,600 students in the Ada City School District benefit from a low student-teacher ratio of 14-to-1. The district earns a B-plus Niche grade and is one of the city’s largest employers. Ada is also the home of East Central University, best known for its environmental health science program.
Ada Junior High School provides education in the Ada area.
Ada hosts East Central University, famed for its environmental health science program.
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North Hills Shopping Center
Specialty shops and boutiques interspersed with casual coffeehouses make their homes on Main Street in downtown Ada. Efforts are underway to draw more businesses to the district to turn Main Street into the cultural heart of the city. Near Mississippi Avenue, the North Hills Shopping Center is surrounded by chain restaurants, furniture outlets and home improvement stores. The Chickasaw Nation took over the renowned sweet shop Bedré Fine Chocolate in 2000. While the shop is located in Davis, about 40 miles southwest, several Ada businesses carry the sweet stuff.
Main Street in downtown Ada features boutiques, specialty shops, and cozy coffeehouses.
Near Mississippi Avenue, Ada’s North Hills Shopping Center is home to various stores.
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Route 377 connects to Oklahoma City
US Route 377 curves around the western edge of town, branching off into other highways that pave the way for the 80-mile drive to Oklahoma City. That’s where travelers find Will Rogers World Airport, the largest in the state. Call-A-Ride Public Transit offers on-demand service on weekdays, but cars are a must in this rural area. Along with education, healthcare is a major industry, with Chickasaw Nation Medical Center and Mercy Hospital Ada employing a combined total of about 2,000 people.
Wintersmith Park’s nature trails and dog park
Wintersmith Park serves as the centerpiece of Ada’s family-focused park system. Nature trails meander over bridges, around a lake and past a stone amphitheater and community pool. During the holiday season, the Trail of Lights brightens the park, inviting residents to stroll or drive through the festive display. The City of Ada Disc Golf Course offers short holes suitable for family competitions, and the adjacent dog park has separate fenced areas for large and small breeds. Members of the Oak Hills Golf and Country Club can tee off on the championship 18-hole course.
Wintersmith Park in Ada offers a beautiful natural lake for locals to enjoy.
Wintersmith Park in Ada is a great spot for locals to jog and unwind.
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Ada's Main Street celebrations
Ada Main Street hosts popular seasonal events throughout the year. The local farmers market takes over the Irving Community Center on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer. Kids in costume go trick-or-treating to the tune of live music during Halloween on Main. Santa drops by for the Christmas on Main celebration, which caps off with a holiday parade.
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