The southwestern Oklahoma city of Altus started with another name in another state. Founded as a trading post on Bitter Creek, this small town of 19,000 was once the north Texas town of Fraser. But names change, and sometimes borders do too. In 1891 a flood forced locals to seek high ground and with the move, the name changed to Altus, Latin for “high.” Since the 1940s Altus Air Force Base has been the town’s main economic pillar. Off base, Altus has several opportunities for culture and fun, like a trip to the Museum of the Western Prairie or boating on Lake Altus.
Altus was founded as a trading post on Bitter Creek.
Altus has several opportunities for culture and fun, like a trip to the Museum of the Western Prairie.
1/2
Mostly ranch homes priced well under national median
Single-family homes in Altus are primarily ranch style, with Cape Cods, bungalows, and the odd multi-story house mixed in. Houses here are made from materials like brick and have new traditional architecture, with natural accents like stone and wood. There is a small concentration of townhouses at the English Village Townhomes subdivision, at the center of town. The median home price in Altus is $198,750, well under half the national median.
Single-family homes in Altus are primarily ranch style, with Cape Cods, bungalows, and the odd multi-story house mixed in.
Houses in Altus are made from materials like brick and have new traditional architecture, with natural accents like stone and wood.
1/2
Lake Altus for boating, swimming and fishing
Lake Altus is a popular spot in town for boating, swimming and fishing. The city has an Altus Reservoir Project in the works seeking community input for the future of the reservoir as a recreational facility. Families can take their kids to nearby Imagination Station or Hoyt Shadid Park for playgrounds and walking trails. The Museum of the Western Prairie tells the story of southwest Oklahoma, from its geological formation to cowboys and homesteaders and offers admission for under $5.
Altus residents flock to Lake Altus for swimming and fishing.
Hoyt Shadid Park is located in Altus, Oklahoma.
1/2
Two grade levels per school
Altus Public Schools serves the town’s nearly 3,600 students. Each school holds two grade levels per school: Altus Early Childhood Center is for students in grades pre-K and kindergarten, Altus Primary School is for first and second graders, Altus Elementary School is for third and fourth graders, and so on. The exceptions are L. Mendel Rivers Elementary on Altus Air Force base, which houses pre-K through fourth grade, and Altus High School for Grades 9 through 12. The school district receives an A-minus score overall from Niche. Western Oklahoma State College is also in Altus.
Altus High School has an overall B grade on Niche.
Altus Primary School is a public school located in Altus, Oklahoma.
1/2
Main Street stretches the length of town
Businesses in Altus are lined up along Highway 283, the town’s literal and figurative Main Street. Small businesses take up more of the storefront on the southern end of Main Street, while bigger stores and chains occupy the street to the north. Altus Plaza and Bunker Hill Shopping Center are two of the retail strips on North Main Street. Downtown Altus is the site of the yearly Walkin' On Chalk Arts Festival, a sidewalk chalk art competition for all ages. Another fun event is the Altus Airpower Stampede, an air show put on by the Altus Air Force Base.
Shops, like Petal Pushers, line the streets of downtown Altus.
Altus Airpower Stampede featured an impressive lineup of military aircraft.
1/2
Altus Air Force Base, Altus' biggest employer
U.S Highways 62 and 283 intersect in Altus. Highway 62 leads to Lawton, about 60 miles east, and Highway 283 goes south to the Texas state line, about 15 miles away. The nearest commercial airport is in Lawton, at the Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport. Altus’ hospital is the Jackson County Memorial Hospital, also one of the town’s biggest employers outside of the Altus Air Force Base.
Altus Air Foce base is a staple in the Altus community.
Jackson County Memorial Hospital is also one of the Altus' biggest employers.
Jackson County Memorial Hospital is also one of the Altus' biggest employers.
1/3
Lower crime and hot summers
According to Niche, both property and violent crime rates in Altus are lower overall than the national rates. Weather in the city can be extremely hot in the summer and between humid subtropical and semi-arid. Record highs of 120 degrees have been reported. Autumn is short but warm, and winters can vary, Future development is very community-minded, with the cty government frequently soliciting input from residents.
Written By
Leilia Magee
Photography Contributed By
Lindsey Torres
Video By
Matthew Bloch
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jill Graumann,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
NEARLY NEW 4-BEDROOM HOME AT 714 SHERYL LANE! Built in 2025, this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2½-bath home with a 3-car garage is fresh, modern and move-in ready! The bright interior features neutral colors, stylish black fixtures and hardware, beautiful trim work, modern lighting, and a combination of easy-care flooring and carpet. The kitchen offers beautiful cabinetry, countertops, modern appliances,
Welcome home! This spacious brick 2-story, 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath condo offers 2,116 sq ft of comfort and convenience, completely move-in ready. Enjoy total electric living, a cozy wood burning fireplace and brand new carpet and tile flooring throughout. The enclosed patio adds a perfect bonus space for an office, playroom, or extra sitting area. The Kitchen is total electric and has plenty of
This 4-bedroom, 2-bath brick home offers plenty of space and a great opportunity to make it your own. With a comfortable floor plan and multiple living and gathering spaces, there’s room for everyday living, entertaining, and everything in between. Inside, you’ll find a spacious living area with wood flooring and plenty of natural light. The kitchen offers generous cabinet and counter space, tile
Beautifully remodeled multi-level home in Blair, OK with stunning mountain views and flexible living space! Conveniently located approximately 15 minutes from Altus Air Force Base, this home offers extensive updates throughout much of the property giving it a fresh, modern, move-in ready feel. The lower-level area provides a spacious bonus living area with endless possibilities including a second
Enjoy country living just minutes from Altus! This 1,805 sq. ft., 3-bedroom, 1-bath home sits on approximately 1.7 acres with paved road access and is served by Jackson County Rural Water. The stone and frame exterior, large mature trees and spacious grounds give the property plenty of country appeal. Inside, you'll find two living areas, including an exceptionally large second living space with
Comfortable living, an inviting layout, and a convenient location come together at 918 Polk St in Altus. This 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers approximately 1,359 sq. ft. and is located approximately 5 minutes from the main entrance of Altus Air Force Base. The spacious living area features attractive wood-look flooring, a cozy pellet fireplace, and large sliding glass doors that bring in plenty of
Welcome to this beautiful 4-bedroom, 2-bath brick home with an in-ground pool located on a quiet cul-de-sac in a highly desirable area. Square footage is believed to be approx. 2,867 sq ft with the added Bonus Room. The home features great curb appeal, manicured landscaping, an extended driveway, and a private brick-fenced courtyard entrance. The spacious living room includes a cozy gas log
ONE ACRE OF COUNTRY COMFORT! Enjoy country living in the desirable Triple L Acres area, just minutes from Altus! Situated on approximately 1 acre, this spacious brick home offers 1,697 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a 2-car garage. The inviting living room features a wood-burning fireplace, while the kitchen offers stainless steel appliances and plenty of cabinet and counter space. Some
Welcome to this beautiful brick patio home offering 3 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms. The inviting living room features a cozy fireplace, creating the perfect space for family and friends to gather. Elegant crown molding adds a touch of sophistication , while the tile floors and carpet provides both comfort and durability. Anderson windows have been installed on the front. The well
Investment opportunity! 3 bedroom 1 bath brick home located on a corner lot. Homes includes two bonus spaces, large kitchen, indoor laundry room, chainlink fenced in backyard, storm shelter, and a large detached garage behind the home with breezeway connection the home to the garage. This home is located on the western edge of town offering the hometown convenience while giving you the wide open
Welcome to this stunning two story home tucked away on a quite cul-de-sac lot, offering the perfect blend of space, comfort, and luxury living. Boasting spacious bedrooms and 3.5 baths, this home is thoughtfully designed for both everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy multiple gathering spaces with two inviting living areas, plus a dedicated office ideal for working from home. The heart of the
Welcome home to Apple Creek Apartments in Altus, Oklahoma. Our great location places you near the establishments you want. You will find delicious restaurants, fantastic shopping, and fun entertainment destinations just minutes away. We are also conveniently located close to Altus Air Force Base.
Welcome to your new home at 604 Mercury St in the charming neighborhood of Altus! This delightful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom house offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a cozy retreat. With a spacious 1,344 square feet, there's plenty of room to spread out and make it your own. Step inside to discover a well-equipped kitchen featuring
Property Id: 2875522 Fully Renovated 3BR/1BA Home with Garage & Privacy Fence in Altus Description: Welcome home! This gorgeous 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom property has been completely renovated from top to bottom, offering a perfect blend of modern luxury and cozy comfort. Step inside to find a bright, open-concept living area featuring brand-new, ultra-durable luxury vinyl plank (LVP)
* For Sale or Rent * This property offers 2,201 sq ft of living space with 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths. The open entryway provides views into the formal dining room and spacious living area, where a beautiful brick fireplace creates a warm focal point. The living room opens to the kitchen, making the space ideal for entertaining.The kitchen features a nice-sized island, ample counter
Charming three-bedroom, one-bath home in Altus, OK offers a quaint layout with comfortable living spaces and a nice kitchen area ideal for everyday meal preparation. The property features a walk-in tub with shower for accessible bathing and a newly installed heating and cooling system for year-round comfort. Large front and back yards provide generous outdoor space for gardening, relaxation, or
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
