The name Ardmore derives from an Irish phrase meaning “great height,” and the south-central Oklahoma city does indeed rise above its neighbors. Now a regional hub, the city of 25,000 began as a railroad town surrounded by cotton fields, before an oil boom in the early 1900s helped Ardmore gain traction. “We’re a community that has a lot of opportunities and growth,” says Sarah Fulton, broker and owner of Southern Oklahoma Realty. “We’re one of the bigger towns on the I-35 corridor between Oklahoma City and Dallas, so we have a lot of people who come from more rural areas to work and shop here.” Ardmore is at the heart of the Chickasaw Nation, which owns and operates the world’s largest casino 30 miles away.
In Pickens County, Chickasaw Nation, Ardmore, Indian Territory, began in 1887 with a plowed ditch.
About 30 miles south of Ardmore, WinStar World Casino and Resort employs over 2,400 people.
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Shopping and strolling in the Depot District
A fire hydrant painted with a multicolored design welcomes shoppers to Ardmore’s historic downtown, known as the Depot District. City officials recently gave the streetscape a face-lift, installing a grassy median, rows of trees and planters overflowing with blooms. Antique shops and boutiques occupy both sides of Main Street. The dining scene focuses on pub grub like pizza and burgers, with a couple of Mexican restaurants and sushi joints in the mix. Chain restaurants, shopping centers and big-box stores flank 12th Avenue Northwest near the I-35 corridor.
Various restaurants, antique shops, and boutiques line the Depot District.
Since 1986, Cafe Alley in Ardmore has offered New American fare in a casual brick-walled space.
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A stop on the I-35 corridor
Interstate 35 passes through the western edge of town, leading 100 miles north to Oklahoma City and 110 miles south to Fort Worth, Texas. Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City is the largest airport in the state. Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer, a 418-mile route connecting Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, stops at the Santa Fe Depot in Ardmore. No local public transportation exists, but a Greyhound bus stops on Cooper Drive.
Several regional distribution centers for retail chains are stationed around the city. With more than 1,000 staff members, Mercy Hospital Ardmore is another major area employer. Thirty miles south, the Chickasaw-owned WinStar World Casino and Resort employs more than 2,400 people.
Well-maintained homes at lower-than-average prices
Ardmore’s median home price of $189,000 is well below the median price for Oklahoma. Many homes go for $150,000 to $250,000, while fixer-uppers can go for $75,000 to $100,000. Larger modern builds typically cost $300,000 to $450,000, and luxury homes might fetch prices in the $500,000 to $750,000 range.
Ranches and bungalows are the main home styles in Ardmore, with a median price of $189,000.
You can find luxury multi-story brick homes in Ardmore within the $500,000 to $750,000 range.
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Cultural scene focuses on Western history and heritage
For a small city, Ardmore hosts an impressive number of cultural sites. Multimedia art exhibits are displayed at the Charles B. Goddard Center for the Visual and Performing Arts, which doubles as a concert venue. Heritage Hall, the former Ardmore Civic Auditorium, gives live musicians another place to perform. The Chickasaw Cultural Center and Greater Southwest Historical Museum celebrate local history and heritage, and the Gene Autry Oklahoma Museum houses a collection of cowboy-centric entertainment memorabilia. The Western theme continues at the Hardy Murphy Coliseum, a venue for horse and livestock shows. Baked goods and barbecue take over Depot Park during the Oklahoma Pecan Festival in November.
Visitors enjoy multimedia art at the Charles B. Goddard Center in Ardmore.
The Greater Southwest Historical Museum in Ardmore is a place to celebrate local history.
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Largest school district in Carter County
The Ardmore City Schools district, the largest district in Carter County, receives a Niche grade of C-plus. Its 3,000 students benefit from a low student-teacher ratio.
Charles Evans Elementary School offers the Ardmore a dynamic learning environment.
Students are taught a challenging curriculum at Ardmore High School.
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In the shadow of the Arbuckle Mountains
Ardmore’s summers are hot and humid, while winters are typically mild. Tornado watches are common, especially in spring. When the weather agrees, the park system is family-focused, with sports courts and fields, splash pads and playgrounds interspersed throughout the city. Ten miles away, the ancient Arbuckle Mountains offer plenty of space for hiking and camping. Several nearby lakes are havens for boaters, anglers and duck hunters. “We also have a lot of equine activities,” Fulton says. “North Texas and South Oklahoma are kind of the equine corridor.”
Just 10 miles from Ardmore, Turner Falls in the Arbuckle Mountains showcases vibrant fall colors.
The playground at Ardmore Regional Park is a favorite for kids in Ardmore.
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Environmental concerns and crime risk
Lemco Enterprises, a medical supply company in the area, has faced scrutiny from the Environmental Protection Agency for its use of ethylene oxide. According to the EPA, emissions from the chemical could lead to increased cancer risk. City officials maintain that the facility is not near residential areas and that the risk is minimal.
According to FBI data, rates for violent crime and property crime in Ardmore trend higher than state and national numbers, although local numbers can fluctuate greatly from year to year.
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Chon Kit Leong
Video By
Jacob Cardwell
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Ardmore, OK sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Ardmore, OK over the last 12 months is $206,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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