Bethel Acres is a quiet, rural community outside of Oklahoma City
Bethel is a rural community in north Pottawatomie County with large, verdant properties and relatively undeveloped roads. “It has wide-open landscapes,” says local broker Beth Atkinson of Metro Group Brokers. She’s sold homes across the region for nearly 17 years. “You’ll see some cows, horses, goats and pigs. You’re going to see it all.” Atkinson says folks often head out to Bethel Acres to retire or raise a family, and enjoy the seclusion. And while they enjoy their privacy, the population of just over 3,200 people tends to get to know one another. “It has that small, hometown feel with a close-knit community,” Atkinson says. She adds that Oklahoma City is about a 30-minute drive west, offering quick access to the city's amenities.
Custom homes on sizable tracts of land
Much of the appeal to Bethel Acres is in the land. “Most homes are on bigger lots, typically more than an acre or two,” Atkinson says. “You’ve got people out there that live in a nice farm home on 75 to 100 acres.” Sunbaked, outstretched country roads connect the community’s wide-open, rural landscapes. There are a few winding back roads, but the community’s main roads run fairly straight and are easily navigable. Folks passing through will see massive tracts of farmland often fenced off to keep livestock in. Housing styles widely vary in Bethel Acres. “It’s hard to describe, because there are just so many styles,” Atkinson says. Ranch-style homes and farmhouses are typical, but most homes are custom-built. The median sale price is around $245,000.
Bethel Public Schools earn high remarks on Niche
Bethel Public Schools is ranked as the best overall school district in Pottawatomie County on Niche, scoring an A-minus. Bethel Elementary School, divided into a lower and upper school, has an overall A-minus. Bethel Middle School and Bethel High both receive a B-plus. The high school offers a robust list of student athletics and clubs, including pom team, art, journalism and football.
Nearby lakes and reservoirs encourage fishing and boating
Bethel Acres’ nearby natural amenities often encourage locals to enjoy the outdoors. With such large lots, many residents enjoy activities like hunting from the privacy of their own property. Lake Thunderbird State Park offers a public space for hunting about 15 miles away from Bethel Acres. The state park also has marinas, boat ramps and beaches, and biking, hiking and canoeing are among the top activities. Shawnee Twin Lakes is a hub of local recreation, just northwest of Bethel Acres. Visitors can only swim in lake number one, the southernmost lake, but kayaks and canoes are allowed in both lakes. Motorized boats are also permitted in both lakes, but water skiing and tubing are only allowed in lake one. In the woods surrounding the Shawnee Twin Lakes, locals can hunt for Canada geese, turkey and deer. Alfred M. Parsons Park features a playground and baseball fields at the heart of the community.
A couple of country stores and the local pizza shop
Commercial activity in Bethel Acres is limited to a few restaurants and convenience markets. Simple Simon’s Pizza sells over a dozen types of pizza out of a small building on the corner of Clearpond and Bethel Roads, right by the public schools. Simon’s also offers a signature “calizone” and classic stromboli. The pizza shop is in a small convenience market with snacks, drinks and essentials. Dollar General sits near the community’s northwest corner, and the small market off Hardest Road sells liquor, gas and snacks. Locals head into Tecumseh or Shawnee for additional shopping and dining needs. FireLake Discount Foods is one of the nearest grocery stores, about 6 miles east in Shawnee.
Navigating Pottawatomie County
Bethel Acres is a car-dependent community just a few miles south of Interstate 40. Commuters can also quickly access Oklahoma State Highway 9 and U.S. Route 177. Shawnee is about 8 miles east of Bethel Acres, and Tecumseh is about 9 miles southeast. SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital – Shawnee, 10 miles away, is the nearest medical facility. Downtown Oklahoma City is about a 35-mile trip, and the OKC Will Rogers International Airport is about 40 miles away.
Tornado risks in Oklahoma
Bethel Acres falls within Tornado Alley, where peak season typically stretches from March through June. According to the FEMA National Risk Index, the risk of tornadoes in Pottawatomie County is relatively high. Pottawatomie County Emergency Management’s social media sites update folks regularly with important weather and local safety information.
Written By
Brennen Martin
