Brent is a peaceful community along the Arkansas River
Brent, Oklahoma, sits on the banks of the Arkansas River, offering a tranquil life there. Homes sit on acres of land separated by a dense collection of trees but are always within 5 miles of the river. The population is a little bit older, with a median age of about 53. “They want to get away from the hustle and bustle,” says Kimi McDonald, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Market Pro, who has worked in the area for about three years. “They want to retire there, close to the water, so that they can spend their days fishing, boating, swimming.” While residents enjoy their quiet lives, U.S. Route 59 makes it easy to explore the nearby cities of Sallisaw, about a 9-mile drive, and Fort Smith, Arkansas, about 30 miles away.
River fun and racing at Willsey's Outlaw Dragstrip
The Arkansas River runs alongside Brent. “It’s the perfect location for someone who likes to fish,” McDonald says. Anglers can reel in all sorts of fish, but catfish are the most popular catch. In fact, there are at least three different breeds of catfish in the area: blue, channel and flathead. People can also swim, kayak and boat in the river. Boaters can either park their boats on their property or dock at Callahan’s Cove Marina. On land, folks can watch a race at Willsey’s Outlaw Dragstrip. Hunting is another popular sport in the area.
Brent residents have acres of land
One of Brent’s biggest draws is the land. “It’s a little bit country,” McDonald says. “A little bit” may be an understatement in an area where two acres is considered small. Homes sit on lots that average about five acres of land, often surrounded by forests. Many of the older properties in the area are mid-20th-century manufactured homes. These, along with single-story houses from the 1980s, typically cost $100,000 to $200,000. The rest of the community is filled with ranch styles built after 1990, which can range from $325,000 to $475,000. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Brent has a relatively moderate risk of tornadoes and flooding. While most home insurance policies cover tornado damage, flood damage must be covered by a separate flood insurance policy.
Students take the bus to Sallisaw schools
Brent is on the outskirts of the Sallisaw School District. The district does offer bus routes down to the area, and most schools are within 12 miles. Eastside Elementary School is graded B-plus by Niche, while Sallisaw Middle School earns an A-minus. Students can enroll in several extracurricular activities at the B-plus-rated Sallisaw High School. The high school’s Black Diamond Marching Band has won the 4A Oklahoma Bandmasters Association State Championship every year from 2021 to 2023.
U.S. Route 59 connects Brent to nearby cities
Brent is a rural, car-dependent area. U.S. Route 59 runs through the neighborhood and into Sallisaw, about 8 miles north. It also intersects with Interstate 40, which leads about 30 miles to Fort Smith, Arkansas. Most residents fly out of Fort Smith Regional Airport, about 35 miles away. The closest hospital is Sequoyah Memorial Hospital, about a 10-mile drive.
Neighbors attend Sallisaw’s Diamond Daze
With Sallisaw so close to Brent, folks can travel into the city for events. Diamond Daze is one of the most popular celebrations of the year, held every May. The weekend is jam-packed with outdoor concerts, barbecue competitions, and car shows. “They also have a 5k during the festival,” McDonald says. In an area where there’s so much space between neighbors, Diamond Daze gives the community a chance to come together. The Red Autumn Art Festival is a younger tradition in October. Local creatives display and sell various artworks, from paintings and photographs to sculptures and pottery.
Residents enjoy restaurants near and far
Shad’s Catfish Hole is the only restaurant in Brent, unsurprisingly known for catfish. One of its most popular dishes is the “all you can eat” option, which comes with a side of coleslaw and hushpuppies. More options are in Sallisaw, including Roma’s Italian Restaurant. Folks will even make the trek to Fort Smith for a night out at one of the city’s restaurants, such as the steakhouse Doe’s Eat Place. Fort Smith also has several major retailers, including Target and Home Depot. The closest grocery store is Walmart, about 8 miles away, although there is a Piggly Wiggly about 15 miles away in the nearby city of Muldrow. For some fresh produce, McDonald recommends the Sallisaw Farmer’s Market, which is open on Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
