Bristow

Bristow

Located in Creek County

$135,490 Average Value
$145 Average Price per Sq Ft
32 Homes For Sale

The Peanut Capital of Oklahoma

Planted along Route 66 southwest of Tulsa, Bristow is a small town with deep roots. In the early 20th century, its economy revolved around oil, gas and agriculture, particularly peanut farming. At one point, the city was dubbed “The Peanut Capital of Oklahoma.” Legume love was so fervent that, in 1930, city officials passed an ordinance requiring restaurants to serve a single peanut in the shell with every glass of water. The ordinance was merely a stunt intended to increase peanut consumption, but it yielded a bumper crop of publicity. “Every eating establishment had to follow it,” says Paula Atwell, secretary and researcher for the Bristow Historical Society. “There was a news story once about a waitress who was behind bars because she failed to give the peanut.” The nutty law has since been stricken from the books, but the seeds of strategic investment and town pride remain in this city of 4,200 residents. “We have a really cute downtown area with lots of great shopping, and we have our newly renovated Jones Memorial Airport, which helps create new job opportunities for our residents,” says Summer Witty, associate broker with Midwest Land Group. “We’re seeing a lot of growth in the community and looking forward to the future.”

Shopping and snacking along South Main Street

Bristow's small-town living is centered on South Main Street, with diners, drugstores and dime-sized shops occupying brick buildings bordering the street. Bargain hunters can sift through the treasures at My Okie Roots, while B&D Cowboy Depot outfits rodeo fans ready for Western Heritage Days. Dude & Dot Mercantile sets the stage with home décor and garden accessories, and the Funky Armadillo boutique stocks jewelry, unique gifts and clothing for the whole family. Shopping is hungry work, and the Boomarang Diner is waiting down the street with its famed breakfast platters, Dagwood sandwiches and all-you-can-eat Famous Fish Fridays. Los Arcos Mexican features an impressive selection of steak, chicken and shrimp dishes to complement the usual taco and burrito lineup. The aptly named “Sooner” burger at Anchor 66 is a glorious mess of charred onions, pickles and Griffin’s mustard smothered on a smashed patty, and the homemade pies at Crossroads Diner beckon a bite. Finally, Williams Foods is on hand with all the supplies needed for a home-cooked meal.

The Main Street in Bristow celebrates Christmas by setting up the town for their yearly parade.
The Main Street in Bristow celebrates Christmas by setting up the town for their yearly parade.
Residents enjoy walks along Main Street in Bristow.
Residents enjoy walks along Main Street in Bristow.
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Bristow City Park on Lake Massena

On the western side of town, Bristow City Park welcomes visitors to the banks of Lake Massena. The park spans 23 acres and features a tennis court, a baseball field, a playground, picnic tables tucked beneath shady trees and plenty of space for strolling. The onsite pool recently underwent a complete renovation and now includes two waterslides, a climbing wall and thoughtful zero-entry design. Nearby, Pirate Action Sports Park invites skateboarders to practice their kickflips and ollies. On the other side of the lake, Bristow Golf & Country Club offers the chance to play a quick nine, and four-legged friends can enjoy the off-leash “Bark Park.”

There are many ponds and lakes throughout Bristow.
There are many ponds and lakes throughout Bristow.
Bristow City Park provides walking path all around the lakes within the park.
Bristow City Park provides walking path all around the lakes within the park.
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Bungalows, modern builds and room to grow

Most Bristow homes are on the smaller side, dating to the early to mid-20th century. Bungalows, ranch-style and shotgun homes are typical, but some newer Craftsman-style builds are sprinkled in, too. Some properties include attached garages or shaded carports, with paved driveways providing additional parking. Oklahoma’s history of brick manufacturing comes alive on some residential streets, like East 8th Avenue, which sports a surface paved with brick. On the grid of streets surrounding the downtown area, houses are packed tightly together, but it’s not unusual for homes on the outskirts to sit on multiacre lots. Small houses and fixer-uppers cost between $100,000 and $250,000, while large modern builds average $250,000 to $350,000. Plenty of undeveloped land is also available, with prices ranging from $20,000 for a quarter-acre to $70,000 for 10 acres.

There are a variety of homes available throughout Bristow.
There are a variety of homes available throughout Bristow.
Larger single-family homes are available in Bristow, OK.
Larger single-family homes are available in Bristow, OK.
There are many early 1900 homes area throughout the city.
There are many early 1900 homes area throughout the city.
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Bristow High School, home of the Pirates

Students attend Edison Elementary School from pre-K through second grade, then it’s on to Collins Elementary until grades 6 through 8 at Bristow Middle School. All these schools get a B from Niche and are within walking distance of many homes in the area. Known for its aviation program, Bristow High School receives a B-plus from Niche and sits adjacent to the Freeland Center for the Performing Arts, home base for all fine arts activities in Bristow Public Schools.

Saddle up for Western Heritage Days

Every year in mid-August, family-friendly Western Heritage Days invigorate the town with a parade, carnival rides, food vendors, live music and rodeo events. The town also honors its Lebanese heritage at the annual Tabouleh Fest, held in May. In addition to celebrating the namesake dish — a fresh salad made from cracked bulgur wheat, vegetables, olive oil, lemon juice and herbs — the festival features a wine-tasting area, dunk tank, food vendors, dancing and the 5K Wildflower Run. Residents also spin the wheel year-round at Creek Nation Casino, featuring 200 gaming machines and an onsite restaurant.

Keeping up with Jones Memorial Airport

Route 66 crests Bristow’s northern border, not far from Interstate 44, paving the way for the 35-mile trip to Tulsa or 75 miles to Oklahoma City. The Jones Memorial Airport added a new 4,000-foot runway in 2020; however, since it’s a small facility, air travelers still have to rely on Tulsa International Airport, 45 miles away.

Severe weather is standard

Living in Oklahoma poses a tornado risk. Divergent air currents converge in the area to create severe weather events. Consequently, tornado watches and warnings are standard in Bristow.

Adrienne Ryan
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Justin Prokop
Photography Contributed By
Justin Prokop
Scott Wiggins
Video By
Scott Wiggins

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Average Home Value



Source: Public Records
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.
Bristow