Fast-growing city home to the Choctaw Nation Tribal Headquarters
When the Trail of Tears drove the Choctaw Nation from their homeland in the 1800s, they settled near the present-day Texas border, about 95 miles north of Dallas. It was then that Dixon Durant, a Choctaw, founded the city, which today is home to the Choctaw Nation Tribal Headquarters. It’s also one of the fastest-growing rural cities in Oklahoma, with a population of 18,000. “Our area is growing a lot right now,” says Debra Portman, a sales associate with American Dream Realty. “When my boys were in school, every parent was wondering where their child would move, because there weren’t jobs here. Now people aren’t leaving, because we’ve had so many new companies coming to town.”
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is Durant’s largest employer, with more than 5,000 working at the headquarters and the Choctaw Casino Resort. Manufacturing and distribution are major industries, and the downtown area and nearby retail district have drawn many new businesses in recent years. AllianceHealth Durant, less than a mile north of Main Street, employs those in the healthcare field.
Other draws besides employment opportunities include a top-rated school district and proximity to Lake Texoma.
Durant is officially known as the Magnolia Capital of Oklahoma.
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma employs over 5,000 people at its Durant headquarters.
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Homes below the national median price
Durant is made up almost entirely of single-family homes, and the city’s median home price of $252,000 is below the national median. There are older, smaller homes dating from the 1940s and ’50s concentrated downtown with lower prices, some under $100,000. Others are ranch-style homes built in the decades following. Newer builds are typically found on the city outskirts. “Most new construction isn’t right in Durant because it was already full, so the town has expanded to the country areas,” Portman says.
Downtown Durant features smaller single-family homes, mainly bungalows and ranches.
On the outskirts of Durant, you'll find many newer builds.
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Highly rated Durant ISD
The city is served by the Durant Independent School District, which gets an A-minus from Niche. It has multiple elementary schools, and one intermediate, one middle and one high school, as well as an alternative high school. Originally a teacher’s college, Southeastern Oklahoma State University now offers a range of programs from accounting to aviation and enrolls around 5,000 students.
Durant’s public schools, part of the Durant Independent School District, have an A-minus rating.
In Durant, Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers programs like accounting and aviation.
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Lake Texoma is a major draw
Lake Texoma is about 35 miles away and a popular spot for fishing, boating, windsurfing and waterskiing. Campgrounds, hiking trails and golf courses surround the 89,000-acre lake, which extends across the Texas border. “The lake is probably the biggest thing people move here for,” Portman says. “That draws people, especially retirement-aged people.”
In town are the Durant Multi-Sports Complex, with 17 sports fields, and about a dozen smaller parks and playgrounds. Lake Durant offers fishing and kayaking on a 650-acre lake, as well as nature trails.
Lake Texoma State Park provides a scenic camping area for Durant residents.
Durant residents can engage in multiple sports at the Multi-Sports Complex.
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Choctaw Event Center hosts music stars
The Choctaw Event Center at the Choctaw Casino Resort welcomes some of the biggest names in music, from Clint Black to The Black Keys. It also hosts local events like the Magnolia Festival, held the weekend after Memorial Day. Celebrating the city’s designation as the “Magnolia Capital of Oklahoma,” it includes a carnival, live entertainment and pageants.
Other attractions include immersive exhibits at the Choctaw Cultural Center, which highlights the history and traditions of the region’s Native people. Bryan County artifacts are on display at the Three Valley Museum, named for a book referencing Durant’s location in the heart of three river valleys.
The Choctaw Cultural Center in Durant showcases the history and traditions of Native people.
Durant's Choctaw Event Center features music legends, including Clint Black and The Black Keys.
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Durant’s Downtown Historic District
Antique shops, boutiques, bookstores and salons fill the buildings in the Durant Downtown Historic District. Main Street is the primary thoroughfare, but restaurants specializing in barbecue and pub grub are tucked along the side streets. Tourists snap photos of the World’s Largest Peanut statue, a monument dedicated to the city’s bygone days of peanut farming. Big-box stores like Walmart as well as chain restaurants are located off U.S. Route 75.
Main Street Barbecue in Durant is a local favorite, specializing in mouthwatering barbecue.
The World’s Largest Peanut statue in Durant honors the city’s peanut farming history.
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Getting around the area
The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma is Durant’s largest employer, with more than 5,000 jobs between Nation Headquarters and the Choctaw Casino Resort. Manufacturing and distribution are major industries, and the downtown area and nearby retail district have drawn many new businesses in recent years. Healthcare-related jobs are available at AllianceHealth Durant, conveniently located less than a mile north of Main Street.
U.S. Routes 70 and 75 connect on the southwestern edge of town, allowing for easy commutes in all directions. Route 70 leads to Lake Texoma, while Route 75 is convenient for the 95-mile drive to Dallas and the nearest major airport. Although passenger trains no longer run through Durant, the city is still a major railroad center, with freight lines Union Pacific and Kiamichi intersecting in the heart of downtown.
In 2015, community and business leaders created Imagine Durant, a partnership devoted to civic engagement and growth. The comprehensive plan, which extends until 2040, focuses on economic development, land use, transportation and natural resource management, among other initiatives.
Tornado Alley and crime data
Durant is in Tornado Alley, so storm warnings are common. Homeowners should ensure that their policies protect against wind damage. Summers are hot in this part of the country, with temperatures soaring into the triple digits from May through October.
According to FBI data, Durant’s violent crime rates are slightly higher than state and national figures. Incidents of property-related crime are much higher, mainly due to a recent spate of theft.
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Chon Kit Leong
Video By
Jaried Frogosa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Paul Pearson,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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Affordable, 5 bedrooms, and not to mention cute-to-boot?! Don't miss this bungalow 2 blocks from the Southeastern campus and 2 blocks from Durant Middle School! Full of character and resting on a huge lot (4 city lots, to be exact!) this bungalow offers lots of room at a great price point. Recent improvements include new flooring, and new HVAC and insulation in 2025 -- giving the home modern
Welcome home to one of Durant’s most highly sought-after neighborhoods, where comfort, quality, and functionality come together! This immaculately maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home with a dedicated office offers a thoughtfully designed floor plan with exceptional features throughout. Inside you will discover fresh interior paint, updated finishes, and an inviting layout perfect for everyday
Convenient location in established neighborhood! This home is located just outside town, but close enough to make those quick trips . Nestled on a spacious lot, this home provides plenty of room for large families with a bonus room that could be used as a 4th bedroom, office, or a cozy den, the possibilities are endless. A spacious kitchen open to the dining room is perfect for family gatherings.
Possible Owner Financing available! Build your dream home or weekend getaway on this beautiful lake view lot in the Oak Hills subdivision on Lake Texoma. Situated on nearly 1/3 of an acre, this property offers a peaceful setting surrounded by mature trees and is just a short walk to one of the nicest sandy beaches on Lake Texoma. Enjoy amazing sunset views over the lake and the relaxed lifestyle
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**40 Acres East of Durant – Wooded Land, Pond & Endless Possibilities** Dreams can come true on this beautiful 40-acre property located east of Durant. This mostly wooded tract offers privacy, natural beauty, and room to create the lifestyle or investment opportunity you have been looking for. A peaceful pond sits on the property, with an unfinished tiny cabin started nearby—perfect for a future
Model 1804-2 B1 - Madison The Madison Plan from our Liberty Series combines style and functionality in a layout that maximizes space for your family’s needs. This 2-story home features 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, and 1,804 square feet of well-designed living space. As you step inside, you’ll find a main-level bedroom and a full bathroom, offering a convenient option for
Nestled in the outskirts of Durant, OK, this property offers an unparalleled blend of rustic charm and modern convenience. Spanning 4 acres of timbered acres, this is the ideal canvas for crafting your dream forever home. Experience the tranquility of rural country living as you explore the walking trails. If investing is what you're looking for, then you can easily convert this property to
LAND ONLY - does not include the cost of the home. Welcome to Magnolia... the beautiful up and coming neighborhood located in the city of Durant, OK. Phase ONE is now ready for presale. Three total phases. Custom built homes ranging from 1354-1555 sq feet. Construction to begin in Spring 2026. Paved streets, sidewalks for daily walks, and a planned neighborhood is already in the works. City
Approximately 24 acres of improved land located on Cypress Rd in Durant, just 15 minutes from Choctaw Casino & Resort–Durant. Improvements include water and electric availability, an installed aerobic septic system, RV hookup, and perimeter fencing, with approximately 2 acres secured by chain-link fencing. Open and usable land suitable for a variety of residential or recreational use. No
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LAND ONLY - does not include the cost of the home. Welcome to Magnolia... the beautiful up and coming neighborhood located in the city of Durant, OK. Phase ONE is now ready for presale. Three total phases. Custom built homes ranging from 1354-1555 sq feet. Construction to begin in Spring 2026. Paved streets, sidewalks for daily walks, and a planned neighborhood is already in the works. City
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Welcome home to High Meadow Apartments, located in Durant, Oklahoma!You’ll love relaxing and entertaining in your new apartment, and you can also spend your days enjoying our refreshing pool, 24-hour fitness center, playground for kids, basketball courts, picnic area with barbecue grills, and inviting clubhouse. We also host weekly resident activities and social events!
The advertised rate of $3,281/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of August 23, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $3,215/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of August 23, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
The advertised rate of $4,439/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of January 8, 2027.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Property Id: 1215005 Room for everybody. Completely renovated with tons of new updates. Enjoy the remote controlled fireplace year round. 4 good sized bedrooms each with a closet and ceiling fan. Huge laundry room with washer and dryer included. Oversized back yard that's completely shaded by trees in the summer. Walking distance from SOSU. Off-street gravel parking. Feel free to ask any
Welcome to your new home in one of the top 5 neighborhoods in Durant! This beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom rental offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Enjoy the open floor plan, perfect for modern living and entertaining. Located just minutes from Highway 75 and downtown Durant, your commute will be a breeze. The paved road provides easy access and adds to the curb appeal of this
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