Lakefront living and small-town charm draws many to Grove
With the Grand Lake o’ the Cherokees curling around it, Grove is a water-lover’s paradise. “The lake is literally crystal clear. It’s absolutely beautiful,” says Mindy Longoria, a Realtor with Fathom Realty who sells throughout Northeast Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas. She says Grove has grown recently, attracting vacationers and investors. Grove’s permanent residents include retirees, those escaping more expensive states like California and Washington, and those looking for quiet, lakeside living that’s not too far from Tulsa.
Housing ranges from small bungalows to million-dollar lake estates
Homes in Grove are a mix of ranch-style, bungalows and New Traditional, especially close to the city’s center. They sit on lawns landscaped with grass and mature trees. Close to the water, custom lake houses are added to the mix and backyard docks and boat houses are common. There are gated communities within the city, including Village at Grand Lake for residents 55 and older, and Meghan Cove.
The median price for homes is around $310,000. Custom four- and five-bedroom waterfront estates can go as high as $1.4 million, especially in Patricia Island Estates, an upscale golf course community on the city’s west side. Land is available for those who want to build new houses, ranging from an acre-and-a-half to almost 10, and priced between $30,000 and around $106,000.
In-person and hybrid options for older Grove Public Schools children
Grove Public Schools serves the city and rates a B on Niche. School choice is available though Oklahoma’s statewide open transfer system and includes out of district transfers approved on a space-available, first-come basis rather than a lottery. Kids can attend B-rated Grove Lower Elementary, B-minus-rated Grove Upper Elementary, B-plus-rated Grove Middle and B-rated Grove High. The district also offers e-GROVE Academy, an education option where sixth through 12th graders can take online classes full-time or within a blended experience that allows them to also participate in extra-curricular and after-school activities.
Outdoor fun includes boating, fishing, playgrounds and golf
Boating and fishing are the city’s main outdoor activities and there are many ways to get in the water. Many lakeside residents have private docks and Wolf Creek Park and Boating Facility features a public ramp. The Royal Bay Marina has slips available to rent. Once in the water, anglers can catch largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. There are multiple green spaces, including Honey Creek State Park, which also offers a boat ramp; Grove Springs Park, which has a large open field and playground; and Rotary Centennial Park, a playground and splashpad that sits among the city’s public pool, ball fields and tennis courts. Patricia Island Country Club and Quail Ridge Golf Course both offer semi-private, 18-hole layouts. Grand Lake Family YMCA offers indoor recreation like fitness classes and a gym.
Residents find essentials in town but head to Tulsa for more options
Downtown Grove spans a few blocks of 3rd Street and houses shops, restaurants and services in historic buildings. “They have completely revitalized it. It used to be really run down,” Longoria says. Among the charming boutiques and coffee shops are some of the city’s most popular locally owned restaurants, including La Casita De Martin, loved for its authentic Mexican dishes; Drake’s, a homey diner serving classic American dishes; and Honey Creek BBQ, a laid-back spot serving Texas-style barbecue.
Residents shop for groceries at Harp’s and essentials at Walmart. Main Street is lined with popular chain restaurants, specialty stores like AutoZone and services. For additional shopping, dining and entertainment, Longoria says residents head to Tulsa, about 90 miles away via Interstate 44. “It’s the closest city with everything you’d want, plus there’s an arena for concerts, all kinds of shopping, and they have the ballet and the symphony,” she says.
Fishing tournaments and boat parades are big local events
Major fishing tournaments are some of the biggest events in Grove, including the Major League Fishing Toyota Series and the Bass Cat Owners Invitational. The Annual Grand Lakes Christmas Light Boat Parade ushers in the holiday season in early December with residents decorating their boats and steering them down Duck Creek. Between May and October, downtown bustles with the weekly farmers market and Food Truck Friday, a gathering of food trucks on the first Friday of the month that also includes kids’ activities and live music.
Third and Main streets connect to nearby communities and hospital
Residents get around by car, as there is no public bus line in Grove. Third Street and Main Street are the city’s two main thoroughfares and connect to neighboring communities. INTEGRIS Health Grove Hospital is accessible via South Main Street. The closest airport with commercial flights is Joplin Regional, around 60 miles away.
Tornado Alley location means storms are part of life here
Grove is part of Tornado Alley, but storm shelters are not very common. “If you’ve lived here, grew up here, you’ve been through a lot of tornadoes and it’s not a big deal. We don’t really think about them,” Longoria says. She adds that home buyers can, however, opt to build shelters if they want to. Grove also has a moderate risk of flooding and buyers are encouraged to consider flood insurance.
