Healdton offers a tight-knit community between Dallas and OKC
Once an oil boomtown, Healdton today is booming for its rural vibes and central location between big cities. "If you look at Carter County as a whole … you realize that it spins the real estate market in Oklahoma," says Jason McElroy, Realtor with TLT Realty and an Oklahoma native. "Because we're the halfway point between Dallas and Oklahoma City, it makes us the most convenient county for Texas buyers to come up." Healdton is the rural neighbor to the bigger city of Ardmore, which has shopping, dining and employers in healthcare, manufacturing and energy. Locals describe it as a tight-knit community where high school football is king. "Friday Night Lights is what I would compare it to," McElroy says.
Remodeled homes for lower prices within Carter County
McElroy says Healdton's prices are helping to drive its popularity. The median price for single-family homes is about $110,000, significantly lower than Ardmore. "It brings a lot more quality to the home that you're buying," he says. "So for $150,000 over there, you can buy a four bedroom, two bath pretty much newly remodeled home in the center of town." Bungalow, shotgun and Minimal Traditional houses are common in the city core. Further away are many New Traditional and ranch-style properties, which may sit on several acres.
Friday night football and career-tech shape school experiences
Through Healdton Public Schools, kids can attend Healdton Elementary and Healdton Middle, which both earn C-minus grades from Niche. Healdton High School earns a C-plus, with a football team that earns town pride. Friday night football games are a big deal, especially against Healdton's rival, Ringling. High schoolers may request to attend concurrent enrollment courses, and participate in career-tech classes in 11th and 12th grades.
Outdoor fun centers on Healdton Lake and Oklahoma's largest state park
Healdton is central to several lakes and boasts its own body of water. "All nine lakes in Oklahoma that typically everybody comes to, they're within an hour of you down here," McElroy says. "They call it Lake Country." With 370 acres and 7 miles of shoreline, Healdton Municipal Lake is the town's recreation hot spot and a popular bass fishing area. The facilities include hiking trails, volleyball courts, frisbee golf, boat docks, boat ramps, picnic areas and recreational vehicle hookups. Oklahoma's oldest and largest state park is within reach. Lake Murray State Park is one of the state's major recreation hubs, with thousands of acres of hilly forest surrounding the namesake lake — allowing for watersports, all-terrain vehicle riding, camping and other outdoor activities.
Healdton has a few staples while Ardmore offers more variety
Many of Healdton's Main Street storefronts have closed, but Delbert's Supermarket is a staple for groceries. Other Healdton businesses include a handful of fast-food restaurants, such as Sonic Drive-In and Subway. Nearby Ardmore has a bigger retail scene, from mom-and-pop shops to big box stores. Ardmore's historic downtown — the Depot District — features antique stores and specialty shops, including a book store and music store. Café Alley serves new American fare, from mac-and-cheese-topped burgers to blackened chicken alfredo. Main Street Coffee sells gifts and morning pick-me-ups served hot, iced or blended. Walmart Supercenter, JCPenney and T.J.Maxx are based here, along with an AMC movie theater.
Annual events celebrate Healdton’s oil history and small-town charm
With the discovery of the Healdton Oil Field, the town at one time made up about 15% of Oklahoma's petroleum production. Locals celebrate their history at Healdton Oilfield Days in August, featuring junior and adult rodeo events, a parade, car show, music and games. Summer brings the Healdton Carnival, with games and rides at the Healdton Rodeo Arena, and the Fourth of July Celebration, with bounce houses, water slides, food trucks and a cornhole tournament near the lake. December brings the annual lighted Christmas parade down Main Street.
Highways support Healdton commuters
Many residents rely on cars due to Healdton's rural location. The city has dedicated $1.1 million toward roadwork since 2023. U.S. Route 70 leads east to Ardmore, about 20 miles away. From Ardmore, commuters may access Interstate 35, a major north-south route to Oklahoma City and Dallas. State Routes 74 and 76 also serve north-south travelers. Mercy Hospital Healdton offers emergency care in town. Other medical services may be available at Mercy Hospital Ardmore, one of the city's biggest employers. Will Rogers International Airport, about 90 miles north in Oklahoma City, offers flights to over 20 nonstop destinations.
Tornado shelters and forecasts help protect against severe weather
Tornadoes are a reality for Healdton, as with all of Oklahoma. They're most common from March to May. The National Weather Service in Norman helps support severe weather prediction. Healdton schools keep children safe with bulletproof storm shelters.
