Mangum is a quiet town in scenic Southwest Oklahoma
Rattlesnake festivities and outlying pink-granite mountains draw eyes to the Red Beds of southwest Oklahoma, where the small town of Mangum offers quiet living. The community of around 2,700 residents lies among a diverse landscape of red plains, canyons and distant mountains – where a healthy rattlesnake population prompts a popular tradition. "There are lots of festivities in Mangum, especially the Rattlesnake Derby that's gone on for many many years," says local Realtor and associate broker Ashlee Jack of Re/Max Property Place. Born and raised in the area, she's served homebuyers for seven years. Outside the derby, the town maintains a slow pace that Jack says residents love. "It's very popular for people who don't want to live in a bigger city," she says. "Mangum has the small, homey vibe they're looking for."
Established housing on tree-lined streets
Mangum's residential streets, mostly named for U.S. presidents, are lined with 20th-century single-family homes. "Ranch-style houses are the most common," Jack says. "There are also some pretty cool Colonial houses on Lincoln Street that look like they're 100 years old." Eastern cottonwoods, Pinchot junipers and various oak trees typically fill quarter-acre yards and line most roads. Homes are sparse outside Mangum's city limits, where much land comprises farms or ranches. The median sale price for a home in Mangum is around $70,000. A 320-acre plot of land recently sold outside of town for $460,000.
Mangum Public Schools earn high remarks on Niche
Mangum Public Schools scores an overall A-minus on Niche and serves nearly 650 students. Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students attend the Early Childhood Center, which isn't rated on Niche, before attending Edison Elementary, which scores an A-minus. Hogan Middle School receives an A-minus, and Mangum High scores a B. High school students can attend Southwest Technology Center in Altus and can take courses like computer science technology and cosmetology.
The infamous Rattlesnake Derby
Mangum booms in popularity during the annual Rattlesnake Derby, a weekend-long event. "We have people who come from all over the United States," Jack says. "Hundreds and hundreds of vendors come in with food and toys for the kids. Plus, they bring the rattlesnakes live in a cage, and people even get to take pictures with them." Derby festivities include carnival rides and rattlesnake shows from The Snake Pit. Some derby-goers also enjoy actual rattlesnake hunting out in Mangum's countryside. "My husband used to hunt rattlesnakes," Jack says.
Public green spaces and sports facilities
Mangum offers diverse outdoor recreation options. Harmon Field is home to the municipal pool, which has a slide, a diving board and plenty of seating; residents often enjoy frequent pool parties. Harmon Field also features a small skate park and several playscapes for the kids. The Mangum Little League fields, across the street from Edison Elementary, host frequent youth baseball games and adult, co-ed softball tournaments. The Mangum Municipal Golf Course, operated by Mangum Public Schools, covers over 80 acres with views of the Wichita Mountains.
Day trips to Quartz Mountain State Park
Mangum lies about 14 miles west of Quartz Mountain State Park, one of Oklahoma's original state parks. "It's one of our sweet spots," Jack says. "I love it for the scenery. I would go to camps there as a kid." Quartz Mountain, with its pink and gray granites, draws folks for hiking and biking, and Baldy Point is a particularly popular spot for climbers. Lake Altus-Luger welcomes swimming, boating and fishing. Lodges and campsites dot the lake's edge. Park visitors also enjoy ATV riding across the park's 400-plus acres.
Shopping along North Louis Tittle Avenue
Restaurants, gas stations and retail stores line North Louis Tittle Avenue, Mangum's man commercial artery. Locals primarily grab groceries at United Supermarkets, but Dollar General and Paxton Grocery have snacks and other essentials. Tin City Roasters is popular in the morning for coffee and espresso drinks, but also serves wraps and sandwiches until two in the afternoon. Mangum Donuts is another busy morning spot that opens up its doors and drive-through window early. Folks also pass through the drive-through at The Loop Quick Stop for pizzas and calzones. With its traditional Mexican fare, J and P's El Buen Café offers plenty of dining room seating for lunch or dinner.
Navigating Greer County
Mangum is a car-dependent community connected to neighboring communities and cities by three highways. U.S. Route 283 and Oklahoma State Highway 34 cut through the heart of the community, and State Highway 9 is accessible just north of town. Mangum Regional Medical Center is the community's primary medical facility, serving the community since 1967. Lawton-Fort Stull Regional Airport is the nearest airport, about 80 miles away. Oklahoma City, and its international airport, is a 150-mile trip northeast.
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Written By
Brennen Martin
