The small, rural city of Marlow has Wild West roots
The small city of Marlow is known as “Outlaw Country” for its infamous former residents, the ne’er-do-well Marlow brothers who inspired the 1965 John Wayne film “The Sons of Katie Elder.” Modern Marlow’s nearly 4,400 residents make a living by cattle ranching, farming or working for the local school district. It’s a quiet community that comes together for high school sporting events and a big annual July 4th celebration. “I’d describe it as comfortable and cozy, with all the necessities,” says Realtor Renee Hoover-Payton of Marlow & More Realty, who has over 15 years of experience. “There’s some dining, there’s some shopping, but it’s not the county seat, so it’s small. It’s a great place to raise a family.”
A variety of single-family homes, from Craftsmans to working ranches
Craftsmans, cottages and ranch-style homes with broad, shady front lawns line the wide, flat streets close to the center of town. New Traditionals, cattle ranches and windswept winter wheat and cornfields are common on the outskirts. Prices range from under $100,000 to about $465,000. Large, custom-built homes on more than 10 acres of land can sell for between $630,000 and $700,000.
Stephens County is vulnerable to tornadoes, and creeks in the area are prone to flooding. Summers here are hot and humid, with average high temperatures reaching about 90 degrees. Winters are chilly with some snow; average lows drop just below freezing.
Highly rated Marlow Public Schools
Marlow Public Schools, which earns an A-minus from Niche, serves about 1,400 students across three schools: Marlow Elementary (A-minus), Marlow Middle (B-plus) and Marlow High (A-minus). The system allows out-of-district transfers by application. High schoolers can take dual-enrollment classes at Cameron University and the Red River Technology Center, both in Duncan. “Lots of people like the Marlow schools right now, the system is growing,” Hoover-Payton says. She says Friday night football is a big deal, but that the town also “really shows up” for baseball, softball and academic team events, not just football.
Outdoor recreation at Marlow city parks and lakes nearby
Miller Park is home to the city swimming pool, a fishing pond, pavilions and a mile-long walking trail. The Marlow Community Baseball League plays on the fields at Eddie Palmer Park to the north. Generations Golf Course is a privately owned but open-to-the-public, 18-hole course to the south. Lake Humphreys and Lake J.W. Taylor, within 10 miles of most homes, are popular fishing and camping spots. Redbud Park has a playground and a splash pad, as well as a community center, horseshoe pits and a short trail. There’s also the historic Redbud Chapel, which hosts several weddings a year. The park itself is built on historic grounds: the old Marlow family homestead at the east end of Main Street. The city’s annual Fourth of July celebration, with fireworks, food vendors, field games, quarter-a-card bingo, and more, is held at Redbud, too. Festivities kick off in the morning with a long parade through downtown. “People park their cars there the night before to get ready. It’s so long, everybody in town is in it,” Hoover-Payton says.
Shopping and dining on Main Street and U.S. Route 81
The low-slung, vintage buildings that line Main Street are filled with shops and small businesses, like Marlow Lumber, Mitchell & Mitchell Farm Service Center & Garden Store and Marlow Mercantile, an antiques and home goods retailer. Hoover-Payton says highlights of the Main Street dining scene include Mara’s Snackery, a combination restaurant and event venue, and DiCintio’s, a pizza place. She also recommends Giuseppe’s, an Italian eatery. “It used to be a bank, so it’s got quite the atmosphere.” There are several restaurants scattered along U.S. Route 81, as well, including another of Hoover-Payton’s favorites: Barb’s Family Diner. For groceries, there’s Marlow Food Market. The nearest big box retailer is the Walmart Supercenter in Duncan, more than 7 miles away.
Getting around Stephens County via U.S. Route 81
Marlow Community Health Center, which offers primary medical, dental and pediatric services, is within about 3 miles of most homes. It’s located on U.S. Route 81, known locally as Broadway Street. The main thoroughfare runs south to Duncan and the Duncan Regional Hospital, over 10 miles away, and north toward Chickasha. Oklahoma City is about 70 miles northeast via Route 81 and Interstate 44. Will Rogers International Airport, on the southwest side of the capital city, is about 65 miles from Marlow. Red River Public Transportation Service provides dial-a-ride transit to Stephens County.
