On the eastern side of Oklahoma, about 130 miles from Oklahoma City, McAlester offers an abundance of outdoor amenities and affordable homes. The city is the county seat of Pittsburg County, with about 18,00 residents. McAlester has kept a steady population count throughout the years, and new residents often come from the nearby industrial plants and government jobs. The city has a small-town feel that keeps its residents around, and McAlester’s community events bring them all together. “McAlester is a great place to raise your kids. There’s not a crazy hustle and bustle, but you can be connected and have a full network of people who are like family to you,” says Kristy Balch, a broker with Leader Group Realty and a resident of McAlester.
Much of McAlester’s employment comes from state and federal institutions, including the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, the Jackie Brannon Correctional Center and the Pittsburg County government. The McAlester Regional Health Center is also a major employer in the area. Other than that, the US Army also brings in a lot of jobs with its ammunition plant. Amazon also announced that it will build a delivery station in McAlester that will bring hundreds of jobs.
The Oklahoma State Penitentiary is situated in McAlester, standing as a notable landmark with a rich past.
McAlester is home to one of the VA outpatient clinics, providing essential healthcare services to veterans.
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Midcentury homes below the national average
The median price for single-family homes in McAlester is around $170,000, lower than the national average. Much of the homes in the city were built between the 1950s and 70s, but there are also some properties built at the turn of the 21st century. “In the past 10 or 15 years it’s really slowed down in terms of new construction or building out neighborhoods,” Balch says. There aren’t too many newly built homes in the area, but lots of land in McAlester sell between $5,000 and $100,000 depending on acreage.
McAlester offers a wide variety of homes to choose from, catering to different tastes and lifestyles.
McAlester boasts a diverse array of home styles scattered throughout the city.
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Lake McAlester and city green spaces
McAlester’s 14 city parks range from neighborhood pocket parks to larger recreational greenspaces. The city also has walking trails in several of its parks, and bicycle lanes along major thoroughfares. McAlester’s master plan for outdoor spaces puts an emphasis on improving the city’s walkability, mainly by building multi-use trails that connect to different parts of the city. Lake McAlester and the Juniper Point Recreation Area are about 10 miles from McAlester, both with several sports for fishing or camping.
Lake McAlester is located just a few miles north of the city, offering a serene retreat with beautiful views.
Rolling hills stretch across McAlester, accentuating the area’s stunning natural landscape.
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Endless pasta at the McAlester Italian Festival
McAlester residents a quick drive down the George Nigh Expressway from trying their luck at the Choctaw Casino. In addition to the day-to-day entertainment at the casino, McAlester hosts several events and festivals throughout the year. The Dancing Rabbit Music Festival brings in music talents from all around the country, and is filled with local vendors and a beer garden. Seasonal festivities like the McWinter Wonderland and the Trick or Treat Party in the Street are filled with local vendors and holiday decorations. The McAlester Italian Festival is one of the longest-running events in town, giving residents a taste of Italy since 1971. The Italian festival takes place at the Southeast Expo Center, which also hosts the PRCA Big V Feeds Rodeo.
Italian cuisine is a beloved favorite in McAlester, with a variety of local restaurants serving up delicious food.
McAlester offers a wide range of dining options that are beloved by locals, from cozy family-owned eateries.
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Downtown McAlester
Downtown McAlester, centered around South Main Street, is home to many of the city’s boutique shops and local restaurants. Italian cuisine is big in McAlester, and there are several restaurants in and around the downtown area. Local food trucks often stop at Arvest Park in the downtown area. For fresh groceries grown from local vendors, residents can shop at the Pittsburg County Farmers Market on Main Street. Outside of the downtown area, many of McAlester’s restaurants, shops, and local businesses are located along the George Nigh Service Road or Carl Albert Parkway.
Downtown McAlester is home to a variety of popular shopping spots, offering unique boutiques.
One of the main roads in McAlester runs through the heart of the city, serving as a bustling thoroughfare.
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Low tornado risk and crime
“We’ll have all four seasons, sometimes in the same day,” Balch says. McAlester experiences hot and humid summers, while winters are cold and often snowy. Unlike the western or southern parts of Oklahoma, McAlester doesn’t have a huge threat of tornados, though high winds throughout the year are likely.
Over the past two years, McAlester’s violent and property crime rates have fluctuated above and around the state and national averages.
McAlester Public Schools district
McAlester is zoned to the McAlester Public Schools district, which has a B-plus grade on Niche. McAlester Public Schools has over 2,900 students in its nine schools. Edmond Doyle Elementary School, which also has a B-plus score, was awarded as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2014 by the US Department of Education. The school district offers an array of programs for its student body, including its athletic and arts programs. The district also offers free adult education and literacy classes.
McAlester offers a wide range of educational options for its residents, with numerous schools throughout the city.
McAlester provides excellent track and field facilities, offering residents top-notch opportunities.
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Getting around Pittsburg County
McAlester is near the middle ground of several major cities, including Oklahoma City to the west, Tulsa to the north and the Dallas-Fort Worth area to the south. US Highway 270 and the George Nigh Expressway are the major highways in the city. McAlester does not have a major public transit system, so a majority of residents drive to get around.
Written By
Robert Breckenridge
Photography Contributed By
Justin Prokop
Video By
Tony Simonetti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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