Carved out of Indian Territory right before the turn of the century, Miami was founded after Congress approved the purchase of the land from the Ottawa Tribe in the 1890s. The town was then named Miami – pronounced my-am-uh – after the tribe whose chief helped facilitate the sale. Native American tribes still play a big part in the town, with nearly a dozen headquartered in or around Miami. The area’s multiple tribal casinos are important employers and tourist draws.
Miami sits along the banks of the Neosho River in Northeast Oklahoma.
Nearly a dozen Native American tribes are headquartered in Miami.
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Grants help first-time buyers in Miami
The 10-square-mile city is home to about 13,000 people, from longtime residents to those who moved to the area because of its affordability. The median home price in Miami is about $125,000, significantly lower than the national median in the low $400,000s. “Our market here has stayed really strong,” says Susan Rhodes, managing broker of Solid Rock REALTORS Miami office. “We have a lot of advantages. Because of our overall average income, there are some first-time homebuyer programs that are good for people and help people get in their houses.”
Ranch homes make up a significant percentage of what is available in Miami.
Some split-level homes can be found in the hilly South side of Miami.
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Making the most of Route 66
Miami has leaned heavily into its history in recent years, including highlighting Historic Route 66 that runs through Main Street. Along the route, locals and tourists alike enjoy burgers and nostalgia at Waylan's Ku-Ku, the only remaining location of this once-thriving 1960s drive-in chain. In 2021, the city also launched the Oklahoma Route 66 Heritage Fest, a two-day music festival in late July that features live music, food trucks, a corn hole tournament and kids' activities. The Coleman Theatre Beautiful, commissioned by mining magnate George Coleman Sr. in the 1920s, also sits along Route 66. The impressive building, originally a vaudeville theater, features a Spanish Colonial Revival exterior and ornate Louis XV interior. Tourists are often spotted outside snapping pictures while locals enjoy the many shows presented there.
Waylan's Hamburgers The Ku-Ku is a famous stop along Route 66 in Miami.
The Coleman Theatre is a beautiful historic landmark and operating theatre in Miami.
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Small-town living means shopping in Joplin
At its heart, Miami is a small town, and it draws folks who are attracted to small-town living. “Everybody knows everybody, that’s obviously what I like and I never wanted to move,” says Rhodes, who was born in Miami. But that also means that residents are accustomed to driving out of town for some of their needs, like quick jaunts to Joplin, Missouri – about 30 miles northeast along Interstate 44 – for some clothes shopping. Others prefer to head about 90 miles in the other direction to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for their big city shopping. But dining options are plentiful in Miami, from traditional diner fare to Mexican dishes and Italian restaurants. Locals also benefit from INTEGRIS Health Miami Hospital, which has more than 100 beds.
Miami sits along I-44 near Joplin, MO and about an hour from Tulsa.
Miami has a lot of options for dining and entertainment including Woody's Bar and Grill.
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Low student-teacher ratio
Miami Public Schools has a C+ on Niche, with elementary sites and the high school earning B scores. The district, which serves about 2,200 students, has a low student-to -teacher ratio of 15-to-1. The city is also home to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, which offers courses and associate degrees in more than a dozen majors including in the fields of agriculture, social sciences, business and technology.
Miami High School is part of the Miami Schools which receives a C+ on Niche.
Northeast Oklahoma A & M offers associates degrees in agriculture, business, technology and more.
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Splash parks provide respite from summer heat
Miami has 11 parks nestled in neighborhoods across the city. It also boasts the largest municipal pool in the state, where residents often gather during Oklahoma’s infamous summer heat. The Route 66 Miami Splash Pad is also popular among families with young children. Grand Lake is also just 20 miles south of the city. “There are a lot of avid fishermen around here,” Rhodes says.
Miami Splash Pad park is designed with Route 66 imagery and themes, honoring the Mother Road
Grand Lake is just South of Miami and a favorite for anglers and water sports enthusiasts.
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Neosho River flooding and crime in Miami
The Neosho River runs through Miami and flooding is sometimes a problem. The city recently received a $6.3 million grant from FEMA to help it address flooding. Miami has long, hot summers. Temperatures regularly go over 90 degrees. Tornadoes are a threat, especially in spring.According to data from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Miami saw crimes against persons climb 9% from 2023 to 2024. In the same time span, property crimes fell by about 27%.
Written By
Nour Habib
Photography Contributed By
Nick Branston
Video By
Bob Yukich
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mary Carter,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Miami, OK sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 49 days. The median sale price for homes in Miami, OK over the last 12 months is $127,100, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Adorable Fully Remodeled Cottage in the Heart of Miami!This is where charm meets modern convenience! This beautifully remodeled cottage-style home offers the perfect blend of cozy character and updated finishes. Step inside to find a spacious, light-filled kitchen with ample closed and open cabinetry, butcher block countertops, and a flex space. The inviting front porch is ideal for morning
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