Out and about in Owasso
A ribbon of Route 169 runs through Owasso, weaving the 10-mile path to Tulsa International Airport. The city takes its name from an Osage word meaning “end of the trail,” and many homebuyers find that their roads have indeed been leading to northern Tulsa’s largest suburb. “It’s a really good family-oriented city,” says Heather Johnson, broker associate and Realtor with Chinowth & Cohen. “We’re not that big, we’re not that small, we’re really close to everything.” A bevy of indoor and outdoor recreational opportunities, a top-notch school system and easy access to highways distinguish this slice of Oklahoma.
Cast a line at Centennial Park
A trio of fishing ponds invites anglers to cast off at Centennial Park, which spans 47 acres in the eastern segment of town. Hikers and joggers tackle the three-mile pedestrian trail while disc golfers compete on the 18-hole course. The best time to visit the ducks and geese at Elm Creek Park is at sunset, when the surrounding sky paints the pond in shades of peach and violet. Funtastic Island at Veterans Park is a spiffy kid-centric adventure featuring a creative playground and splash pad. Paw parents appreciate the 3 acres of fenced-in space at Waggin’ Trail Dog Park, where fur babies can tear around and frolic with their buddies. For indoor weekend fun and birthday celebrations, AIRTOPIA Adventure Park and the roller rink at Wheels and Thrills offer hours of entertainment.
Owasso’s educational centers
Owasso has a number of highly ranked schools, but most students who live in the central portion of town start out at Hayward Smith Elementary. Administrators keep class sizes small to promote one-on-one learning, and Niche gives the school an A-minus. The Owasso 6th and 7th Grade Centers are both in the neighborhood and receive A grades from Niche. Students then move on to the 8th Grade Center, which gets a B-plus, and Owasso High School, which gets an A. The high school’s concert bands have participated in numerous festivals across the country, and the Owasso Rams football team is a local institution. “They televise the high school football games here,” Johnson says.
Shopping at Smith Farm MarketPlace
Shopping centers packed with big-box retailers and established chain restaurants anchor the landscape around Route 169. This is where residents can pick up groceries at Owasso Market, Aldi or Reasor’s after indulging in retail therapy at Smith Farm MarketPlace. Those who prefer to shop locally can find gifts and apparel at Rust & Ruffles boutique or tongue-tingling hot sauces at Fire ‘N The Hole. Hungry patrons flock to MAD Eats for unique offerings such as brunch “pacos” and Fruit Pebbles cheesecake. And at SMOKE Woodfire Grill on South Main Street, locals come for the Butcher Block special and stay to smoke premium cigars in the hermetically sealed lounge.
From single-story starter homes to modern Colonial-inspired builds
No two houses are exactly alike in Owasso. Buyers can choose between modest single-story homes from the 1980s or contemporary Craftsman-style builds on oversized lots. “There’s been lots of new development,” Johnson says. “I’ve been in Owasso since 2003, and there have been so many new neighborhoods added — and they’re continuing to add.” Prices start at around $175,000 for a starter home or fixer-upper and climb to the $600,000 range for a newly constructed 4-bedroom house. Some of the larger homes go for over $1 million, especially if the property includes several acres of land. The residential streets closest to downtown are accented with paved sidewalks that make the neighborhood walkable. Houses on the east side of the highway have better access to area parks.
October’s Owasso Harvest Festival
The Owasso Harvest Festival brings a carnival atmosphere to Redbud Festival Park in October. During the one-day celebration, throngs of midway rides, inflatables and food vendors enliven the space to the tune of live music. There are face-painting stations and a petting zoo to amuse the kids, and leashed dogs are welcome. Redbud also hosts the seasonal farmer’s market, outdoor concerts and Lights On Owasso, the annual holiday tree-lighting ceremony. And rodeo fans can celebrate the western lifestyle at Owasso Round-Up Club, which is west of the downtown area near the dog park.
Route 169 to Tulsa
Owasso is just 15 minutes from Tulsa International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown Tulsa, which increases its appeal for commuters. Route 169 travels through the heart of town and connecting to Interstates 44 and 244 is a snap. There’s no public bus system in place, but Pelivan Transit offers demand-response service to the public during the work week.
The Timmy & Cindy Project
The Timmy & Cindy Project is an art initiative that brings a touch of style and whimsy to Owasso’s public spaces. The concept is simple: Bronze statues of a young girl and boy appear in strategic spots throughout the community. Residents can spot the pair exchanging grins on a bench outside the Owasso Historical Museum, tilting on a seesaw at Elm Creek Park, posing beneath an umbrella outside Fire Station #1 and cooperating to reach a water pump handle on East 76th Street.
Photography Contributed By
Nick Branston
Video By
Jonathan Bradley
