Fifty-six miles west of Tulsa, in Pawnee, Central Pawnee is a quiet, close-knit area that serves as the rural town’s commercial and residential center. “Pawnee is a little old town,” says Candy Yundt, a branch broker with KW Local, Keller Williams Realty, who has over 12 years of experience. “It’s slow-paced; you’re not going to feel rushed.”
Much of the town’s laidback, nostalgic character comes from its early- to late-20th-century architecture. “Back in the ‘50s, Pawnee was the town to go to,” Yundt says. “Now, people want to live rural again, and the town’s drawing people in.” Historical landmarks like the Pawnee Bathhouse and downtown staples like Click’s Steakhouse are tourist destinations. “We get people coming to shop, visit and see what Pawnee is all about,” Yundt says.
Home prices here are generally lower than those in neighboring towns, like Stillwater or Tulsa, which makes it popular with commuters. “It’s easy to commute to Stillwater, Cushing or Cleveland — and all those places have Walmart,” Yundt says. “It’s great for first-time homebuyers or people who just want to be away from bigger towns yet have lots of amenities nearby with less traffic.” The overall CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4. “It’s a small town with a small-town feel,” Yundt says.
Central Pawnee is known for their warm hospitality and easy living.
Ranch W Burgers offers breakfast all day to the locals of Central Pawnee.
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Downtown shopping and dining around The Courthouse Square
“There’s a downtown square around the courthouse,” Yundt says. “We call it ‘The Courthouse Square.’ That’s where the businesses and restaurants are.” Along The Courthouse Square’s sidewalk-lined streets, rows of red-brick and desert-hued buildings feature parapet rooflines and storefront awnings. “It feels like you’re stepping back in time a bit,” Yundt says. Even national chains like Subway blend seamlessly into the square’s aesthetic. Architectural highlights include the Mission-inspired Buffalo Theatre, built in 1921, and the art deco Pawnee County Courthouse, built in 1932, with its sculpted bas-relief details.
Rise and Grind Coffee offers drinks and light breakfast fare, while Daylight Donuts is the go-to spot for fresh pastries. Lindo Veracruz serves authentic Mexican cuisine and margaritas, and just across the street, Where the Buffalo Roam sells Native American artwork, artisan crafts and frontier-inspired curios. “We have one of the best steakhouses in Oklahoma,” Yundt says. A local staple for over 60 years, Click’s Steakhouse dishes out homestyle comfort food in a no-frills, Old West-style setting. “People come from all over to eat there,” Yundt says. For groceries, Williams Food is a half-mile away along Fourth Street.
There are many shopping options available to the residents of Central Pawnee.
Customers can shop among the many retail locations in downtown Central Pawnee.
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Lower-priced homes with historic charm
Central Pawnee’s homes are diverse, typically set along streets without sidewalks, lined with mature elms, oaks and even the occasional pecan tree. “There’s not really subdivisions; it’s just houses on streets that have been there for a long time,” Yundt says.Bungalows, Craftsman and ranch-style homes are common, often with features like covered patios or porches, board-and-batten shutters and a mix of garages, carports and uncovered off-street parking. “The ages of the homes go all the way from the early 1900s to the ‘70s,” Yundt says. “A lot of people look in Pawnee because the homes have charm that you can’t get in newer houses,” Yundt says.” Grassy lots go up to 3 acres, allowing for detached workshops and sheds. Prices range from $50,000 to $400,000, depending on a home’s size and features. The median price here is $80,000, compared to about $250,000 in Stillwater and Tulsa. “The housing market is lower-priced homes,” Yundt says. “Somebody can only spend $100,000 and find a place that’s older or maybe needs a little fixing up.”
There are many different style of homes in Central Pawnee for residents to choose.
There are many newly remodeled homes in Central Pawnee.
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Things to do around Pawnee Lake
In downtown Pawnee, Citizens Park is a pocket-sized green space with picnic tables and a playground. Nearby, there’s Lincoln Park, which has an open field, basketball half-court and play features like swing sets and see-saws.
About 2 miles away, the Pawnee Bathhouse, built in 1937, is a historic sandstone building that sits next to a freshwater pool with a water slide. “There’s people swimming and floating out there in the summer,” Yundt says. Nearby, fishing enthusiasts can cast their lines into Pawnee Lake for largemouth bass, while golfers hit the links at the nine-hole Pawnee Municipal Golf Course. There’s also the Pawnee Lakeside Arena, where the annual Pawnee Bill Memorial Rodeo is held in July.
Golfers love play a game after work at the Central Pawnee golf course.
The Central Pawnee Bathhouse is a local waterpark that is enjoyed by everyone.
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High school sports with a dedicated following
Central Pawnee is part of Pawnee Public Schools, rated C-plus overall by Niche. Local kids may start at the C-plus-rated Pawnee Elementary before moving to the C-rated Pawnee Middle. Home of the Black Bears, the B-rated Pawnee High has a robust athletics department that the town rallies behind. “People are really into football, baseball and basketball there,” Yundt says. “Everyone comes out to watch those football games. Even when the team’s traveling, all these people go to the games.”
Central Pawnee high school is highly rated among the state for their competitive sports.
Central Pawnee middle schools mascot is the Brown Bears.
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Community events for the whole town
“We have a lot of activities for a small town,” Yundt says. In July, the Pawnee Indian Veterans Homecoming Powwow is held at Pawnee High’s football field. “They have traditional dancing with canopied areas around the field. People are selling things, like traditional beads, flutes, blankets — things people have actually made.” The Pawnee County Free Fair is another highlight, celebrating all things Pawnee in September at the Pawnee County Fairgrounds. “They have competitions for baked goods, sewing, animals — you can bring something to the fair and win a ribbon,” Yundt says. Other town traditions include a Fourth of July fireworks show at Pawnee Lake and the Pawnee Bill Ranch and Museum’s annual Easter egg hunt.
Getting around from Central Pawnee
U.S. Route 64 provides commuter access to Stillwater, 29 miles southwest, and Tulsa, 56 miles east. “We don’t have a lot of employment in Pawnee, so that’s why people commute,” Yundt says. Downtown's walkable, but locals generally drive to get around; there aren’t any bike lanes or public transportation here. “The only transportation is for older people if they need a ride to their medical appointment and things like that,” Yundt says. Seniors can contact the Pawnee County Healthy Coalition for more information about ride services. Hillcrest Hospital - Cushing is 26 miles away, and Tulsa International Airport is 64 miles away.
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On average, homes in Central Pawnee, Pawnee sell after 50 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Central Pawnee, Pawnee over the last 12 months is $120,000, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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