Pryor Creek is a northeast Oklahoma employment hub
Pryor Creek, also known as Pryor, is a northeast Oklahoma town nestled in the foothills of the Ozarks between Tulsa and Northwest Arkansas. The community traces its roots to 1898, when it was incorporated as part of the Cherokee Nation. The U.S. Postal Service shortened the name in 1909 to avoid confusion with the nearby community of Pond Creek. Today, Pryor Creek is the county seat of Mayes County and has grown into a regional employment hub that is home to the third-largest industrial park in the United States.
Aerial view of a peaceful neighborhood surrounded by trees in Pryor Creek.
A woman walks past storefronts on a sunny day in downtown Pryor Creek.
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Google highlights about 80 firms that operate out of Mid-America Industrial Park
The Mid-America Industrial Park was established in 1960 and has become the anchor of the regional workforce. Nearly 80 firms operate out of the 9,000-acre facilities. The park is conveniently located along U.S. Highway 69 and includes its own airport and rail line. “Mid-America has a lot of major players, and the fastest-growing company there would have to be Google,” says Mike Epperson of Lakeland Real Estate, located just outside Pryor Creek. The region also continues to support traditional economic drivers such as agriculture and farming, and boasts its own medical center, Hillcrest Hospital.
The Pryor Creek water tower stands tall above open fields and trees on the edge of town.
The Mid American sign welcomes visitors to one of Pryor Creek's major business hubs.
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Housing in northeast Oklahoma is "very affordable"
The community offers an eclectic mix of single-family housing options. Several of the offerings, including older ranch-style homes, contemporary, brick-built homes and large custom homes, sit on spacious lots. The newest homes incorporate a mix of traditional and modern designs. Small homes built in the 1950s also can be found. Residential settings range from established non-HOA neighborhoods to gated communities. Sidewalks, driveways and attached garages are common features throughout. Prices typically range from the mid-$100,000s to the high-$600,000s. “In general, it’s very affordable,” Epperson says. “Northeast Oklahoma is not the kind of place where you pay high prices per square foot. If you get closer into town, you might pay a little more per square foot, but nothing significant enough to make you not want to buy there.” Homes with attached land are available in outlying areas. “There’s still enough land around Pryor that it’s easy to purchase a 20-acre tract or more,” Epperson says. Homebuyers should be aware that the region is susceptible to tornado damage, especially in the spring. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are generally mild.
A stately two story brick home sits on a spacious lot in a quiet Pryor Creek neighborhood.
A modest ranch style home with a large front yard in the heart of Pryor Creek.
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Downtown district has been revitalized
The intersection of U.S. Highway 69 and State Highway 20 forms the center of commercial activity. Known respectively as Mill Street and Graham Avenue, the two thoroughfares are filled an array of boutique shops, businesses and restaurants. “The downtown district has had a fair amount of renovation over the past couple of years,” Epperson says. Established destinations such as Rust N Lace Mall stans out among the district’s vintage shops. Downtown is also home to the Rabbit Gallery, which showcases authentic Native American art. Farther south is a Walmart and The District, a contemporary multi-use development that offers shopping, dining and entertainment.
A bold mural brings color and creativity to a side street in downtown Pryor Creek.
Charming storefronts line the sidewalk of a small retail strip in downtown Pryor Creek.
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Whitaker Park and Lake Hudson are premier recreational destinations
The community boasts several parks and recreation centers, and the surrounding waterways offer plenty of outdoor recreation. Whitaker Park is the amenities-filled jewel of the community. The picturesque, 24-acre green space features a splash pad, a skatepark, athletic courts and a fishing pond. The nearby Pryor Creek Recreation Center offers more amenities, including a pool and gymnasium. A baseball and softball complex hosts youth and church league competitions on its 12 fields. The Grand River, which is the name for a branch of the nearby Neosho River, and Lake Hudson are nearby attractions popular with boaters, anglers, kayakers and more. “Lake Hudson is considered one of the best fishing lakes in northeast Oklahoma,” Epperson says. “It’s relatively quiet. Other lakes around here have the reputation of being party lakes, but Lake Hudson is not that.” Pryor Creek Golf Club features an 18-hole public course. Pryor is also home of the Rocklahoma music festival, a three-day event that features dozens of acts. It drew an estimated 100,000 visitors when it debuted in 2007.
A peaceful view of the pond and fountain at Whitaker Park in Pryor Creek.
A gravel path winds through the native greenery at Webster's Garden in Pryor Creek.
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High school known for academics and community involvement
Pryor has its own school district, which earns a B-plus from Niche. The district comprises five schools – three elementaries, a middle school and a high school. All are rated either B or B-plus. “The high school has a fairly good reputation for academics and community involvement,” Epperson says. Minorites make up more than 30 percent of the population, and Niche gives the district an A for diversity.
The entrance to Lincoln Elementary stands quiet beneath a summer sky in Pryor Creek.
The Pryor High School is well known for their extra curricular activites.
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Highways connect residents to Tulsa, Northwest Arkansas
With two highways intersecting in the heart of town, residents have easy access to regional travel. Highway 20 provides the quickest route to Tulsa and its international airport about 45 miles away. U.S. Highway 412 just south of the community connects residents to Tulsa and Northwest Arkansas.
Written By
Matt Pallister
Photography Contributed By
Justin Prokop
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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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 Pryor Creek, OK sell after 47 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Pryor Creek, OK over the last 12 months is $188,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This lovely one owner home in pristine condition and extremely well maintained is ideally located in the heart of Pryor in a desirable established neighborhood on a cul-d-sac. The home features sunny kitchen open to a formal dining and great room. The back enclosed patio was converted to an office and 1/2 guest bathroom. The master bedroom features his and her closets, double vanities, jetted
Discover this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom gem, designed to offer both charm and modern comfort. Thoughtfully renovated from top to bottom, this home blends timeless character with contemporary updates for a truly inviting living experience. Step inside and be welcomed by the warmth of the exposed brick fireplace in the living room, a stunning focal point that exudes character. A
Charming Fully Remodeled Bungalow in Pryor, Oklahoma! Welcome to your new home! This super cute bungalow combines modern comfort with delightful country charm. Featuring new luxury vinyl plank flooring, fresh paint, and new blinds for all the windows, this home feels fresh and inviting. With three mini-split units and an additional gas space heater, you'll stay cozy year-round. Step inside to
OUR COMMUNITYEnjoy the relaxing atmosphere at Country Club Villa Apartments. Experience our “home-style” living, quiet park-like appearance, and pet-friendly community all while being minutes from downtown Pryor and the Mid America Industrial Park. COMMUNITY AMENITIES Accepts online Payments Emergency Maintenance Available Onsite Maintenance Onsite Management
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