Remy residents enjoy secluded life
With forests surrounding most homes, it is easy to forget that Remy, Oklahoma, is only about 8 miles from the busy city of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Residents like it that way. “Sitting out underneath the stars with a bonfire, cooking s’mores? I mean, that’s it – just being outside,” says Candi Woodward, who has lived her entire life in the area. Most people spend their days hunting, fishing and appreciating nature. The town of Roland is about 4 miles south of Remy, where groceries and restaurants are located. Cheryl Gentry, executive broker and Realtor with McGraw Realtors who has worked in the area for over a decade, says the rural atmosphere offers both seclusion from the city and a sense of community. “People help take care of each other in areas like that. It just speaks highly of the people here that they try to live well, do things safely and take care of their kind.”
Spacious lots create a country feel in Remy
Back roads wind through a forest of pine, oak and ash trees that opens to vast expanses of land. Properties in the southwestern part of Remy sit on about one acre; the remainder have at least three acres. These large lots offer residents privacy and a generally quiet life. “You think about country people enjoying life, and that’s what you’ve got there,” Gentry says. Many homes were built in the late 1990s and 2000s, although there are several mid-20th-century houses. Ranch styles and contemporary architecture fill the area. A three-to-four-bedroom typically costs $250,000 to $450,000; prices increase with acreage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has designated Remy and the rest of Sequoyah County an area at a relatively moderate risk of tornadoes and flooding. Most home insurance will cover wind damage from tornadoes, but a separate flood insurance policy is needed.
Hunting and fishing are popular pasttimes in Remy
Hunting and fishing are the most popular activities in Remy. While they can travel to refuges, such as the Cookson Hills State Game Refuge, about 32 miles away, many residents hunt closer to home. “If you’ve got somebody that owns land, you can hunt all you want,” Woodward says. “I’ve got 10 acres – I’ve hunted off my back porch!” The Arkansas River runs south of Remy and the town of Roland. People can boat, swim, kayak, and fish all year long on the river, although Woodward says catfishing is popular anytime. There is much to do in Roland. Kids can join the Roland Little League or run around the playground at Roland Public Park. At the Cherokee Casino, visitors can gamble or watch a free concert.
Indian Capital Technology Center partners with high schools
Younger students in Remy attend Liberty Public School, which is graded B-minus by Niche. The school offers pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. Two high schools serve the community: Roland High School, which receives a C-plus, and the B-rated Muldrow High School. Both have a partnership with the Sallisaw campus of the Indian Capital Technology Center, where students can apply to career and technical education programs such as cosmetology and welding.
Interstate 40 leads to Fort Smith
Remy is a rural area, so residents rely on their cars to get around. Interstate 40 acts as a border to the community and intersects with U.S. Route 64, leading to Fort Smith, Arkansas, about 8 miles away. “It’s actually a really good place to be if you want to be, as my husband says, ‘out of the rat race’,” Gentry says. “It gives you seclusion and a country feel, but it also lets you have the opportunity to go into the big city.” The closest airport is Fort Smith Regional Airport, about 13 miles away. Fort Smith ER & Hospital is also about 13 miles away.
Remy residents head to restaurants in Roland
For a bite to eat, residents need to travel into town. Killer Foods is a trailer where street food, including pizza and fries, is served. 4 Star Diner is known for traditional American fare and comfort food, such as chicken fried steak and burgers. There are also plenty of options in Fort Smith. “Well, I like Western Sizzlin, but I’m simple folk,” Woodward says, speaking of a chain steakhouse. “There’s a lot of simple folk out here.” Another popular option is Green Papaya, which serves Vietnamese food. The closest grocery store is Harps Food Store. Target, Walmart and Home Depot are all about 13 miles away.
Roland celebrates Fourth of July
Remy is north of Roland, so, folks will head into the town for community events. The highlight of the year is the annual Iron Mountain Festival and Freedom Celebration, hosted by the Roland Area Chamber of Commerce around the Fourth of July. Attendees spend the evening enjoying live music and locally made food while chatting with neighbors and exploring craft vendors. The night ends with a fireworks display.
